The San Mateo County Parks Department will reopen trails in 13 of its 23 parks on Monday, May 4, the County announced Tuesday. The trails have been closed since March 27 as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parks slated to open include Edgewood, Huddart, Wunderlich, San Pedro Valley, Quarry, Pillar Point Bluff, San Bruno Mountain, Junipero Serra Park, and Pescadero Creek. The segment of the Bay Trail that goes through Coyote Point Recreation Area will be accessible, but the park will remain closed, according to the County. Ralston Bike Trail, which crosses over Highway 280 and connects bicyclist to Canada Road, will also reopen.
However, playgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds, fields, visitor centers, and some restrooms and parking lots will remain closed.
To prevent congestion, the department will transition some single-track trails to one-direction routes, open a limited number of parking lots, prohibit road parking, and keep some trails closed to bikes. Dogs must be on leash in parks and trails where dog walking is allowed.
Crystal Springs Regional Trail will reopen, but only to foot traffic for now. Bicycles won’t be allowed on the 15-mile trail due to the trail’s popularity.
“Visitors will be required to hike single file on narrow trails, keep six feet apart from others, not congregate with people who aren’t from their household, and carry face coverings,” the department said.
Additional parks will be opened in phases and based on factors that include “visitor compliance with rules, the department’s ability to secure adequate cleaning and protective supplies for staff, and orders issued by the county’s health officer,” the parks department said.
For a complete list of parks, parking lots, and restrooms scheduled to open May 4, visit SMCoParks.org.
