Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep parks safe and healthy for all. Please keep it up! Across the region, the vast majority of park and trail visitors have done so responsibly. In San Mateo County, we have an opportunity to make the parks welcoming, comforting and healing places to be and to share.
The latest health order from San Mateo County Health Officer, Scott Morrow, was released on June 4. San Mateo County has made significant progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19. This has led to additional businesses being allowed to resume operations. San Mateo County Parks is also opening additional parks and facilities this month.
On Monday, June 8, the San Mateo County Parks Department began to move through phase 2 of their parks reopening plan. Coyote Point and Crystal Springs Regional Trail will offer additional amenities one week later on June 15. Parks are open 8am-7pm.
Phase 2 expands slightly on Phase 1 with the following parks, trails, restrooms and parking lots opening further in a measured fashion on June 8:
- Crystal Springs Regional Trail (which includes the Sawyer Camp and San Andreas segments) remains open to walkers, joggers and strollers. Bicycles are allowed only at certain segments. The Ralston Bike Trail is open.
- The Bay Trail through Coyote Point is open, but the park remains closed for just one more week.
- The trails at Huddart Park and Edgewood Preserve remain open to hikers, runners and horseback riders, and when feasible, will be one-directional. Edgewood: The day use restroom will be open to the public. The Cañada Road trailhead remains closed to parking. Huddart: The restrooms at Upper Werder, Meadow, and Zwierlein will be open to the public.
- Trails at Wunderlich Park remain open to hikers, runners and horseback riders on a bi-directional basis. The restroom at the main parking lot will be open to the public. All other facilities will be closed, including the Carriage House and Museum.
- Flood Park will be open to foot traffic only with no access to the parking lot, restrooms, picnic sites or playgrounds.
- The trails at Memorial Park, Sam McDonald Park, Pescadero Creek Park, and the Loma Mar Redwoods remain open to hiking, running and horseback riding, and when feasible, will be one-directional. Memorial Park: The restroom at the Ranger Station will be open to the public. Sam McDonald Park: Just one of the restrooms at the Sam McDonald Ranger Station will be open to the public and the main parking lot will be open as well.
- The trails at San Pedro Valley, Quarry Park, and Pillar Point Bluff remain open to the public, and when feasible, will be one-directional. Mirada West, the Dardanelle Trail, the Jean Lauer Trail and Devil’s Slide will be open in a bi-directional manner. Devils Slide Trail: The restrooms and parking lots at the north and south trailheads will be open to the public. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: The restroom at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve will be open to the public. San Pedro Valley Park: The main parking lot will be open to the public.
- The trails at San Bruno Mountain and Junipero Serra Park will be open to the public, and when feasible, will be one-directional. Radio Road on San Bruno Mountain will be closed to vehicular traffic, but open to cyclists. San Bruno Mountain: The main parking lot will be open to the public. Junipero Serra Park: The Meadow View picnic area restroom and parking lot is open.
Delayed by just one week, Phase 2 includes additional openings at Crystal Springs Regional Trail and Coyote Point on Monday, June 15:
- Crystal Springs Regional Trail, including the Sawyer Camp Trail segment, will be open and accessible to walkers, runners and bicycles. Rangers will patrol the trail to ensure cyclists are adhering to speed limits.
- Trails and fields at Coyote Point are open to visitors. All parking lots, except the Knoll Parking Lot and Eucalyptus Parking Lot, will be open to the public. There is still no access to the playgrounds, fitness center, or picnic areas. During Phase 2, the Harbor View Picnic Area “B”, Old Beach “D”, and Magic Mountain Playground “F” restrooms will be open to the public.
Always plan ahead. Note that not every restroom or parking lot is open. Always have a Plan B.
As a reminder, the following remain closed during Phase 2:
- Tidepools at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve as well as the Visitor Center and parking lot. (However, the public will be able to walk on the Dardanelle Trail and through the cypress forest, and use the restroom facilities.)
- All playgrounds, picnic areas and reservation sites throughout the San Mateo County Parks system
- Bicycle Sunday
- The Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at Edgewood Preserve
San Mateo County Parks will move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 when they have secured all necessary cleaning supplies and when the San Mateo County Health Officer has determined that COVID-19 has been contained to the point that social distancing requirements can be relaxed.
Enjoy your San Mateo County Parks! Always remember to bring water, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, and a smile for every person you meet along the trail.