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Trail Reports : Cow Mountain

Ukiah, CA
By: Mike Serpe

Named for the longhorn cattle that once roamed wild, the 60,000 acre Cow Mountain Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The terrain is rugged, consisting mostly of steep, chaparral-covered slopes with scattered stands of fir, pine and oak. Elevations range from 800 to 4,000 feet. The area offers beautiful views of Ukiah and Clear Lake, over 31 miles of stream, 13 wildlife reservoirs, and habitat for blacktail deer, bear, wild turkey, and other upland species.

Directions
From Ukiah, take State Highway 101 south to the Talmage exit. Go east on Talmage Road about 1.5 miles. Turn right at East Side Road. Travel less than 0.5 mile to Mill Creek Road,which is on the left. Continue east on Mill Creek Road 3 miles to turnoff for the North Cow Mountain Area, or 5 miles for entrance to South Cow Mountain.

- OR -

From Lakeport (State Highway 29, west shore of Clear Lake), take 11th street to Scotts Valley Road. To reach North Cow Mountain, continue on Scotts Valley Road 6 miles to Glenn Eden Trailhead on the right. Park in signed areas. To access south Cow Mountain from Lakeport, take 11th street (becomes Riggs Road), turn right on Scotts Creek Road and proceed 2 miles to end. Access roads into this area are narrow and winding. Travel trailers and large recreatonal vehicles are not recommended.

Visitor Activities:

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area is managed for primarily non-motorized activities, such as hunting, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain bicycling. There is one developed campground, a designated rifle range and a 17 mile network of foot trails beckoning to the adventurous spirit. Motorized vehicles are permitted only on main road, and off-highway vehicles are prohibited.
South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area emphasizes off-highway vehicle use. Over 120 miles of vehicle trails interweave 23,000 acres, and offer challenges to motorcycle,all-terrain vehicle, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts alike. Non-motorized recreation is also welcome. There are two developed campgrounds and two OHV staging areas to help make your visit enjoyable.

The South Cow Mountain area is subject to closure during periods of wet weather. During the rainy season, call (707)468-4000 24 hours a day for current conditions before you come.

Camping
Red Mountain Campground (south): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to staging area, veer right where road forks (there is a directional sign) and continue 2.5 miles to Red Mountain Campground. 10 units, toilets, barbecue grates, and picnic tables. Buckhorn (south): In Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to staging area, veer right where road forks (there is a directional sign) and continue about 3.5 miles on turning at the trail #20. There are 4 units, picnic tables, fire grates/BBQs, and toilet facilities. Sheldon Creek (detached): U.S. 101 to Hopland Road in Hopland, east 3 miles to Old Toll Road, 8 miles south on a gravel road. There are 6 units, toilet facilities, picnic tables, and fire grates/BBQs.

More to know before you go The best times to visit are fall, winter, and spring. On South Cow Mountain, there are about 125 miles of off-highway vehicle trails and roads. The access from Scotts Creek Road is a rugged, unimproved dirt road, which is impassable during the winter because of high water at a creek crossing. Before exploring the Cow Mountain Recreation area, obtain a free map at the BLM office in Ukiah. All roads are steep and winding and not recommended for recreational vehicles. There is no potable water at most site campgrounds.

http://www.ca.blm.gov/ukiah/cow_mtn._events.html