The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management is a federal agency in the US that manages national parks, wilderness areas and other areas in nature. These sites are open to the public. You may find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds close by for convenient camping. Search "BLM camping near me" to see if you have locations near you. Curry Mountain has an elevation of over 2,000 feet and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The BLM site on this mountain spans approximately 1,800 acres. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking are popular activities at Curry Mountain.
This out-and-back trail provides a beautiful pond view and birdwatching opportunities. There are benches along the way to allow you to sit and rest if you need to. The trail allows road biking, so be aware that you may come across cyclists.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
You have a chance of seeing newts and deer while hiking the Los Gatos Creek Park and Lexington Reservoir via Los Gatos Creek Trail. It provides river views as well. Road biking is also allowed on this trail.
Length: 12.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Hiking Kreyenhagen Peak Trail takes you to the top of the mountain, where you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. You may see ground squirrels or quail while taking this hike.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Parkfield Grade Road is a popular trail for road biking, mountain biking, and scenic driving. It provides almost 19 miles of beautiful scenery.
Length: 18.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
You can go fishing at the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge and Rocky Canyon Campground. Striped bass and surfperch are two of the top catches in the wildlife refuge. There is a boat launch and marina at the Rocky Canyon Campground if you'd like to go boating.
Another mountaineering opportunity in the region is Joaquin Rocks. Only non-technical climbing is allowed because of the softness of the rock.
In the region, you may see California mule deer, gray foxes, bobcats, pigs, newts, and ground squirrels. Quail and doves are common bird species here. You have a chance of spotting horned larks, brewer's sparrows, ash-throated flycatchers, golden-crowned sparrows, and greater roadrunners as well.
Rocky Canyon Campground and Williams Hill Campground are two of your options in RV camping near Curry Mountain. If you want to camp at Rocky Canyon Campground, you'll need to make a reservation. Amenities at Rocky Canyon Campground include drinking water, restrooms, and showers. You can buy firewood, fuel, and ice from the campground's marina as well. Williams Hill Campground offers vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and shelters.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Curry Mountain, as long as it's dispersed. You can park your vehicle just off of Highway 198, then you'll need to walk to the base of the mountain.
Most of the land around Curry Mountain is privately owned, so you should pay attention to property signs and fences. The northern end of Curry Mountain has thick brush, which makes it more challenging to hike. At the gate entrance, you will find a trailhead that leads you to the mountain peak. There's a lot of sand on the trail leading to Curry Mountain peak, so you may want to only take the hike when the weather is dry. Wet sand is harder on the feet.
Drinking water and trash receptacles aren't available at Curry Mountain, so you'll need to come prepared with sufficient water and the ability to pack out your trash. Be aware that rock slides may occur in some areas in the region. The Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail is an area where rock slides have occurred. Sounds of trees crackling or boulders knocking together are signs that a landslide is happening. Stay away from slopes and move to higher ground. When the landslide is over, stay away from the area because another round might occur. You should alert authorities of the incident as well. They'll need to investigate to ensure no one was trapped or injured.
Curry Mountain has a diverse terrain and beautiful views. The surrounding area also offers stunning vistas and more opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Following Leave No Trace principles is important to help preserve the area for future generations to enjoy. Trash and improper disposal of human waste are damaging to the land and the wildlife that lives there. You must also avoid introducing new species to the area, whether they are insects or other animals. Always follow guidelines on how to correctly start, manage, and extinguish a campfire too.
Curry Mountain is located at 3HF2+XH Parkfield Junction, California, 93210. From Coalinga, CA, take CA-198 W/W Elm Ave. After about 10 miles, turn left onto Parkfield Grade. Travel along the road for 1.5 miles and then turn left. Within 397 feet, you'll reach your destination.
Ready to visit Curry Mountain? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
