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"slug": "winter-cabins-to-rent-near-san-francisco-bay-area-tahoe-mendocino-sonoma",
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"content": "\u003cp>At this time of year, when the holidays have passed, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069084/bay-area-faces-first-ever-extreme-cold-warning-as-temperatures-plunge-overnight\">cold weather still endures\u003c/a>, you may be craving a cozy cabin getaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, one look at Airbnb and VRBO prices often reveals that your average “winter wonderland cabin” \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064955/is-it-possible-to-ski-tahoe-without-spending-a-fortune\">might not be in your budget\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But here’s the deal: If you’re willing to embrace adventure and rough it in a more primitive-style lodging, you’ll find some pretty unique, scenic \u003cem>and \u003c/em>affordable options when it comes to winter cabins. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and willingness to go off the beaten path.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re seeking an adventurous outing to the Sierra Nevada backcountry or an unplugged retreat in Wine Country, we did the research on lower-cost winter cabins so you don’t have to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be aware: Most of these cabins have no electricity and few amenities — including cell service — which is, of course, part of the point. So roll up with your most intrepid friends and any luxuries you might want with you, and embrace the quiet of a cozy weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Agetawayintheredwoods\">A getaway in the redwoods\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#AsummitstayinTahoe\">A summit stay in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Anoceansidehostel\">An oceanside hostel\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Soak in Sonoma County with a lakeside retreat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a still-accessible, slightly off-the-grid experience, \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Lake Regional Park\u003c/a> in Sonoma County might be the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located along Spring Lake in Santa Rosa, the park has \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/camping/cabins\">three cabins\u003c/a> — one of which is fully wheelchair accessible — for a winter escape that’ll get you out of your house and in nature without \u003cem>too \u003c/em>much adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sarah Campbell, spokesperson for Sonoma County Regional Parks, said its proximity to the city of Santa Rosa makes it easy to visit without much advanced planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073401\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cabin for rent at Sonoma’s Spring Lake. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s a great overnight because you get your groceries on the way, it doesn’t take long to get there, and you’ve got all that time to spend in the park enjoying, relaxing, or doing whatever activity that you’re choosing to do,” she said. “Just because it is so centrally located.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cabins are “minimal” on the inside, Campbell said, with bunk beds and basic mattresses, a porch, barbecue, fire pit and picnic table so you can feel like you’re camping — don’t forget a sleeping bag and pillow — but still have a roof over your head. Plus, campground showers and potable water are accessible nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it can rain quite a bit in the winter here, temperatures are mild – helpful in these unheated cabins. Plus, there’s plenty to keep you occupied nearby, from the \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/environmental-discovery-center\">Environmental Discovery Center\u003c/a> open on weekends to ample fishing and birdwatching along the lake, lagoon and \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Creek Trail\u003c/a>, which is paved and circumnavigates the lake for a mostly flat 2.3 miles. For kids, the Howard Park playground is a short walk away from the cabins, Campbell noted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for even more adventure, the park also abuts \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480\">Trione-Annadel State Park\u003c/a>, where you can get lost in 45 miles of trails — but be aware, it can get muddy in the winter and spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals are typically $82 per night in the winter, accommodating up to 8 people and two vehicles per site. \u003ca href=\"https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/spring-lake/cabins/\">Reservations can be made here\u003c/a>. Discounts are available for Sonoma County residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Agetawayintheredwoods\">\u003c/a>Relax in the redwoods — inside a state park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several nearby state parks, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438\">Hendy Woods\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a>, have idyllic cabins nestled in the redwoods. The catch? They get booked up quickly, so it may be hard to snag a weekend reservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you can take a day off during the week itself — or even just go out for a quick overnight stay — these spots are worth it for the cozy atmosphere alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Mendocino County’s Hendy Woods State Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#B\">the four cabins \u003c/a>are located inside the two main campgrounds between the two groves of old-growth redwood trees, where you can meander among ancient giants, some as big as 300 feet tall. [aside postID=news_12044161 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/inntown-3-2000x1333.jpg']There are five miles of trails throughout the park, including the accessible \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hendy-woods-discovery-trail\">1.4-mile Discovery Trail\u003c/a>, which is an easy stroll that tours you through the main grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Closer to San Francisco, Marin County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28538\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a> State Park boasts four cabins, each accommodating five people. This park’s location makes it the perfect quick overnight to get away from the city, especially if you’re planning to explore nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the cabins at both state parks have electricity, covered porches and even small heaters – but every spot is different, so be sure to check your reservation ahead of time. At both state parks, potable water, showers and bathrooms are available in the campgrounds. Bring sleeping bags \u003cem>and \u003c/em>sleeping pads (as no mattresses are provided), and any kitchen supplies you might want for cooking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals at Hendy Woods and Samuel P. Taylor range from $35 to $100 per night and can be made at \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>. Be aware that most cabin sites are booked up on weekends, so consider a midweek reservation if you can swing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"AsummitstayinTahoe\">\u003c/a>Explore the snow at Tahoe’s front and backcountry cabins\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your cabin adventure is incomplete without the lure of snow, look no further than the Sierra Club lodges around Tahoe’s Donner Summit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most accessible option here is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/rustic-accommodations/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge\u003c/a>, located in Norden just off Highway 80 near Boreal Resort, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl Resorts. This bunk-style lodge, which dates from the 1930s, offers communal dining and a rustic feel, plus options for bagged lunches if you’re heading to the slopes for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you don’t have to be a resort skier to get the most out of the stay — the lodge rents snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds for any snowy outing. What’s more, there’s a quiet library to unwind after a long day in the cold, said Andrew Parkhill, the lodge’s general manager.