The average annual rainfall for this region is about 10 inches - nearly all occurring during the winter and spring. The temperatures during the winter range in the 40-50s with nighttime peaks in the low 30s - sometimes a little colder. During the summer temperatures range in the 90-110, sometimes getting up to 120. Summer nights are usually 70-80 degree range.

Of course, the most predictable thing about weather is that it changes and can sometimes surprise you. Always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions when you visit this region. Bad wet weather could easily make the roads impassible making it impossible to get there, or even worse making it impossible to get out. We recommend you stay out the area when heavy storms occur a week before your trip or if they are predicted during trip.

Generally the area dries out quickly but it is also important to realize that an unusually wet winter could easily make the roads impassible.

The nearest reasonable weather report for the area is for Coalinga. You might also check the Hanford weather. Since most of weather comes from the northeast it might also be wise to the Monterey weather reports as well.

There are several remote weather monitoring station located in the area that can be viewed on the Internet:

• Hernandez Monitor operated by the California Department of Forestry
• Idria Monitor operated by the California Department of Water Resources
• Hernandez Monitor operated by the National Weather Service
• Panoche Road Monitor operated by the National Weather Service
• Santa Rita Peak Monitor operated by the California Department of Water Resources
• Santa Rita Peak Monitor operated by the National Weather Service
• Spanish Lake Monitor operated by the California Department of Water Resources
• Joaquin Ridge Monitor (Cantua basin) operated by the California Department of Water Resources

Road Conditions

You should call the Clear Creek Management Area hotline for current road and recreation conditions, at (831) 630-5060.

There are two main roads (designated R001 and R011) several other roads and many trails within the Clear Creek Management Area. The BLM has designated about about 170 miles of roads and trails for recreational use. You can learn more about these roads and trails by clicking this link.

Fire Permits

You need to obtain a fire permit before you can have a campfire or use a campstove in the Clear Creek area. The permits are free, but required. You can get a permit at any BLM, California Department of Forestry (CDF) or US Forest Service (USFS) office.

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Land Management's Hollister Field Office is responsible of managing this area. There office is located in Hollister at:

Bureau of Land Management
Hollister Field Office
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: (831) 630-5000
Fax: (831) 630-5055

The Bureau of Land Management's Hollister Field Office Office is open 7:30-4:00, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays.