Park & Open Space Updates During COVID-19

Update as of 5/18/20:

California State Parks is working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units only where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. Just because the stay-at-home order may be modified, it does not mean things are going back to normal. It is critical that Californians continue to stay close to home, practice physical distancing, avoid congregating with others outside their immediate household and abide to new visitor guidelines State Parks has implemented across the state park system to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening of these public outdoor spaces will be made with little advance notice and visitors should expect a different state park experience than they are used to. Visitors are advised to find out if their local state park is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available before leaving home. You can search for all 280 state parks and their current info here.

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Update as of 5/11/20:

Many State Parks and Beaches are temporarily closed to the public — Meaning there is no public access at these public outdoor spaces. All beaches, trails and restrooms within these parks are closed. Additionally, there are no parking facilities for visitors.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, California State Parks announced the launch of a new social media campaign titled “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” to remind the public to practice social distancing when visiting state parks or any outdoor area.

To date, State Parks has proactively taken the following steps in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic:
– Currently, 74 parks are now fully closed out of the 280 state park units. Click for a full list by county.
– Parks where vehicular traffic is now closed include the counties of Los Angeles, Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma and San Diego.
– High public-use indoor facilities––including museums, visitor centers and cafés––are closed.
– All campgrounds across the state have been closed until further notice.
– Cancellation of events: All events being held in the State Park System have been cancelled.
– Additional cleanings of public-facing facilities: Public-facing facilities, such as restrooms, are being cleaned more frequently per recommended protocols.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of GGNRA trails

On April 23, five Bay Area counties, including Alameda and Contra Costa, are requiring the public to carry cloth face coverings and wear them within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. The National Park Service asks for your cooperation when enjoying your local parks and trails that are open. 

DogTrekker.com also urges local visitors to continue to practice safe distancing and continue to Leave Only Paw Prints, including pack-in and pack-out, and protection of natural resources and habitat.

San Francisco County Closures:
– All picnic areas
– Presidio Visitor Center
– Fort Point National Historic Site
– Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
– Lands End Lookout
– Ocean Beach fire pits. (Fires are not permitted outside fire pits.)
– Baker Beach parking
– West Bluff parking
– Crissy Field – East Beach parking
– Long Avenue parking
– Battery East parking
– Langdon Court parking
– Navy Memorial parking
– Merrie Way parking
– Sloat Boulevard parking at Ocean Beach
– Fort Funston parking
– China Beach parking lot (pedestrian and bicycle access will continue)
– Upper Fort Mason parking areas (except for residents and essential employees)
– Sutro Height parking?

Marin County Closures:
– All picnic areas
– Muir Woods National Monument – entire park and parking are closed. Cancel your reservations here.
– Marin Headlands Visitor Center
– Kirby Cove and Bicentennial campgrounds
– Nike Missile Site
– Point Bonita Lighthouse
– Stinson Beach parking
– Muir Beach Overlook parking
– Muir Beach parking
– Rodeo Beach parking
– Conzelman and McCullough roads and Golden Gate Bridge overlook parking corridors in the Marin Headlands
– Northwest Commuter – Dillingham lot Closed to the Public, Service vehicles only
– Tennessee Valley parking
– Fort Baker and Horseshoe Cove parking areas (except for residents and essential NPS and partner employees)

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of San Francisco Parks

Parks, trails and open spaces remain open at this time, with the exception of the following list. However, you are encouraged to exercise and get outside subject to Department of Health guidance around social distancing.

On April 23, five Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, are requiring the public to carry cloth face coverings and wear them within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. Health officials ask for your cooperation when enjoying your local parks and trails that are open. 

DogTrekker.com also urges local visitors to continue to practice safe distancing and continue to Leave Only Paw Prints, including pack-in and pack-out, and protection of natural resources and habitat.

