Clear Creek Management Area
Welcome to a rugged and remote area of Central California!
Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) encompasses approximately 75,000 acres, of which 63,000 acres are public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office. Topography is rugged with elevations ranging from 1,830 feet at Pine Canyon to 5,241 feet on San Benito Mountain. The Mediterranean climate is punctuated by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Annual precipitation occurs primarily as winter rain with some snow occurring most years at the highest elevations on San Benito Mountain.
Recreational opportunities include hunting, camping, hobby gem/mineral collecting, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking/backpacking, and sightseeing. Hobby gem and mineral collectors are drawn to the Clear Creek area, one of the most highly mineralized areas in California, by the presence of over 150 semi-precious minerals and gemstones. Among these are serpentine, jadeite, cinnabar, tremolite, topazite, neptunite, and the extremely rare California state gem, benitoite.
There are two developed campgrounds in the CCMA, Oak Flat and Jade Mill, both with picnic tables, shade structures, fire rings, and pit toilet.
You will find great views of the Central Valley and the Sierras in some areas, and you'll find yourself deep in the forest at others. Many places show evidence of past human activity, while others are so remote you might wonder if you are the first to travel there. Please be aware that there are many parcels of private land interspersed with the public land. Tread lightly and be courteous of the interests of others.
Permit & Season Information
Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Permit: This free permit allows an individual to access the Serpentine ACEC within the Clear Creek Management Area for the duration of one day. Each person, regardless of age, entering the Serpentine ACEC is required to have a permit in their name and on their person. An individual is allowed a total of five permits per calendar year.
Vehicle Permit: Vehicles entering the Clear Creek Management Area, including the Condon Peak campground and trailhead, are required to have a Clear Creek Vehicle Permit. The permit is $5 per vehicle and allows the vehicle to enter the Clear Creek Management Area for seven days from the date of entry. Each vehicle must display the permit on its dash while in the Clear Creek Management Area.
Condon Peak Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Permit: Every ATV or Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) entering Condon Peak's trail network is required to have a permit. The permit cost is $10 and allows the ATV/UTV driver, age 16 and older, access to the route network at Condon Peak for seven days from the entry date.
Need to Know
Please note:
In order to retrieve your combos for access into Clear Creek ACEC, please issue/print the ACEC permit from your rec.gov account. You will find the 4 digit combo in the middle right hand portion of the page.
Only Highway licensed vehicles are permitted in the Clear Creek ACEC. No off-highways vehicles are permitted.
Asbestos Alert
- The risk of exposure to airborne asbestos exists within Clear Creek year -round. Visitors should take measures to reduce exposure to dust while in the area. Children are most at risk from exposure. Recommendations to reduce exposure include: avoid the area during dry or dusty conditions, avoid opening vehicle doors until visible dust has cleared, keep windows closed and ventilation on recirculate, wash vehicles before returning home, launder clothing separately, use HEPA vacuum to clean vehicle interior.
- Please think twice before bringing your child to the CCMA due to the naturally occurring asbestos and associated health risks.
Rules and Regulations
- Vehicles only allowed on designated open routes. All other areas are closed. Open routes are signed with Carsonite markers posts with a blue touring route sticker or authorized route sticker.
- Roads have two-way traffic. Reduce speed and use caution when approaching blind corners. Stay to the right, be alert and be prepared to yield the right of way at any time.
- No shooting is allowed within quarter mile of Clear Creek Road.
- No camping inside the area of critical environmental concern (ACEC).
- Do not cut live vegetation. Use only down wood for campfires. When leaving ensure your fire is "dead out."
- Leave the area clean; Pack-it-in, Pack -it-out.
- Stay out of closed areas (posted and/or barricaded); these are protected for riparian, wildlife and watershed values.
Wet Weather Closures
- During periods of heavy rainfall, the area may be closed temporarily to motorized vehicle traffic to prevent damage to roads and trails, and for safety reasons. For current conditions, call the Central Coast Field Office, (831) 582-2200.
Fee Policy
Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Permit: Free, limited to 5 entries per calendar year, per person, per day* (When printed/issued, the gate combo is located on permit)
Clear Creek Vehicle Permit: $5 per week* (Does NOT have a gate combo for access into the Serpentine ACEC)
Condon Peak ATV Permit: $10 a week, per ATV/UTV. Operator must be 16 years of age or older *
*Each permit requires a $6 reservation fee when purchased online.
*The Vehicle Permit and the Condon Peak ATV Permit are available on-site via fee envelopes. The ACEC permit is available online only.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made seven days in advance.
Reservation fees are non-refundable.
Change Policy
The permit is non-transferable. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for medical or special circumstances. Call the Central Coast Field Office at (831) 582-2200 if you have questions about your situation.