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073403\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073403\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Peter Grubb hut, one of the Sierra Club’s primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Hipcamp/Sierra Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s really a great option for people that are looking to do something different and be in the mountains, sharing the camaraderie of what the mountains bring,” Parkhill said. “Whether that’s a beautiful view, or watching the snow fall or having a great day on the hill — be it snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing — and just coming back and talking about it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeking even more adventure? The Sierra Club also has primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry that are accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Perhaps the easiest to get to is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/peter-grubb-hut/\">Peter Grubb Hut\u003c/a>, which is around a 3-mile hike from I-80. But before you book, make sure you’re seriously prepared: not only are these huts unstaffed, with not much in the way of amenities, but they also require expertise in traveling on snow to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re ready for the challenge, the juice may be worth the squeeze. Akin to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">winter backpacking\u003c/a> — just with an added roof over your head — the reward for your trek is a remote ski lodge with a wood-burning stove, an outhouse and all the new adventure friends you’ll meet once you get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>The huts and lodge can be booked on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge website\u003c/a> or, starting this week, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/collections/camping/sierra-club\">Hipcamp.com\u003c/a>. Spots are $82 per person per night in the lodge and $55 in the Peter Grubb or any other backcountry hut.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Anoceansidehostel\">\u003c/a>Overlook the ocean from a unique hostel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Looking for a getaway with ocean vibes and views? While the Bay Area’s two lighthouse hostels aren’t your \u003cem>typical \u003c/em>cabin experiences, they’re utterly unique and charming in their own way — and will surely get you out of your midwinter funk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by the same hostel company, \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">HI Point Montara Lighthouse\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> not only have their own grounds to explore, but are close to some of the Bay Area’s wildest stretches of coastline.[aside postID=news_12066608 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251209-SNOWY-TAHOE-CS-KQED.jpg']The \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">Montara location\u003c/a> is less than a half an hour south of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Across Highway 1 is \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/montara-mountain-north-peak-loop-trail\">Montara Mountain\u003c/a>, a steep but superb local hike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beaches flank the entire area, and just to the south is \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/seal-cove-cypress-tree-tunnel-moss-beach\">the famed cypress tree tunnel\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/fitzgerald-marine-reserve\">Fitzgerald Marine Reserve\u003c/a>, the ideal winter tidepooling spot. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/news/be-know-you-go-tide-pooling\">Just be sure to read the rules before you go\u003c/a> to keep yourself — and all the local wildlife — safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther south, near the rural coastal town of Pescadero, is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> location. Be aware: Construction at the lighthouse is currently underway, making this location a bit less serene at the moment during the daytime hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it has its own allure, the highlight of which is a cliffside hot tub and daily guided hikes of the state park. You’re also close by to the elephant seal overlook at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> and Pescadero’s quaint downtown, where a stop at \u003ca href=\"https://www.normsmarket.com/\">Arcangeli’s\u003c/a> for artichoke bread and \u003ca href=\"https://www.harleyfarms.com/\">Harley Farms\u003c/a> to see the dairy goats are must-dos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Book a private or shared room \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/\">online\u003c/a> for $50 per person in shared dorms. In general, private rooms do not include kitchen access. Shared rooms grant access to common kitchen and living areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "If you’re down for adventure — and to bring your own bedding — these primitive cabins offer a wallet-friendly winter getaway.",
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"title": "How to Do a Cozy Winter Cabin Getaway Near the Bay Area — on a Budget | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>At this time of year, when the holidays have passed, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069084/bay-area-faces-first-ever-extreme-cold-warning-as-temperatures-plunge-overnight\">cold weather still endures\u003c/a>, you may be craving a cozy cabin getaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, one look at Airbnb and VRBO prices often reveals that your average “winter wonderland cabin” \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064955/is-it-possible-to-ski-tahoe-without-spending-a-fortune\">might not be in your budget\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But here’s the deal: If you’re willing to embrace adventure and rough it in a more primitive-style lodging, you’ll find some pretty unique, scenic \u003cem>and \u003c/em>affordable options when it comes to winter cabins. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and willingness to go off the beaten path.