Beginning April 1, 2020, closures of the following recreational features took effect in city parks, per the City's updated Shelter in Place order:

– Sport courts, including all basketball, tennis and pickleball courts
– Picnic areas, including barbecue areas
– Enclosed dog parks
– Archery ranges
– Skateboard parks
– South Sunset Playground Athletic Field
– Mission Playground Athletic Field
– Garfield Square Athletic Field
– Franklin Square Athletic Field

Here's a list of all previous park-related closures to date:

– Twin Peaks Road
– Parking lots at Ocean Beach, Beach Chalet, Marina Green and Little Marina
– Playgrounds
– Outdoor fitness courts
– Golf courses
– Swimming pools
– Angler’s Lodge (Golden Gate Park)
– Lawn Bowling Club (Golden Gate Park)
– Model Yacht Club (Golden Gate Park)
– Disc Golf (Golden Gate Park)
– Ornamental Gardens, including the SF Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden (GG Park)
– Coit Tower
– Stow Lake Boat Rentals, Bike Rentals and Segway Rentals
– Carousel (GG Park)
– Sharon Art Studio (GG Park)

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of East Bay Regional Park District trails
Check for Park District Updates at EBParks.org

On April 23, five Bay Area counties, including Alameda and Contra Costa, are requring the public to carry cloth face coverings and wear them within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. The EBRPD asks for your cooperation when enjoying your local parks and trails that are open.

DogTrekker.com also urges local visitors to continue to practice safe distancing and continue to Leave Only Paw Prints, including pack-in and pack-out, and protection of natural resources and habitat.

The initial joint “Stay-at-Home” health order covering six Bay Area counties was updated until May 3, 2020, with additional restrictions, specifically closure of “recreational areas with high touch equipment or that encourage gathering, including but not limited to playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, dog parks, and barbeque areas.” While some parking lots and a few parks are closed, most of the 125,000 acres of parkland are still open.

The ways the public can help keep parks open include:
– ALL dogs must be on leash at all times in order to minimize human on human interaction
– Maintain a 6-foot distance from other people
– No picnicking, groups, gatherings, or meet-ups (only immediate households should be together)
– Pack-in, pack-out trash, including dog poop (there is no trash collection during COVID-19)
– All picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, swim facilities/areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, group campsites, backcountry campsites, sports fields, kiosks, and reservable facilities..

New closure as of 4/1:
To comply with the updated “Stay-at-Home” and its inclusion of dog parks, the Park District is closing Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in Richmond on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 am. Point Isabel functions as a dog park and is considered by many to be one of the largest dog parks in the nation.

New closures beginning Friday, March 27:
– Black Diamond – Upper Parking Lot Closed (Parking available at Sidney Flat)
– Castle Rock Recreation Area Closed
– Contra Loma Closed (Trails Open from Frederickson Lane)
– Crown Beach – Otis Parking Lot Closed (Walk-In Access Only)
– Del Valle Closed (Trail Access from Arroyo Staging Area Only)
– Diablo Foothills (Limited Parking for Trail Access)
– Garin/Dry Creek – Meyer's Garden Closed
– Point Isabel Closed (As of 4/2/)
– Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park – Redwood Road Gate Closed
– Piedmont Stables (Boarders Allowed to Care for Horses)
– Roberts Regional Recreation Main Park Area Closed(Walk-In Access Only)
– Shadow Cliffs Closed (Walk-In Access Only)
– Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve – Tunnel Road Entrance Closed (All Other Access Points Open)
– Sunol Regional Wilderness Closed
– Tilden Botanic Garden – Garden Closed 
 
