Clear Creek Management Area

While it was fun to drive down to Clear Creek from the Bay area on Friday there was really only a small portion of it open. I had gotten online to purchase permits for both areas however the one area is a 1 day permit only. And the gate was locked. Of course a sign on a gate said call this number when you get here, However a sign right next to it said cell reception is very poor in this area. It is a beautiful place, rugged, but little 4wheel drive was needed. No rangers were spotted on my entire visit.

$5 fee, lots of space and it's worth it. Spotted mountain lion cub, elk, wild turkey, and deers. This was around mid April or beginning may.

I visited this area in the early 2000s before it got shut down. Had a great time on various trails with good friends. Many technical trails there. Asbestos is the cause of its demise sadly.

Needs to be clear about hunting and off road vehicles. Needs better supervision.. people on dirtbikes everywhere they were not supposed to be tearing and smashing down fences. Rules on hunting at entrance are different than the sign further into the area.

"The A Zone" EPA's Area of Critical Environmental Concern , in other words, it's full of old asbestos mines! Awesome mountain bike riding for the experienced rider. The BLM maintains over 100 miles of roads that are in excellent condition for the mountain biker. Another Gem! It's a few rock hounds, atvs, trucks, dirt bikes but no bikes. Vacant roads 5 solid days. Easy grades up, with a mix of fun long downhills to bike breaking ones. Just depended on the roads I chose that day to go and explore. One day, on a easy downhill, I rode thru 2 miles of ladybug swarms, thousand upon thousands and being the gentle creatures there are, they just jumped on. Once thru, I stopped, looked at my arms and legs and orange had became my new color and a large portion stayed on for the last 7 miles and got o