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re seeking an adventurous outing to the Sierra Nevada backcountry or an unplugged retreat in Wine Country, we did the research on lower-cost winter cabins so you don’t have to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be aware: Most of these cabins have no electricity and few amenities — including cell service — which is, of course, part of the point. So roll up with your most intrepid friends and any luxuries you might want with you, and embrace the quiet of a cozy weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Agetawayintheredwoods\">A getaway in the redwoods\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#AsummitstayinTahoe\">A summit stay in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Anoceansidehostel\">An oceanside hostel\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Soak in Sonoma County with a lakeside retreat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a still-accessible, slightly off-the-grid experience, \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Lake Regional Park\u003c/a> in Sonoma County might be the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located along Spring Lake in Santa Rosa, the park has \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/camping/cabins\">three cabins\u003c/a> — one of which is fully wheelchair accessible — for a winter escape that’ll get you out of your house and in nature without \u003cem>too \u003c/em>much adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sarah Campbell, spokesperson for Sonoma County Regional Parks, said its proximity to the city of Santa Rosa makes it easy to visit without much advanced planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073401\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cabin for rent at Sonoma’s Spring Lake. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s a great overnight because you get your groceries on the way, it doesn’t take long to get there, and you’ve got all that time to spend in the park enjoying, relaxing, or doing whatever activity that you’re choosing to do,” she said. “Just because it is so centrally located.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cabins are “minimal” on the inside, Campbell said, with bunk beds and basic mattresses, a porch, barbecue, fire pit and picnic table so you can feel like you’re camping — don’t forget a sleeping bag and pillow — but still have a roof over your head. Plus, campground showers and potable water are accessible nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it can rain quite a bit in the winter here, temperatures are mild – helpful in these unheated cabins. Plus, there’s plenty to keep you occupied nearby, from the \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/environmental-discovery-center\">Environmental Discovery Center\u003c/a> open on weekends to ample fishing and birdwatching along the lake, lagoon and \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Creek Trail\u003c/a>, which is paved and circumnavigates the lake for a mostly flat 2.3 miles. For kids, the Howard Park playground is a short walk away from the cabins, Campbell noted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for even more adventure, the park also abuts \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480\">Trione-Annadel State Park\u003c/a>, where you can get lost in 45 miles of trails — but be aware, it can get muddy in the winter and spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals are typically $82 per night in the winter, accommodating up to 8 people and two vehicles per site. \u003ca href=\"https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/spring-lake/cabins/\">Reservations can be made here\u003c/a>. Discounts are available for Sonoma County residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Agetawayintheredwoods\">\u003c/a>Relax in the redwoods — inside a state park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several nearby state parks, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438\">Hendy Woods\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a>, have idyllic cabins nestled in the redwoods. The catch? They get booked up quickly, so it may be hard to snag a weekend reservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you can take a day off during the week itself — or even just go out for a quick overnight stay — these spots are worth it for the cozy atmosphere alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Mendocino County’s Hendy Woods State Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#B\">the four cabins \u003c/a>are located inside the two main campgrounds between the two groves of old-growth redwood trees, where you can meander among ancient giants, some as big as 300 feet tall. \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>There are five miles of trails throughout the park, including the accessible \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hendy-woods-discovery-trail\">1.4-mile Discovery Trail\u003c/a>, which is an easy stroll that tours you through the main grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Closer to San Francisco, Marin County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28538\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a> State Park boasts four cabins, each accommodating five people. This park’s location makes it the perfect quick overnight to get away from the city, especially if you’re planning to explore nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the cabins at both state parks have electricity, covered porches and even small heaters – but every spot is different, so be sure to check your reservation ahead of time. At both state parks, potable water, showers and bathrooms are available in the campgrounds. Bring sleeping bags \u003cem>and \u003c/em>sleeping pads (as no mattresses are provided), and any kitchen supplies you might want for cooking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals at Hendy Woods and Samuel P. Taylor range from $35 to $100 per night and can be made at \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>. Be aware that most cabin sites are booked up on weekends, so consider a midweek reservation if you can swing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"AsummitstayinTahoe\">\u003c/a>Explore the snow at Tahoe’s front and backcountry cabins\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your cabin adventure is incomplete without the lure of snow, look no further than the Sierra Club lodges around Tahoe’s Donner Summit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most accessible option here is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/rustic-accommodations/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge\u003c/a>, located in Norden just off Highway 80 near Boreal Resort, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl Resorts. This bunk-style lodge, which dates from the 1930s, offers communal dining and a rustic feel, plus options for bagged lunches if you’re heading to the slopes for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you don’t have to be a resort skier to get the most out of the stay — the lodge rents snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds for any snowy outing. What’s more, there’s a quiet library to unwind after a long day in the cold, said Andrew Parkhill, the lodge’s general manager.