Previous closures still in effect:
 – Anthony Chabot Closures:
   – Marciel Gate
   – Chabot Equestrian Center Parking Lot (Boarders Allowed for Care for Horses)
   – Skyline Stables (Boarders Allowed for Care for Horses) 
– Ardenwood Closures:
   – Ardenwood Closed
– Bay Point Shoreline Closures:
   – Closed Due to Construction 
– Big Break Closures:
   – Big Break Visitor Center 
– Black Diamond Closures (Parking at Sydney Flat OPEN)
   – Mine Closed
   – Sydney Flats Visitor Center
   – Greathouse Visitor Center 
– Briones Closures:
   – Bear Creek Staging Area
– Regional Trails Closures:
   – Lafayette-Moraga Old Moraga Ranch Trail (Closed due to Landslide) 
– Coyote Hills Closures:
   – Main Parking Lots
   – Coyote Hills Visitor Center 
– Crown Beach Closures:
   – McKay Parking Lot (Walk-In Access Only)
   – Crab Cove Visitor Center 
– Del Valle Closures:
   – Del Valle Visitor Center 
Garin/Dry Creek/Pioneer Closures:      
   – Visitor Center
   – Apple Orchard 
– Lake Chabot Closures:
   – Boat Ramp (No Boating/No Quagga Inspection) 
– Lake Temescal Closures:
   – South Parking Lot 
– Leona Canyon Closures:
   – Main Staging Area 
– MLK Shoreline Closures:
   – Tidewater Staging Area
   – Tidewater Outdoor Recreation Office
   – Tidewater Oakland Strokes Operations 
– Quarry Lakes Closures:
   – Boat Ramp (No Boating/No Quagga Inspection) 
– Sunol Closures:
   – Sunol Visitor Center 
– Tidewater Closures (See MLK Shoreline)
   – All Areas Closed 
-Tilden Closures:
   – All Picnic Areas Along Lake Anza and Brook Roads
   – Fern Picnic Area Parking
   – Indian Camp Parking Lot, Playground, and Picnic Area
   – Lone Oak Parking Area
   – Lakeview Parking Lot
   – Mineral Springs Parking Lot – No Trails
   – Lake Anza Road and Parking Area
   – Tilden Golf Course
   – Golf Course Gated Lot (Bottom Half)
   – Steam Trains/Golden Gate Live Steamers
   – Merry-Go-Round
   – Native Here Nursery
   – South Park Drive (Continued Newt Closure Past April 1) 
-Tilden Botanic Garden Closures:
   – Botanic Garden Visitor Center 
– Tilden Nature Area Closures:  
   – Tilden Nature Area Closed (Walk-In Access Only)
   – Tilden Little Farm
   – Environmental Education Center
   – Indian Camp Parking Lot 
Wildcat Canyon Closures:
   – Walk-In Entrance Trail into the Alvarado Picnic Area

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of Marin County Open Space trails

Updated as of 5/18/20:

Marin County Public Health has issued an updated order that loosens restrictions on motorized access to outdoor recreational areas, effective Monday, May 18, 2020. Many Marin County Parks locations will be open to drive in access beginning Monday, May 18. Coastal parks and popular locations that encourage congregating will remain off limits to vehicles. View the Parks location list for the status of individual locations here.

All visitors should maintain six feet of social distance. Anyone age 12 and older must bring a face covering that covers the nose and mouth, and put it on when it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of separation. A cloth mask, scarf, or bandana is OK. Playgrounds, benches, picnic areas, swimming pools, and restrooms remain closed, even in parks that are open. Parking may be limited at regional parks to prevent overcrowding. Other restrictions may apply, even at open locations. Please respect posted signs and guidance from rangers.

Central Marin (OPEN)
– Bald Hill Preserve
– San Pedro Mountain Preserve
– Santa Margarita Island Preserve
– Santa Venetia Marsh
– Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Preserve (Fawn Drive entrance closed. No parking. No parking on Ridgewood Road near preserve.)
– McNears Beach Park (Walk or Bike in only. Areas that remain closed: benches, picnic areas, volleyball court, pool, restrooms.)
– McInnis Park (Areas that remain closed: club restaurant, picnic areas, restrooms.)
– Adrian Rosal Park (Closed: benches, picnic areas)
– Bayside Park (Closed: benches)
– Candy's Park (Closed: benches, picnic areas, playground)
– Castro Park (Closed: playground, volleyball court)
– Hal Brown Park (Closed: benches, picnic areas, playground, restrooms)
– Lagoon Park (Closed: benches, picnic areas, playground, petanque, restrooms)
– Pueblo Park (Closed: basketball court, benches, picnic areas, playground)

North Marin (OPEN)
– Deer Island Preserve
– Ignacio Valley Preserve
– Indian Tree Preserve (No parking on Vineyard Road adjacent to preserve.)
– Indian Valley Preserve (Indian Valley Road entrance closed.)
– Little Mountain Preserve
– Loma Verde Preserve
– Lucas Valley Preserve
– Mount Burdell Preserve
– Pacheco Valle Preserve
– Rush Creek Preserve
– Verissimo Hills Preserve
– Stafford Lake Park (Closed: benches, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms)
– Lucas Valley Park (Closed: benches)

