Joaquin Rocks Area of Critical Environmental Concern

Rugged and remote, three 300-foot high sandstone monoliths jut from Joaquin Ridge and are visible from Interstate-5. The clearing below the Rocks was the site of a religious encampment during the 1880’s and possible location of the fabled "Joaquin's gold" - reputedly hidden there by the legendary figure Joaquin Murieta.

Tread lightly in this pristine area and pack out what you pack in. Watch out for poison oak around the base of the Rocks. In the summer months the area is hot and dry so be sure to bring plenty of extra water. Hunting opportunities offer deer, wild pig, and upland game birds like quail.

There are seasonal vernal pools on top of the Rocks which teem with invertebrate life during the spring and provide water for wildlife into the summer season. These microhabitat vernal pools are precious resources; please do not throw trash or anything else into these pools.

Rick Cooper, Field Manager
Bureau of Land Management
Hollister Field Office
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: (831) 630-5000
Fax: (831) 630-5055
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., M-F
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