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073403\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073403\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Peter Grubb hut, one of the Sierra Club’s primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Hipcamp/Sierra Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s really a great option for people that are looking to do something different and be in the mountains, sharing the camaraderie of what the mountains bring,” Parkhill said. “Whether that’s a beautiful view, or watching the snow fall or having a great day on the hill — be it snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing — and just coming back and talking about it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeking even more adventure? The Sierra Club also has primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry that are accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Perhaps the easiest to get to is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/peter-grubb-hut/\">Peter Grubb Hut\u003c/a>, which is around a 3-mile hike from I-80. But before you book, make sure you’re seriously prepared: not only are these huts unstaffed, with not much in the way of amenities, but they also require expertise in traveling on snow to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re ready for the challenge, the juice may be worth the squeeze. Akin to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">winter backpacking\u003c/a> — just with an added roof over your head — the reward for your trek is a remote ski lodge with a wood-burning stove, an outhouse and all the new adventure friends you’ll meet once you get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>The huts and lodge can be booked on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge website\u003c/a> or, starting this week, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/collections/camping/sierra-club\">Hipcamp.com\u003c/a>. Spots are $82 per person per night in the lodge and $55 in the Peter Grubb or any other backcountry hut.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Anoceansidehostel\">\u003c/a>Overlook the ocean from a unique hostel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Looking for a getaway with ocean vibes and views? While the Bay Area’s two lighthouse hostels aren’t your \u003cem>typical \u003c/em>cabin experiences, they’re utterly unique and charming in their own way — and will surely get you out of your midwinter funk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by the same hostel company, \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">HI Point Montara Lighthouse\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> not only have their own grounds to explore, but are close to some of the Bay Area’s wildest stretches of coastline.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">Montara location\u003c/a> is less than a half an hour south of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Across Highway 1 is \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/montara-mountain-north-peak-loop-trail\">Montara Mountain\u003c/a>, a steep but superb local hike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beaches flank the entire area, and just to the south is \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/seal-cove-cypress-tree-tunnel-moss-beach\">the famed cypress tree tunnel\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/fitzgerald-marine-reserve\">Fitzgerald Marine Reserve\u003c/a>, the ideal winter tidepooling spot. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/news/be-know-you-go-tide-pooling\">Just be sure to read the rules before you go\u003c/a> to keep yourself — and all the local wildlife — safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther south, near the rural coastal town of Pescadero, is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> location. Be aware: Construction at the lighthouse is currently underway, making this location a bit less serene at the moment during the daytime hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it has its own allure, the highlight of which is a cliffside hot tub and daily guided hikes of the state park. You’re also close by to the elephant seal overlook at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> and Pescadero’s quaint downtown, where a stop at \u003ca href=\"https://www.normsmarket.com/\">Arcangeli’s\u003c/a> for artichoke bread and \u003ca href=\"https://www.harleyfarms.com/\">Harley Farms\u003c/a> to see the dairy goats are must-dos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Book a private or shared room \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/\">online\u003c/a> for $50 per person in shared dorms. In general, private rooms do not include kitchen access. Shared rooms grant access to common kitchen and living areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Winter Rains Bring the Newts — and Here’s Where to See Them in the Bay Area",
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"content": "\u003cp>California newts \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996099/best-bay-area-hikes-for-spotting-banana-slugs-newts-and-ladybugs-after-the-rain\">\u003cem>love \u003c/em>the rain\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you want the best chance at spotting these slimy, compelling creatures on a Bay Area hiking trail, a rainy spell — just like the one we’re getting this weekend — is just what you want.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Migrating newts can be found at parks all over the Bay Area this season, but we’ve compiled a short list of roads and trails where you’ll have the best chance of spotting them either during or just after some rainy weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: If you see a newt out in the wild, don’t touch or handle the animals. Some species of newts secrete toxins that can be harmful if ingested. Simply observe the newt, and consider warning others to avoid stepping near or on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(And if you’d like to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000015/how-did-the-newt-cross-the-road-with-help-from-these-volunteers-carefully\"> volunteer to help ensure newts’ safe passage \u003c/a>during their migration season, we have information on that below, too.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Hikes to see newts in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East Bay: South Park Drive, Tilden Regional Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/annual-south-park-drive-closure-newt-migration-0\">South Park Drive\u003c/a> in Tilden Regional Park closes to cars between November and April to protect the migrating newts. That also means it’s a fantastic opportunity to see them while hiking in the rain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can park your car near the Botanic Gardens and walk uphill from there for just over a mile. The road is entirely paved, and you can stop for a rest at any of the picnic areas along the way — or cut off onto Tower Trail for some steeper off-road hiking. You’ll emerge near the top of Grizzly Peak, where the East Bay views are hard to beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073354\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073354\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">South Park Drive in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park is closed to cars all winter long while newts make their annual migrations, and hiking here on rainy days may give you the chance to see the animals. