UPDATED 12/17/20: Trail Closures & MBOSC Recommendations for Trail Use Amid COVID-19

UPDATED December 17:

While some parks and beaches are still open, many are still in soft or full closure. Please review the below list of closures BEFORE heading out for a ride or hike - it's up to us to respect the decisions of land managers and responsibly enjoy our park and trails.

CA State Parks Closures

Check out the list of CA State Parks impacted by this order below, and check out this link for a full list of closures across the state and real-time park access updates.

San Mateo County

• San Bruno Mountain SP

Santa Cruz County

• Rancho San Andrès (Castro Adobe)
• Santa Cruz Mission SHP

Santa Cruz County closures can be monitored in real-time via this web link. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all closures, but covers many popular parks and community resources.

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Additional Trail Use Guidelines Should You Choose to Enjoy an Open Area:

At a time of shelter-in-place restrictions and widespread work-from-home practices, trails have become more popular than usual. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a hardcore enthusiast, now is the time to prioritize safe trail use and interactions above thrill-seeking fun with friends. As a community of outdoor enthusiasts, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us -- to help stop a global pandemic and be model trail citizens during this difficult, scary time. It’s on us to follow CA guidelines, keep rides short and mellow in open public lands, and to remain a safe distance from other riders while out on the trails. Take a peek at our below recommendations for trail use to learn about how you can help keep the outdoors safe and enjoyable for all users.

MBOSC Recommendations:

• Stay home as much as possible!

  • Exercise and sanity are absolutely important, however, we recommend that everyone stay at home as much as possible until this situation passes. Countries that have figured out how to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 have all enacted much stricter social distancing measures than we are experiencing here in California.

• If you do go out, act as if you and everyone you encounter out on the trails has the virus (even if you both feel healthy!)

  • Give plenty of room (at least 6 feet), wash your hands frequently, and bring hand sanitizer with you on rides just in case you need it.

• Bring a mask when you're out, and wear one when passing others on the trails.

  • Take this extra precaution to keep yourself and fellow trail users safe!

• Do not drive to a riding location, and respect local stay-at-home orders.

  • The entire Bay Area is in a stay-at-home order through the holidays. Now is not the time to drive to Santa Cruz for a day out on the trails.
  • Following California guidelines, only drive across town for the absolute essentials! Car crashes are no joke, and driving to the trailhead is unacceptable right now, as automotive transport facilitates virus spread between communities. Get to know your local park, or explore new areas nearby home.

• Please, do not ride/hike/do anything in large groups, aim for solo activities as much as possible!

  • Gathering in a large group and hitting the trails increases the chance of virus transmission between members of your group as well as transmission to other trail users. As a large group, you create a bigger obstacle for other users and set a bad example for the outdoor community.
  • Tell your housemates your route, share your location with them on your phone and provide them with an expected return time if you are concerned for your safety when heading out for a solo ride.

• In the event that parks shut down, please respect closures

  • If closures do occur, they are for the best of our community’s health. Respect the experts here, and avoid closed areas at all times.

• Pick off-hours to ride, and avoid times of heavy traffic

  • If you do choose to enjoy the outdoors, pick a time when you believe there will be low traffic on the trails.
  • For example, riding at 2:00 p.m. on a Saturday is likely better than riding at 10:00 a.m.

• Keep rides short and conservative if you do choose to enjoy the trails

  • We know that injuring yourself is never the goal when enjoying the outdoors. That said, stay in your comfort zone and do not put unnecessary pressure on emergency services or our trails.
  • Our health system cannot support additional emergencies right now, and no one wants to be the one to distract medical resources from an ongoing pandemic.
  • Keep your rides short and sweet for the time being. Give others ample opportunity to enjoy the trails!

• Use the bathroom before your ride, and avoid snot rockets while on the trail

  • Many public restrooms are closed (they’re a huge vector for disease!), so do your business before hitting the trail.
  • No one wants to encounter your snot during their park visit, especially if it could cause transmission.

• Keep your dog on a leash

  • Dogs can be a vector for COVID-19, so keep your pup on a leash while enjoying the trails!

• Stock up on water before you hit the trails, do not share food or tools

  • Avoid using public water fountains (they're another vector), and make sure your bottles are filled before heading out the door.
  • This isn't time to swap snacks or share gear. Keep your tools to yourself, and if you absolutely must help someone out, sanitize tools before and after use.

• Give people the space and time they need to use the trail safely

  • Slow down more than usual, and give fellow trail users more room than you may normally give should you need to pass.
  • Now is a time to prioritize the experience of others. Keep trail interactions safe, kind and respectful.

• Speak up if others are not following these recommendations! Share this knowledge.

  • If you encounter a group of folks shuttling or disrespecting social distances, say something to them in a respectful and informative way.
  • We’re in this together and need to hold one another accountable.

CA State Parks has some great guidelines for park use during this time. Check 'em out!

What’s at risk if trails aren’t respected during this time:

• Access to public spaces

  • • Our access to outdoor spaces is a privilege, not a right.
    • Widespread closures occurred earlier this year due to overcrowding, and they could happen again if trail use guidelines are not respected.

• Health of you and your loved ones

  • This virus travels in clusters, meaning once one a member of a household is infected, it is likely to infect other members. The best way to stay healthy is to stay home or ride/hike alone.

Please remember - your choices have consequences! We know that times are hard right now, but please take the time to slow down and think through the way you use trails and interact with others during this time.