Molina Ghost Run Trail

This 10-mile trail for the hardy four-wheel-drive enthusiast traverses the BLM Clear Creek Management Area. Named for the abandoned Molina Mercury Mine, which began operation in the 1850's along with the New Idria Mine, this trail is technically difficult and ruggedly spectacular. The Molina Trail offers scenic vistas, and an unusual and bizarre landscape resulting from a large serpentine rock formation underlying most of the Clear Creek area. The Trail begins at the Oak Flat Campground, climbs about 2,000 feet, winds around Goat Mountain past the base of Picacho Peak, and continues to the perennial Clear Creek, ending at the town of New Idria.

From Hollister, travel south on State Highway 25. Twenty miles past the turn-off for Pinnacles National Monument, turn left on the Coalinga-Los Gatos Road. Twelve miles down, at the BLM sign, turn left on Clear Creek Road, and follow the road 2 miles to Oak Flat Campground, where the trail begins