South Marin (OPEN) (Note: Town of Tiburon continues to enforce visitor parking restrictions.)
– Alto Bowl Preserve
– Aramburu Island
– Baltimore Canyon Preserve
– Blithedale Summit Preserve
– Bothin Marsh Preserve
– Camino Alto Preserve
– Horse Hill Preserve
– King Mountain Preserve
– Old St. Hilary's Preserve
– Ring Mountain Preserve
– Tiburon Ridge Preserve
– Tiburon Uplands
– Charles F. McGlashan Pathway
– Corte Madera Pathway
– Mill Valley/Sausalito Pathway
– Paradise Beach Park (Walk or Bike in only. Closed: benches, picnic tables, restrooms)

West Marin (OPEN)
– Cascade Canyon Preserve
– French Ranch Preserve
– Gary Giacomini Preserve
– Loma Alta Preserve
– Maurice Thorner Preserve
– Roy's Redwoods Preserve
– White Hill Preserve
– Bolinas Lagoon Preserve (Walk or Bike in only)
– Forest Knolls Park (Walk or Bike in only. Closed: basketball court, picnic tables, playground)
– Village Green Park (Walk or Bike in only. Closed: basketball court, picnic tables, playground)
– Whitehouse Pool (Walk or Bike in only)

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On April 23, five Bay Area counties, including Marin, are requiring the public to carry cloth face coverings and wear them within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. Marin County health officials ask for your cooperation when enjoying your local parks and trails that are still open.

DogTrekker.com also urges local visitors to continue to practice safe distancing and to continue to Leave Only Paw Prints, including pack-in and pack-out, and protection of natural resources and habitat.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of Marin Municipal Water District trails

On April 23, five Bay Area counties, including Marin County, are requiring the public to carry cloth face coverings and wear them within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. Health officials ask for your cooperation when enjoying your local parks and trails that are open. 

DogTrekker.com also urges local visitors to continue to practice safe distancing and continue to Leave Only Paw Prints, including pack-in and pack-out, and protection of natural resources and habitat.

– MMWD is following red flag road closure guidelines at this time, with Sky Oaks Road closed to all vehicle traffic. Parking for those with disabilities is available at the Sky Oaks parking lot. Required disability placards or license plates must be displayed.
– Hiking, biking and fishing are still allowed on the Watershed.
– Please check their closure message line at 415-945-1195.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of Lake County trails

The intent of the most recent changes are to enable additional opportunities for individuals and business to resume relatively low risk activities, while observing social distancing, and gathering in groups no larger than two. Recreation that is now allowed:
– Clear Lake:
   – Canoeing, kayaking, and other paddle-propelled, hand-launched watercraft are allowed in the lake, excluding sailboats.
   – Fishing from the shore is ok
– Hiking and jogging at parks that are open.
– Clear Lake State Park is open (required walk in).
– All County Parks are open:
   – Parks in Clearlake:
      – Austin Beach
      – Highlands Park
      – Redbud Park
   – Parks in Lakeport:
      – Westside Community Park – open
– Six Sigma Ranch & Vineyard in Lower Lake have opened their trails for hiking.
– Golf courses can open in a limited way-check with the local course.
 – Other solitary recreational activities that do not involve physical contact or group activity (like shooting baskets, Frisbee golf, archery) will be allowed.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of Sonoma County Regional Parks trails

Sonoma County's health officer has issued an amended parks closure order that allows residents to walk or bike to some parks from their homes beginning April 29, 2020. With the exception of some coastal boat launches, all parks are temporarily closed to vehicles. All Sonoma Coast beaches are closed. These restrictions are ordered to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission in the community.

Residents may access only those open parks they can reach by walking or biking from their homes. Park use is limited to walking, hiking, jogging, biking and fishing. Face coverings must be worn when you come within 6 feet of others. Dogs must be on leash at all times.

Parking lots, playgrounds, dog parks, sports courts, picnic areas, disc golf courses, campgrounds, most boat launches, and other non-essential park facilities and services are closed until further notice.?