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Want to extend your hike? Before you return to your car, take a stroll around the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden/botanic-garden\">Botanic Gardens themselves,\u003c/a> where you can see native plants from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go\u003c/em>: There are still some areas of Wildcat Canyon Road open to cars where newts can be crossing, so drive with extra caution around the Botanic Garden area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you bring a dog, be sure to keep it away from the migrating newts. Parking is free at the gardens[aside postID=science_2000015 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2026/02/LEDE_Newt-Patrol-Newt_resized.jpg']\u003cstrong>Peninsula: Mindego Hill, Russian Ridge\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mindego-hill\">5-mile round-trip trail \u003c/a>will reward you with immense summit views and the potential for newt viewing during the rainy season — plus, you may even get lucky to spot native raptors like red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, Cooper’s hawks and golden eagles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The trail, part of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge\">Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve\u003c/a>, starts off Alpine Road on the Peninsula, just west of Skyline Boulevard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Following an old farm road, the trail is mostly exposed, so be sure to bring sun protection if you’re hiking \u003cem>after \u003c/em>the rains. Watch for newts underfoot once you start climbing the Mindego Hill itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go:\u003c/em> The Mindego Hill area can close due to high winds, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge#trail-closures\">check the website\u003c/a> before you head out. Parking is free at the preserve. Dogs are not allowed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>North Bay: Cataract Falls, Mount Tamalpais\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At its absolute best on a rainy day, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cataract-falls-trail\">Cataract Falls\u003c/a> is not just a flowing delight of a waterfall — it’s also a prime spot for newt-finding in the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The entire \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471&ref=homeexchange.fr\">Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a> is lush and dense after heavy rains. And this trail winds hikers uphill through the cozy forest, on wooden bridges across creeks and alongside picturesque pools, where wildlife abounds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073351\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073351\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California newt trying to cross Alma Bridge Road. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Annette Hertz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While the cascade meanders down the entire hillside, there are two main falls along the trail, and even a picnic area to take a break — which you may need, given much of this hike is up steep staircases. Keep your eyes peeled for newts underfoot and in the various pools of water where they may be bathing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go:\u003c/em> Parking fills up quickly from the bottom of the trail, so if you’re heading out during a peak weekend time, try parking at the top of the hill and hiking down from Laurel Dell Road. Parking on either side of the falls is free, but be sure to face your car the correct way on the side of the road to avoid a ticket. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to lend a helping hand to Bay Area newts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In Marin County, the volunteer-run \u003ca href=\"https://www.chilenovalleynewtbrigade.org/\">Chileno Valley Newt Brigade\u003c/a> has operated for seven years to monitor a 1-mile stretch of Chileno Valley Road near Laguna Lake, where newts must make the dangerous crossing twice each breeding season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073352\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1499\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized-1536x1151.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteers from Newt Patrol on their way to the assisted migration area. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Merav Vonshak)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re interested in volunteering with the Newt Brigade, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.chilenovalleynewtbrigade.org/volunteer\">sign up for training on their website\u003c/a>. Shifts, which are scheduled during newt breeding season from October through mid-March, are around two hours long and you’ll be asked to commit to one shift per week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to help out in a more casual way? The \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/\">Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/nature/newts\">advises \u003c/a>reporting your newt sightings and observations to community science projects like \u003ca href=\"https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/midpen-biodiversity-index\">iNaturalist\u003c/a>, which many organizations like Midpen use to track migrating species.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000015/how-did-the-newt-cross-the-road-with-help-from-these-volunteers-carefully\">Read more about volunteer efforts to save migrating newts.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/smohamad\">\u003cem>Sarah Mohamad\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed reporting to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>California newts \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996099/best-bay-area-hikes-for-spotting-banana-slugs-newts-and-ladybugs-after-the-rain\">\u003cem>love \u003c/em>the rain\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you want the best chance at spotting these slimy, compelling creatures on a Bay Area hiking trail, a rainy spell — just like the one we’re getting this weekend — is just what you want.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Migrating newts can be found at parks all over the Bay Area this season, but we’ve compiled a short list of roads and trails where you’ll have the best chance of spotting them either during or just after some rainy weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: If you see a newt out in the wild, don’t touch or handle the animals. Some species of newts secrete toxins that can be harmful if ingested. Simply observe the newt, and consider warning others to avoid stepping near or on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(And if you’d like to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000015/how-did-the-newt-cross-the-road-with-help-from-these-volunteers-carefully\"> volunteer to help ensure newts’ safe passage \u003c/a>during their migration season, we have information on that below, too.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Hikes to see newts in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East Bay: South Park Drive, Tilden Regional Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/annual-south-park-drive-closure-newt-migration-0\">South Park Drive\u003c/a> in Tilden Regional Park closes to cars between November and April to protect the migrating newts. That also means it’s a fantastic opportunity to see them while hiking in the rain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can park your car near the Botanic Gardens and walk uphill from there for just over a mile. The road is entirely paved, and you can stop for a rest at any of the picnic areas along the way — or cut off onto Tower Trail for some steeper off-road hiking. You’ll emerge near the top of Grizzly Peak, where the East Bay views are hard to beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073354\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073354\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/1_IMG_3849_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">South Park Drive in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park is closed to cars all winter long while newts make their annual migrations, and hiking here on rainy days may give you the chance to see the animals. