CoViD-19: United States Forest Service | California State Parks | San DIego County Parks | City of San Diego Parks

Mt Soledad with Ficus (5.8.2019)

It's Memorial Day Weekend, and since beaches still prohibit sitting, sunbathing, or otherwise chillin' on the sand, people will be looking to recreate elsewhere. But just like we have to listen to different rules from our City, our County, and our State, there are numerous agencies that manage trails and canyons and forests and open spaces. Some areas have opened. Some areas have not. Some are open if you walk or bike in, but no driving or parking. And in reality, if you want to go explore nature, why would you do it on Memorial Day Weekend when everyone else will be trying to do the same??? But be that as it may, there are lots of different directives coming from the US Forest Service, California State Parks, and County and City parks. They're not messing around and rangers and law enforcement will be out to control crowds and make sure people are observing regulations. If you must go out, don't expect any kinds of facilities to be at your disposal, so plan ahead for adequate gas, food, supplies, and makeshift bathroom situations. Also, we're supposed to be entering a high heat week. Leave your dogs at home. Snakes are out like crazy, they're forbidden on many trails anyway, and you would never forgive yourself if you killed your own dog from heatstroke. Some FYIs after the jump.

(From CA State Parks)

• Plan Ahead – With 280 park units in the state park system, visitors are advised to visit the webpage of their local outdoor destination before leaving home to find out if it is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available.
• Stay Local – Stay close to home. Parking is temporarily very limited or non-existent at park units across the state. Walk or bike to parks in your local neighborhood. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
• Leave it at Home – The use of coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, BBQs or chairs is not allowed in many park units. Plan ahead.
• Keep it Moving – Passive recreation (lounging, picnics, sunbathing, etc.) is being restricted where physical distance is a challenge. In those areas, only active recreation (walking, running, biking, boating, kayaking, off-highway riding, etc.) will be allowed. Also, observe one-way trails where they are in place.
• Stay Safer at 6ft -- No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance. View Video 
• Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.

US Forest Service Website
Some Facebook posts from various jurisdictions.

"When visiting national forests, please be aware that some services may not be available-so plan accordingly. This could include trash removal and toilet facilities. Please pack out all trash and waste. #DoYourPart"

"This weekend, however, we will have an increased presence out in force... Vehicles blocking the road will be towed. Other violations will be cited. A recreation management plan has been in the works ... and we hope that helps in the future. This weekend, we hope people get the message about zero tolerance on parking issues."


California State Parks:

This is an older graphic, before masks were mandatory in the county
 (which makes them also mandatory at State Parks within the County)

County of San Diego Parks Updated List of Closures
Park Notices and Closures

This is an older graphic. Some camping, boating and other activities are now allowed. 

City of San Diego Parks & Recreation
Status of City Services and Parks
San Diego Park Status

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Division is fully staffed to manage visitors to city beaches this Memorial Day weekend.

Please remember, the following rules are still in place:

• Beaches and shorelines: Only walking and running (jogging) allowed. No stopping, sitting or lying down.

• Oceans: Swimming, surfing, kayaking and single-person paddling allowed.

• Bays: Single-household recreational boating. Fishing is allowed, but not from the shoreline. No swimming on the bay and Mission Bay Park is closed.

• Closed: Boardwalks, piers, parking lots and Fiesta Island.

• Not allowed anywhere: Gatherings and non-physical distancing activities.

Visitors to the beach must have masks with them and use the mask when within six feet of individuals who are not part of the same household. Visit sandiego.gov/lifeguards for additional beach and water safety information.