Hollister Field Office

Joaquin Rocks Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

East view of Joaquin Rocks, photo by E. Zaborsky BLM

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.

View of the southern San Joaquin Valley from the Rocks, photo by E. Zaborsky BLM

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.

Obscured view of Joaquin Rocks through dense vegetation, photo by E. Zaborsky BLM

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.

A falcon looks down from its nest on one of the Rocks, photo by E. Zaborsky BLM

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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