What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Old Pinnacles Trail Loop
The Old Pinnacles Trail Loop is located in Pinnacles National Park and offers visitors a variety of activities, including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. The loop trail features several stretches that are relatively steep and taxing. The hike is a bit of a challenge, but the breathtaking scenery makes it entirely worth the effort.
Length: 9.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Balconies Cave Trail
The Balconies Cave Trail is also found within the gorgeous nearby national park. The out-and-back trail lies near the town of Soledad, CA, and takes only around an hour to traverse on average. The trail's most unique feature is its fascinating cave, which hikers can explore while visiting. Keep in mind, that this trail is subject to seasonal closures during periods of storms or extreme weather. The route tends to be very popular, so you should expect to see quite a few other people.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
Fishing enthusiasts will have a few options when it comes to angling near the Clear Creek BLM site. Both the Clear Creek itself and the San Benito River flow right through the area, and visitors may be able to reel in a few fish from either one. However, the best nearby option may be the Hernandez Reservoir, which is inhabited by striped bass, catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie.
Climbing
If you're an adventurous rock climber, you'll definitely want to head to Pinnacles National Park and experience some of its popular climbing destinations. The park contains a variety of sport and trad climbing routes, with many options for both beginner and experienced climbers. You'll find bolt-protected face climbs, as well as many more traditional climbs.
Wildlife Viewing
Pinnacles National Park is also the best nearby area for wildlife viewing near Clear Creek. As you hike, climb, or pursue the many amazing pinnacles that the park is named for, you may glimpse a variety of creatures. Bobcats, gray foxes, black-tailed deer, jackrabbits, and mountain lions have all been commonly spotted in the park. Several species of bats and numerous types of birds also call the area home, ranging from majestic condors to beautiful hummingbirds.
Picnicking
If you're hoping to enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch at the Clear Creek site, your easiest option will be to visit one of the two established on-site campgrounds. Both campgrounds make for perfect picnic destinations as each of them comes equipped with tables, shade structures, fire rings, and toilets.
Gem and Mineral Collecting
The Clear Creek area is one of the most mineralized areas in the state, and hobbyists come from all over, hoping for unique finds. There are more than 150 different semi-precious minerals and gemstones that can be found around the site, including serpentine, jadeite, topazite, tremolite, and neptunite. If you're lucky, you may even find California's rare state gem, benitoite.