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Want to extend your hike? Before you return to your car, take a stroll around the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden/botanic-garden\">Botanic Gardens themselves,\u003c/a> where you can see native plants from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go\u003c/em>: There are still some areas of Wildcat Canyon Road open to cars where newts can be crossing, so drive with extra caution around the Botanic Garden area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you bring a dog, be sure to keep it away from the migrating newts. Parking is free at the gardens\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Peninsula: Mindego Hill, Russian Ridge\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mindego-hill\">5-mile round-trip trail \u003c/a>will reward you with immense summit views and the potential for newt viewing during the rainy season — plus, you may even get lucky to spot native raptors like red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, Cooper’s hawks and golden eagles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The trail, part of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge\">Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve\u003c/a>, starts off Alpine Road on the Peninsula, just west of Skyline Boulevard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Following an old farm road, the trail is mostly exposed, so be sure to bring sun protection if you’re hiking \u003cem>after \u003c/em>the rains. Watch for newts underfoot once you start climbing the Mindego Hill itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go:\u003c/em> The Mindego Hill area can close due to high winds, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge#trail-closures\">check the website\u003c/a> before you head out. Parking is free at the preserve. Dogs are not allowed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>North Bay: Cataract Falls, Mount Tamalpais\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At its absolute best on a rainy day, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cataract-falls-trail\">Cataract Falls\u003c/a> is not just a flowing delight of a waterfall — it’s also a prime spot for newt-finding in the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The entire \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471&ref=homeexchange.fr\">Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a> is lush and dense after heavy rains. And this trail winds hikers uphill through the cozy forest, on wooden bridges across creeks and alongside picturesque pools, where wildlife abounds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073351\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073351\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/2_IMG_4293_resized-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California newt trying to cross Alma Bridge Road. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Annette Hertz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While the cascade meanders down the entire hillside, there are two main falls along the trail, and even a picnic area to take a break — which you may need, given much of this hike is up steep staircases. Keep your eyes peeled for newts underfoot and in the various pools of water where they may be bathing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Know before you go:\u003c/em> Parking fills up quickly from the bottom of the trail, so if you’re heading out during a peak weekend time, try parking at the top of the hill and hiking down from Laurel Dell Road. Parking on either side of the falls is free, but be sure to face your car the correct way on the side of the road to avoid a ticket. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to lend a helping hand to Bay Area newts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In Marin County, the volunteer-run \u003ca href=\"https://www.chilenovalleynewtbrigade.org/\">Chileno Valley Newt Brigade\u003c/a> has operated for seven years to monitor a 1-mile stretch of Chileno Valley Road near Laguna Lake, where newts must make the dangerous crossing twice each breeding season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073352\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1499\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/3_Newt-Patrol-Volunteers_resized-1536x1151.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteers from Newt Patrol on their way to the assisted migration area. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Merav Vonshak)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re interested in volunteering with the Newt Brigade, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.chilenovalleynewtbrigade.org/volunteer\">sign up for training on their website\u003c/a>. Shifts, which are scheduled during newt breeding season from October through mid-March, are around two hours long and you’ll be asked to commit to one shift per week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to help out in a more casual way? The \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/\">Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/nature/newts\">advises \u003c/a>reporting your newt sightings and observations to community science projects like \u003ca href=\"https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/midpen-biodiversity-index\">iNaturalist\u003c/a>, which many organizations like Midpen use to track migrating species.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000015/how-did-the-newt-cross-the-road-with-help-from-these-volunteers-carefully\">Read more about volunteer efforts to save migrating newts.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/smohamad\">\u003cem>Sarah Mohamad\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed reporting to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Entry to more than 200 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/california-state-parks\">California state parks\u003c/a> will be \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769\">free\u003c/a> on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 97th legacy and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/16/governor-newsom-announces-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-on-mlk-day-as-trump-swaps-the-free-day-for-his-birthday-and-whitewashes-civil-rights-history-from-national-pa/\">announcement on\u003c/a> Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom described the decision as a challenge to President Donald Trump’s move earlier this year to eliminate MLK Day and add Flag Day — Trump’s birthday — to the list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">fee-free days at national parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased. I’m encouraging all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.” Newsom wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find a full list of participating parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769\">here\u003c/a> — they’re the same ones that accept the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Library Parks Pass\u003c/a> all year long. And, if you need some ideas for state parks to visit on Monday, \u003ca href=\"#heresahandylist\"> here’s a handy list.