Comprised of 52,000-acres of rugged terrain with steep, chaparral-covered slopes and scattered stands of fir, pine and oak, Cow Mountain Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities as diverse as off-roading, hunting, camping and horseback riding. Elevations vary from 800 to 4,000 ft., affording spectacular views of Ukiah and Clear Lake. Cow Mountain, named for the wild longhorn cattle that once roamed there, is premium wildlife habitat, with over 30 miles of streams and 13 wildlife reservoirs. Upland species that inhabit the area include blacktail deer, black bear and wild turkey.

Because Cow Mountain offers so many different types of recreational opportunities, it is divided into three management sections:

South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area emphasizes off-highway vehicle use. Over 90 miles of vehicle trails cross 23,000 acres, and offer challenges to motorcycle, ATV, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts. There are two developed campgrounds and two OHV staging areas. During the rainy season call ahead regarding closures.

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area is managed primarily for such non-motorized activities as hunting, hiking, camping, horseback riding and mountain bicycling. There is one developed campground, a rifle range and a 17-mile network of hiking trails.

Sheldon Creek Recreation Site is a smaller, detached area offering primitive recreational opportunities. It has a small campground. As in other sections of Cow Mountain, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no fees and no running water, but there are portable restrooms.

WHERE: Sheldon Creek is located near Hopland. North and South Cow Mountain are closer to Ukiah, and are accessed off Talmage Road from Hwy 101 South. There are several entrances. The access roads going into all of these areas are narrow and winding, and travel trailers and large RVs are not recommended. Check with the local BLM field office for conditions and road closings.

MORE INFO: BLM field office, 707-468-4000