Soquel Demonstration State Forest to Reopen: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Trails reopen tomorrow morning; Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Please exercise good judgment when visiting SDSF, as crowds are expected and additional work is ongoing. Expect trucks and heavy equipment on main roads.
Let's work together to limit the stress on CAL FIRE and forest resources. If you're able, please consider visiting during off-hours or limiting the number of cars accessing the main parking area. Respect other users on trails, and ride within your limits in this remote area.
Thank you to the donors, volunteers, and supporters who helped rebuild and reopen these trails. Special shoutout to key SDSF supporters Ibis Cycles, Trailhead Cyclery, Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers, Fox Factory, and Velocio for their generosity.
READ THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
"Soquel Demonstration State Forest Reopening
FELTON – Late last year, storm damage forced the closure of Soquel Demonstration State
Forest in Santa Cruz County. Critical road repairs have been completed, and roadway hazards have been cleared to reestablish emergency access to the forest. The Soquel Demonstration State
Forest will officially be reopened tomorrow, Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Additional work is ongoing. Trucks and heavy equipment will be in use throughout the forest. For your safety and for the safety of crews, it is important to give workers plenty of space on main roads. Please watch your speed on Highland Way and Soquel-San Jose Road with increased traffic on roads still under construction in several places. Use good judgement when parking. Please do not block fire lanes or gates.
Everyone is excited that the forest is reopening, and crowds are expected, so please respect each other on the trails. If possible, avoid the most crowded times and arrive earlier in the morning to help ease congestion.
For mountain bicyclists:
-Any trail ride from the parking area covers at least 10 miles and over 2,000 feet of
climbing.
-Give yourself plenty of time to get out before dusk.
-Riders can be ticketed for being in the forest after dark.
-The climb out from the end of any single-track trail is 3 to 4 miles uphill along Hihn’s Mill Road to the parking area.
-Bring plenty of water and snacks every time you ride.
-There is no drinking water at SDSF.
-Be attentive and ride within your limits to avoid injuries.
-SDSF is very remote and help can take a long time to arrive if you have a problem.
-It’s always a good idea to ride with others.
-Make sure your equipment is in good repair and carry all the tools and parts you may need.
-Pack your trash, bury your waste, leave no trace.
-Know and follow all the SDSF rules or you may be cited.
-No fires of any kind, including: campfires, barbeques, or portable gas stoves.
-No electric bikes, pedal assist bikes, motorcycles or segways are allowed.
Visit www.fire.ca.gov or www.readyforwildfire.org for more information."
If you are interested in supporting the ongoing trail work efforts in SDSF, keep an eye on our events page or sign up for our newsletter to get info straight to your inbox.