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the release, the California State Parks Foundation, which also supports the library pass, is funding the fee-free day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Free entry days like MLK Day and programs like the Library Parks Pass help ensure that cost is never a barrier to experiencing California’s state parks,” Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Historic cars and barn of the Mt Tamalpais Gravity Railroad, Mill Valley, California, May 3, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The move is Newsom’s latest to position himself at odds with the president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The contrast couldn’t be sharper,” the release reads, “between Newsom’s commitment to make parks accessible and the Trump administration’s policies.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom specifically called out new Trump-era policies that charge\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\"> foreigners extra to access national parks\u003c/a> and require ID checks, which the governor said run contrary to King’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light,” Newsom said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"heresahandylist\">\u003c/a> Which fee-free California state parks should I visit?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Need some ideas for which California state parks to visit on Monday? We’ve got you covered:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>North Bay:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>China Camp State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Angel Island State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Samuel P Taylor State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tomales Bay State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Oolompali State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>East Bay:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>McLaughlin Eastshore State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mount Diablo State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lake Del Valle\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Peninsula:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Montara State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Pacifica State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portola Redwoods State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Burleigh H. Murray Ranch\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Entry to more than 200 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/california-state-parks\">California state parks\u003c/a> will be \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769\">free\u003c/a> on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 97th legacy and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/16/governor-newsom-announces-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-on-mlk-day-as-trump-swaps-the-free-day-for-his-birthday-and-whitewashes-civil-rights-history-from-national-pa/\">announcement on\u003c/a> Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom described the decision as a challenge to President Donald Trump’s move earlier this year to eliminate MLK Day and add Flag Day — Trump’s birthday — to the list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">fee-free days at national parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased. I’m encouraging all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.” Newsom wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find a full list of participating parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769\">here\u003c/a> — they’re the same ones that accept the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Library Parks Pass\u003c/a> all year long. And, if you need some ideas for state parks to visit on Monday, \u003ca href=\"#heresahandylist\"> here’s a handy list.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the release, the California State Parks Foundation, which also supports the library pass, is funding the fee-free day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Free entry days like MLK Day and programs like the Library Parks Pass help ensure that cost is never a barrier to experiencing California’s state parks,” Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2214255284-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Historic cars and barn of the Mt Tamalpais Gravity Railroad, Mill Valley, California, May 3, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The move is Newsom’s latest to position himself at odds with the president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The contrast couldn’t be sharper,” the release reads, “between Newsom’s commitment to make parks accessible and the Trump administration’s policies.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom specifically called out new Trump-era policies that charge\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\"> foreigners extra to access national parks\u003c/a> and require ID checks, which the governor said run contrary to King’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light,” Newsom said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"heresahandylist\">\u003c/a> Which fee-free California state parks should I visit?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Need some ideas for which California state parks to visit on Monday? We’ve got you covered:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>North Bay:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>China Camp State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Angel Island State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Samuel P Taylor State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tomales Bay State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Oolompali State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>East Bay:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>McLaughlin Eastshore State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mount Diablo State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lake Del Valle\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Peninsula:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Montara State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Pacifica State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portola Redwoods State Park\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Burleigh H. Murray Ranch\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Trying to Make a Camping Reservation, but Your ReserveCalifornia Login Won’t Work? Here’s the Fix",