The following parks remain closed:
– Doran Regional Park
– Westside Regional Park – Access allowed only to launch fishing boats beginning May 8.
– Pinnacle and Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trails
– Birdwalk Coastal Access Trail
– Coastal Prairie Trail
– Stillwater Cove Regional Park
– The Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails
– Gualala Point Regional Park
– Running Fence-Watson School
– Tolay Lake Regional Park 
– Wohler Bridge Fishing Access
– Hudeman Slough Boat Launch
– Occidental Community Center.
– Sport Fishing Center 
– Spud Point and Mason's marinas – Open for commercial and sport fishing boating only as of May 8.
– Fort Ross SHP
– Kruse Rhododendron SNR
– Petaluma Adobe SHP
– Salt Point SP
– Sonoma Coast SP (and associated sub-units)
– Sonoma State Historic Park

The following parks have specific access requirements:
– Spring Lake Park: Newanga entrance is closed for ADA access. Accessible for ADA only through Violetti Drive. 
– Hood Mountain: Los Alamos entrance is closed. Accessible only through Pythian Road.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of East Bay Municipal Utility District trails

Effective 5/1/20: Trail Use Permits are again required on EBMUD trails.

East Bay:

– The Lafayette and San Pablo reservoirs and recreation areas remain closed. Due to a recent relaxation of county health orders, pedestrian access to the Rim Trail at the Lafayette Recreation Area is now open. The paved Lakeside Trail remains closed.
Additionally, Bear Creek, Briones Overlook, Valle Vista and Chabot staging areas (parking and restrooms) are closed.

Sierra Foothills:

Trails in Calaveras County are open to Calaveras County residents only. Open access includes Campo Seco Staging area, Cooks Mesa, Rich Gulch, and Middle Bar trailheads. EBMUD staff is onsite to verify proof of residency and possession of an EBMUD Trail Use Permit.

– Pardee Recreation Area, Camanche North Shore Recreation Area, Camanche South Shore Recreation Area, Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve, and Mokelumne River Day Use Area remain closed.

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Updated as of 4/3/20:

– Due to the shelter in place order, and to protect the health and safety of park visitors, both Lafayette and San Pablo reservoir recreation areas in the East Bay are closed.
– In Calaveras County, Campo Seco Staging Area and attached trail access is closed.

List of Open Trails
North Watershed trails (Orinda/El Sobrante)
– Pinole Valley Multi-use (bikes OK)
– Pinole Ridge
– Old San Pablo
– Eagle's Nest (bikes OK)
– Inspiration
– Orinda Connector
– Hampton (leashed dogs OK)
– Oursan (leashed dogs OK)
– Bear Creek
– de Laveaga
– Skyline

South Watershed trails (Lafayette/Castro Valley)
– Redwood
– Riche Loop (leashed dogs OK)
– Rimer Creek
– Rocky Ridge (leashed dogs OK)
– Rocky Ridge Loop
– King Canyon Loop (leashed dogs OK)
– Carr Ranch Loop (leashed dogs OK)
– Ramage Peak
– Dinosaur

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District trails

District parks currently remain open for regular use BUT the West (Highway 1) entrance to Palo Corona is closed. Users may enter the visit via the Rancho Canada unit at 4860 Carmel Valley Road. (NOTE: water fountains are closed); please check back periodically for updates. The District is complying with all CDC recommendations.

Monterey County Closures
– Andrew Molera SP
– Garrapata SP — including the Sobranes Canyon and Garrapata SB entrances
– John Little SNR
– Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
– Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
– Point Lobos SNR
– Point Lobos Ranch
– Point Sur SHP
– The Garland Ranch Visitor Center and Palo Corona Discovery Center are temporarily closed, and all planned group activities at District parks are suspended.

Check out DogTrekker.com's list of John Muir Land Trust trails

– All JMLT spring events are being postponed. This includes the National Park Expansion and Almond Ranch Dedication on May 2nd.
– Properties remain open. Be sure to take sensible precautions such practicing social distancing on the trail, use sunscreen, take plenty of water, and always let people know your plans.
– Some maintenance and trail-building activities on their properties will be curtailed. If you notice anything that needs attention, please send a message to&