Tumey Hills
Overview
Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.
Photos
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Map
Restrictions
- The BLM Central Coast Field Office will close Panoche and Tumey Hills in Fresno County to vehicle access seasonally for public safety and to reduce risk of wildfires. Opening dates are determined annually based on existing conditions.
- No shooting zone within 150 yards of any developed area.
- No night hunting.
- Vehicles are restricted to designated routes.
- Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) are prohibited.
BIRDING
Birds of many species may be found including raptors, shrikes, and several species of songbird.
CAMPING
Dispersed camping is available at Panoche Hills, although there is no camping within 200 yards of any wildlife watering improvement. You must park within 15 feet (roughly one vehicle length) of any roadway when camping or leaving a vehicle unattended to minimize habitat and vegetation impacts. Please remember to bring a shovel with you for both personal sanitation and fire prevention purposes. There is a 14 day camping limit within any 28-day period.
HUNTING
There are three main types of hunting available, including upland game bird, small game, and big game like deer and wild pigs. Varmint (non-game) hunting is also allowed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates the hunting seasons for different species and the types of firearms allowed for use. Please be aware that this region is home to the California Condor and affects non-game hunting.
At Tumey Hills you may find upland game birds, varmints, and small game.
TARGET SHOOTING
There are no designated target shooting areas in the Central Coast Field Office area, however, Public Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management are open to target shooting except when prohibited by other applicable laws and regulations.
While target shooting on BLM lands you must:
- Use legal weapons and ammunition
- Employ a safe backstop (hill) within close proximity behind the target
- Remove all your targets, gun shells, clay pigeons, and any and all items used for your target shooting
You may not:
- Shoot within 150 yards of residences, structures, or developed areas (i.e. day use areas)
- Shoot onto private lands
- Shoot across a roadway or trail
- Shoot at hazardous materials such as propane tanks or paint cans
- Shoot at trees, facilities, signs, or outbuildings
Call or email the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200 for more information on shooting safely and be sure to visit the State of California's Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms web page.
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Interstate-5, take the Panoche Road exit. The first Tumey Hills access point is located roughly 3 miles from the Interstate. Be aware that Panoche Road is not paved after the first mile. The second Tumey Hills access point is about 5 miles beyond the first access point. The Tumey Hills are closed to vehicle access with the onset of fire season.