Enjoying Outside - The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument - Something for Everyone!

Kristie Ehrhardt • July 2, 2025

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (the Monument) quite literally has something for everyone who loves the outdoors. From rugged wilderness camping to glamping, from hunting to passive birdwatching and from OHV recreating to horseback trail riding; anyone who enjoys being outside can find something to soothe their souls in these nearly 350,000 acres of public land.

 

Cache Creek is the only outlet for Clear Lake (the largest freshwater, natural lake in California) with two major tributaries being the North Fork Cache Creek and Bear Creek. It is regionally famed for its whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences. To Learn more about Cache Creek visit https://sacriver.org/explore-watersheds/westside-subregion/cache-creek-watershed/

 

Indian Valley Reservoir boasts some prime boating and fishing opportunities with large and smallmouth bass, Kokanee salmon, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. The 300,000 acres Indian Valley Reservoir was created when the Indian Valley Dam was constructed on the North Fork of Cache Creek. It offers boating, fishing and swimming but during the hot, dry summer months the lake level may drop significantly which decreases the speed limit for boats from five to ten miles per hour depending on your location. The lake is part of the Indian Valley Recreation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) but the reservoir itself is managed by the Yolo Flood Control and Water Conservation District.


The Monument boundaries also include three designated wilderness areas: Cedar Roughs Wilderness located west of Lake Berryessa, Cache Creek Wilderness located in the heart of the Monument and Snow Mountain Wilderness Area located alongside Snow Mountain. Additionally the Yuki Wilderness is immediately adjacent to the far northern boundary of the Monument. Typically motorized vehicles of any sort are not allowed in wilderness areas and camping is primitive. What you will find is solitude and only the sounds of nature. 


The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is also bursting with recreational areas, trails and campgrounds dispersed all throughout the Monument. Just a few of the possibilities are listed below, there are many more to explore. Click here to see a cool map and to learn more about recreational activities within the Monument.


Knoxville Recreation Area includes an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) park and a wildlife area. OHV riding is also welcome on existing established roads but please keep them off of firebreaks as unauthorized activity contributes to erosion and hampers revegetation. A map of the Knoxville Recreation Area is available here.


There are many (SO many!) hiking trails throughout the Monument, please see Tuleyome’s Trail Guide for a description of some of our favorites including Fiske Peak, Annie’s Trail, Judge Davis Trail, Lynch Canyon and Signal Rock among many others!


Other recreational opportunities in the Monument include:

  • Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking: There are many trails to explore the Monument from a either type of saddle!
  • Hunting and Fishing is permitted on public lands within the Monument but appropriate licenses and permits are required. Please follow all restrictions and regulations as set forth by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Wildlife viewing, birdwatching and photography opportunities abound throughout the Monument. You may even be lucky enough to witness some special-status species such as Bald or Golden Eagles, Tule Elk or Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs.
  • Seasonal wildflower viewing. The Monument has a stunning display of wildflowers in the spring. Keep an eye on Tuleyome’s website for upcoming wildflower hike dates next spring.


Be sure to check weather and trail conditions before you head out. Summer hiking can be very rigorous with high temperatures, little shade and no available water. Be sure to plan ahead and let others know where you’re going and when you expect to return. See you on the trail!


-Kristie Ehrhardt (kehrhardt@tuleyome.org)

Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

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