The first Tumey Hills access point is located roughly 3 miles from the Highway. Be aware that within 2 miles of I-5, Panoche Road turns to dirt. The second access point is about 5 miles beyond the first. The Tumey Hills are closed to vehicle access with the onset of fire season, as described above. A 14-mile stretch of this road is unpaved, beginning soon after the intersection with Little Panoche Road.
Opportunities abound for hiking, nature study, hunting, star-gazing and rockhounding.
Camping is permitted throughout the area, as long as you park within 15 feet of the roadway. There is no running or potable water in the area. Pack out your garbage, and leave a clean campsite. The best time of year to visit is the Spring, after the winter rains and before the harsh dry summer. There is additional information about the Panoche and Tumey Hills, both in terms of recreation and natural resources, provided in our Programs page, and our Recreation page.