Cow Mountain Recreation Area

Named for the longhorn cattle that once roamed wild, the 52,000-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. 

The Recreation Area is divided into three management sections to provide quality recreational opportunities for a wide variety of users:  North Cow Mountain Recreation Area, South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area and the Sheldon Creek Recreation Site.

Access roads into these areas are narrow and winding.  Travel trailers and large recreational vehicles are not recommended.

Cow Mountain Recreation Area Management Plan To Be Updated Click here for information on the plan update

-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.

Directions

From Ukiah, take State Highway 101 to the Talmage Road exit. Go east on Talmage Road about 1.5 miles. Turn right at Old River Road. and proceed 0.3 miles to Mill Creek Road. Turn left on Mill Creek Road and continue east 6 miles to entrance to South Cow Mountain.

From Lakeport, take State Highway 29 to the 11th street exit. Go west on 11th street (which becomes Scotts Valley Road) 0.5 miles. Turn left on Riggs Road and continue west and south 0.75 miles to Scotts Creek Road. Turn right and proceed west on Scotts Creek Road 2 miles.

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.

Click Here To View Wet Weather Vehicle Closure Policy

- 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.
Directions

From Ukiah, take State Highway 101 to the Talmage Road exit. Go east on Talmage Road about 1.5 miles. Turn right at East Side Road and proceed 0.3 miles to Mill Creek Road. Turn left on Mill Creek Road and continue east about 3 miles to turnoff for the North Cow Mountain Area. Turn left and continue up steep, winding dirt road 0.5 miles to BLM public lands.

From Lakeport, take State Highway 29 to the 11th street exit. Go west on 11th street, which becomes Scotts Valley Road. Continue on Scotts Valley Road 6 miles to Glenn Eden Trailhead on the right. Park in signed areas.

Camping and Lodging

Mayacmas Campground (north): 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. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Mendo Rock Road, and follow to site, about 10 miles. This is a primitive recreation site. 6 units, barbecue grates, pit toilets. There is no potable water

Goat Rock (north): 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. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Mendo Rock Road, park at Mendo Rock Road. Take Glen Eden trail east about 4 miles: hiking or horseback access only. There are 2 units, picnic tables, fire grates/BBQ, and water for animals only.

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. There is no potable water at this time.

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. There is no potable water.

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. This is a primitive recreation site. There is no potable water.

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.

Click here to view recreation regulations

For more information, contact:

Bureau of Land Management
Ukiah Field Office
2550 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 468-4000

 Click here to request recreation maps

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