When driving, watch for other vehicles and motor bikes.

Stay away from open mine shafts and deep pits.

Click here to learn about some of the animals that might concern you.

While the Clear Creek Management Area is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit, it is important to remember that you are entering some of Californians rugged and remote badlands. It is easy to become disoriented in some of its remote regions and the ruggedness of the region, otherwise simple problems could easily strand you many miles from the nearest help. As such, it wise that you prepare your trips accordingly. Below are some guild lines you might consider:

• Plan your trip into the area before you go. Have a reasonably good idea what points you plan to visit and where you plan to camp. Plan your trip and travel your plan.
• Let somebody at home know where you are going, share your trip plan with them and tell them when to expect you back. This way they know when to send help and they have a reasonably good idea where to send it to.
• Plan for the unexpected. Its rare, but it does sometimes rain July and if you're camping at Wright Mountain, it could mean you'll need to wait an extra day for the road to dry out.
• Take extra food and several gallons of extra water.
  • In the summer, take extra water ... I know I stated that in the previous sentence. Trust me, I'm not repeating myself ... Take extra water. I've been there on days where I've drank two gallons of water - so in case I didn't make myself clear on this ... Bring extra water! During the summer, an extra 6 to 12 gallons of water is not too much in my opinion.
• Don't expect somebody to come along and help you if you get into trouble. I've been there at times when I've not seen another soul for several days during my entire trip.
  • Don't expect your cell phone to work ... It won't!
  • Don't expect your radio to get a signal out where somebody else might hear your call.
• Bring proper and appropriate shelter for the season and your experience level. Winter can be very cold and wet, spring and summer can bring biting flies; summer brings the long-horned beetle, tarantulas and floating spider webs; autumn brings more flies. Nothing dangerous, but sometimes a terrible nuisances ... And long-horned beetle hitting your forehead in the dark of night is a real shocker.
• Be sure that campfires are safe. Don't make fires under trees. Use only approved and authorize fire pits during high fire-danger months. Do not have a campfire in the backcountry during the summer or early autumn.
• Be sure your campfire is dead out when you leave. Drown the coals in water - stir them and drown the again.
• Bring maps of the area and a compass. Maps are available from the BLM Office in Hollister.
• Bring a first aid kit.
• Bring appropriate clothing and protection for the season and the activity that your participating in.
• Bring Emergency repair tools.
• Stay away from open mine shafts and deep pits.
• Don't randomly discharge firearms.
  • Do not shoot into the air.
  • Do not shoot into brush.
  • Do not shoot at distant hills or hill sides.
• When hunting, shooting or target practicing - always see your target and beyond.

Datura stramonium
Jimson Weed