Located in a serene valley just south of the village of Tres
Pinos, Bolado Park is a spacious county park popular throughout the
year for weddings and family picnics.
Editor’s note: For the past four weeks, writer Martin Cheek featured Santa Clara County’s parks in honor of the county park system’s 50th anniversary. This week, he looks at San Benito County’s parks, from Bolado to Veteran’s.
Bolado PARK
Located in a serene valley just south of the village of Tres Pinos, Bolado Park is a spacious county park popular throughout the year for weddings and family picnics. It’s covered with acres of green grass and shady oaks. Various events are held at the park throughout the year. The most popular is the old-fashioned San Benito County Fair, which takes place on the weekend of Sept. 28 – Oct 1. This year’s theme is “Fields of Fun.”
In June, the popular San Benito County Saddle horse Rodeo takes place to commemorate the cowboy heritage in this region.
Directions: On Highway 25 (also known as Airline Highway), drive seven miles south of Hollister. The park is located in a valley just south of Tres Pinos.
For more information, call (831) 628-3421.
FREMONT PEAK
STATE PARK
Located at the crest of the Gabilan Range west of San Juan Bautista, this state park offers magnificent views of San Benito Valley as well as Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay. The peak was named after Captain John C. Fremont, who established a military basis here for a short time in March 1846. Hiking trails wander among the oaks and pines, and visitors often encounter wildlife including birds and deer. Camping is a popular activity, with a number of sites available on both a reserved and a first-come basis.
On moonless Saturday nights between April and October, astronomy buffs make their telescopes available for public viewing. The park also has an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope that is open to the public on select nights. Weather at the peak can change suddenly during winter months, so be sure to bring layered clothing.
Directions: On Highway 156 in the town of San Juan Bautista, turn west onto San Juan Canyon Road and drive 11-miles up a winding mountain road to the park at the ridgeline.
For more information, call (831) 623-4255.
HOLLISTER HILLS STATE VEHICULAR PARK
This state park is a big draw for motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle and dune buggy fans. More than 3,000 acres of land contain more than 64 miles of trails that wind through various natural scenery including oak forests and grassy meadows. In addition, the park has tracks for motocross and mini-bikes. Camping and picnicking are popular family activities in the park.
Directions: In Hollister, take Union Road to Cienega Road and follow the signs for six miles. The park is located on your right.
For more information, call (831) 637-8186.
PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT
A magnificently rugged terrain greets visitors at this chaparral-covered park of more than 26,000 acres on the Gabilan Mountain Range. The park is named for the monolithic spires of rock that remained from a volcano that once existed here millions of years ago. With more than 30 miles of trails, the park is a great place for treks for both the beginner and experienced hiker. Rock climbers also come to the park to try their skills on the rugged walls of stone here.
One of the park’s most popular attractions for visitors is the Bear Gulch Cave (closed from May through mid-July due to bats breeding). A visitors center is worth a visit to learn about the park’s natural diversity – and to be reminded on safety tips. Also, the park has various locations perfect for an afternoon picnic with the family. Make sure you bring plenty of water – especially during dry summer months. There’s no camping within the park’s boundaries, but the privately operated Pinnacles Campground is located just outside the park’s entrance.
Call (831) 389-4462 to reserve a campsite.
Directions: Pinnacles National Monument has two entrances. The west entrance can be reached near Highway 101 close to the town of Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The east entrance is reached via Highway 25 (Airline Highway), about 25 miles south of the city of Hollister. The two entrances are not connected by a road. There is a $5 entrance fee for vehicles.
For more information, call (831) 389-4485.
SAN BENITO COUNTY
HISTORICAL PARK
This charming park near Bolado holds many historic buildings from San Benito County’s yesteryears. The homes are available for tours if a docent is available. The park has 33 picnic areas that are available on a first-come basis. Four group sites are available by reservation for a fee of $50. Many South Valley people come here to celebrate birthday parties, class reunions or have family barbecues. In September, the park will hold its annual Civil War Days event. The park is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. There’s a $3 parking fee.
Directions: Take Highway 25 (also known as Airline Highway) about six miles south from Hollister. The park will be located west of golf course just south of Tres Pinos.
For more information, call (831) 636-4170.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
STATE HISTORIC PARK
Step back in time with this park that includes several structures built in the 1800s during California’s pioneer days. These include the Plaza Hotel, Plaza Hall and stable, blacksmith shop, granary, jail, and the newly reopened Castro-Breen Adobe. Families will learn about the colorful characters of the town from informative exhibits. The park helps create a unique learning environment for people of all ages why San Juan Bautista was an important part of early California history.
The park is open from 10am to 4:30pm, and there is a small entrance fee per person. On various weekends throughout the year, the park holds “living history” days, where visitors can discover what life was like long ago. Across the plaza is the San Juan Bautista Mission Church, which is owned by the Catholic Church. It is also available for tours.
Directions: In the city of San Juan Bautista, on Highway 156, drive three miles east of Highway 101 or seven miles west of Hollister.
For more information, call (831)-623-4526.
SAN JUSTO RESERVOIR
Created as part of the Central Valley Project by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, this small lake gets its water from the San Luis Reservoir along Pacheco Pass. It is a fun setting for small sailboats and windsurfers as well as anglers fishing for trout. Mountain bikers also can enjoy the challenging trails bordering the reservoir. The lake has several picnic shelters containing barbecue grills available on a first-come basis.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset Wednesday through Sunday. It closes during the winter months from Nov. 1 to Feb. 1. There is an entrance fee of $4 per vehicle. Bikes and walk-ins are charged $2. A limit of 16 feet is set for boats, and use of gas engines is prohibited.
Directions: Three miles southwest of Hollister, take Highway 156 to Union Road and follow Union southwest until you see the entrance on your right.
For more information, call (831) 636-4120.
VETERAN’S PARK
This county park in the Sunnyslope district of Hollister is the most-used park in San Benito County. It contains three tennis courts. It’s also popular for baseball and softball with two adult softball fields, four Little League fields and a regulation-sized hardball field. The park also has a skateboard area for kids and young adults. Picnic tables are available. The park also has sheltered picnic areas for groups. The county charges a $50 fee for these along with a $50 deposit.
Directions: The park is located in Hollister on Memorial Drive between Hillcrest and Sunnyslope Roads. It’s next to Sunnyslope School.
