How to Get to New Idria

You get to Idria by traveling from either California State Highway 25 at Paicines (south of Hollister), or by catching Little Panoche Road from U.S. Interstate Highway 5. Either drive is a slow paced venture because the road tends to be a little curving in places and narrow in others, but they are easy, comfortable roads with very little traffic. Be sure to fill up the gas tank before the highway 25 or highway 5 because there are no gas stations along the way. Panoche Inn, located in the beautiful Panoche Valley, provides good refreshment and friendly hospitality.

There is only one paved road leading to Idria. That road, called the New Idria Road, leaves the Panoche Valley and winds a slow twenty miles through the Griswold Canyon and Vallecitos before arriving at the old mining ghost town of Idria.

It's a refreshing trip anytime of the year, but midwinter through late spring, when the temperatures are mild and the grass is green provides some of the most enjoyable ventures. This region displays some of California's most extravagant natural wildflower shows when the nearly treeless Panoche Valley explodes in spectacular panoply of natural colors that fade into various hues into the distant mountains.

The paved road provides a comfortable roundtrip venture with any family automobile. However, with a high clearance vehicle it is possible to continue on the New Idria Road, up the steep dirt grade into the rugged Clear Creek Management Area and connect with pavement again about 15 miles later. The Clear Creek Management Area is famous with off-road adventures for recreation and camping.

Vallencitos, Heading Northwest

Climate

The climate is characterized by cool winters and hot, dry summers, with approximately 17" of rain falling between December and March. There is typically little or no rain between May and November. Frost is common during winter nights with occasional minor snow fall. Summer temperatures commonly reach 90º, sometimes as high as 110º, and summer nights are usually cool, often dipping down to 60º. In spite of the Summer temperatures, Winter, Spring and Autumn provide excellent weather. This area is also recognized as one of California's most beautiful spring time wildflower displays.