Hollenbeck Canyon
Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
The approximately 6,100-acre Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a wildlife corridor between Otay Mountain and the Jamul Mountains. Habitat includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian forests, freshwater marshes, and grasslands. Elevation ranges from a low of 750' to 2,100' at the highest peak.
Trails and fire roads are enjoyed by mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. The main staging area for mountain bikers is just of Honey Springs Road near Hwy. 94, approximately 5 miles east of Jamul and northeast of Lower Otay Lake. There are several routes here that can be linked together to make about a 10-14 mile ride. There are some decent climbs once you get out of the meadow areas. Nicest here in the fall and spring, as it can be very hot here in the summer. Always respect any trail closures or fencing that is placed to protect vegetation or wildlife.
Area History
In 1831, the Jamul Valley was granted to Pio Pico (former governor of California) as Rancho Jamul. The Burton family occupied the land after Pio Pico, but lost their title at the end of the 1850s. Several farmers began to settle believing it was government land available for homesteading.
In the late 1890s, a San Diego entrepreneur gained control of the land. He sold the property to the former San Diego Mayor in 1916. In 1929, the property was purchased and turned into a cattle ranch, which it remained as until acquisition by the Department. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 2001.
Trail Map
Future Plans
SDMBA started to discuss opportunities for trail enhancements and trail work in late 2016 with the local office of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. These discussions will continue into 2017.
The approximately 6,100-acre Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a wildlife corridor between Otay Mountain and the Jamul Mountains. Habitat includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian forests, freshwater marshes, and grasslands. Elevation ranges from a low of 750' to 2,100' at the highest peak.
Trails and fire roads are enjoyed by mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. The main staging area for mountain bikers is just of Honey Springs Road near Hwy. 94, approximately 5 miles east of Jamul and northeast of Lower Otay Lake. There are several routes here that can be linked together to make about a 10-14 mile ride. There are some decent climbs once you get out of the meadow areas. Nicest here in the fall and spring, as it can be very hot here in the summer. Always respect any trail closures or fencing that is placed to protect vegetation or wildlife.
Area History
In 1831, the Jamul Valley was granted to Pio Pico (former governor of California) as Rancho Jamul. The Burton family occupied the land after Pio Pico, but lost their title at the end of the 1850s. Several farmers began to settle believing it was government land available for homesteading.
In the late 1890s, a San Diego entrepreneur gained control of the land. He sold the property to the former San Diego Mayor in 1916. In 1929, the property was purchased and turned into a cattle ranch, which it remained as until acquisition by the Department. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 2001.
Trail Map
Future Plans
SDMBA started to discuss opportunities for trail enhancements and trail work in late 2016 with the local office of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. These discussions will continue into 2017.
As of January 1, 2018: A CDFW Lands Pass must be carried by each visitor to Hollenbeck Canyon who is 16 years of age or older, however, visitors who are carrying a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement. Lands passes may be purchased on-line, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Lands passes cannot be substituted for Wildlife Area Hunting Passes, which are required for adult hunters on Type-A and Type-B wildlife areas.
School and organized youth groups, including accompanying adults, are exempt from the lands pass requirement, but need to contact the area to schedule a field trip.