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"content": "\u003cp>An upgrade to the website used to make camping reservations within California State Parks may have you locked out of your account — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">just as highly-sought-after campsites are being released for the summer. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The overhaul, which happened in late October of last year, requires anyone who had a ReserveCalifornia account before the change to reauthenticate their account before making any camping reservations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means if you’re planning on logging on at 8 a.m. to snag a campsite for a busy summer weekend, you may get caught in login troubles while other people are snapping up your top choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have a ReserveCalifornia account, keep reading for step-by-step instructions on what to do now — so you’ll be ready when summer reservations become available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatshouldpeoplewithexistingReserveCaliforniaaccountsdo\">What should people with existing ReserveCalifornia accounts do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Whataboutthosewhoneverhadanaccount\">What about those who never had an account?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What happened to the California State Parks reservation website?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 29, 2025, the \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/\">ReserveCalifornia website\u003c/a>, which California State Parks uses to help visitors book campsites and other park amenities, underwent a system upgrade, said Adeline Yee, a spokesperson for the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That upgrade helped improve the system’s operations and incorporated multi-factor authentication for users, requiring anyone trying to log into an account to provide a code sent to their email address to improve system security.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069168\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12069168\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. \u003ccite>(George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>An email about the changes was sent to ReserveCalifornia account holders in advance of the Oct. 29 switchover, Yee said — but the initial instructions it contained for reauthenticating accounts, encouraging users to use a “Forgot Password?” link, didn’t actually work on the version of the website that went live on that date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The day after the update went live, Yee said, state parks added a banner alert to ReserveCalifornia with updated login directions – which now required even existing account-holders to hit “Create Account” to reauthenticate their details.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yee said while the update affected all 1.2 million ReserveCalifornia accounts, only around 400,000 of those accounts have been active in the past two years. During the first five days after the update, the ReserveCalifornia customer service line saw a 30% increase in calls and emails, Yee said — around 300 more inquiries per day than normal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“State Parks apologizes for the confusion and inconvenience and will work with ReserveCalifornia so future website updates and account enhancements go smoother,” Yee said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatshouldpeoplewithexistingReserveCaliforniaaccountsdo\">\u003c/a>I have a ReserveCalifornia account, and I want to reserve a state parks campsite soon. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. Your account is still active, and your reservation and account history haven’t been lost — so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#F\">if you were signed up for the lottery of a must-have spot like the Steep Ravine Cabins\u003c/a>, you’re still on the list.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you will have to go through a couple of steps to log back in – and it may take a few minutes, so it’s best to do it \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you’re racing others to get a prime camping spot this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069170\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12069170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1311\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2-1536x1007.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Campsites are filled at Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, on June 29, 2010. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How to reauthenticate and reactivate your ReserveCalifornia account:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go to “Log In/Sign Up” on the top right of \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and click the “Create an Account” link.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, use the same email address of your existing account, and re-set up your profile. You can use the password you previously used for your ReserveCalifornia account, or create a new one.[aside postID=news_11973183 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/GettyImages-531284647-1020x680.jpg']Once you do so, your new ReserveCalifornia account should be automatically linked to your old one, Yee said — and you’ll be immediately able to make campsite reservations once more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you got an email or searched the web and got different instructions, like those saying to hit the “Forgot Password” button — ignore those.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re still having trouble or are stuck in password reset purgatory, try refreshing the page and starting over — or call ReserveCalifornia between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. PST at 800-444-7275.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Whataboutthosewhoneverhadanaccount\">\u003c/a>I’m new to ReserveCalifornia. What should I know?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>New account users shouldn’t have any issues. Simply \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/\">go to ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, hit the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner and create a new account.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you know the reservation policies at state parks, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">as they’ve just changed this year\u003c/a> — and make canceling campsites more costly in an effort to keep more reservations open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you should know that campsite and cabin reservations open up to six months in advance at 8 a.m., so if you have big summer plans to get out into the wilderness, you may want to check now for availability. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">Read our full guide on how to snag desirable California campsites for summer 2026\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>An upgrade to the website used to make camping reservations within California State Parks may have you locked out of your account — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">just as highly-sought-after campsites are being released for the summer. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The overhaul, which happened in late October of last year, requires anyone who had a ReserveCalifornia account before the change to reauthenticate their account before making any camping reservations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means if you’re planning on logging on at 8 a.m. to snag a campsite for a busy summer weekend, you may get caught in login troubles while other people are snapping up your top choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have a ReserveCalifornia account, keep reading for step-by-step instructions on what to do now — so you’ll be ready when summer reservations become available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatshouldpeoplewithexistingReserveCaliforniaaccountsdo\">What should people with existing ReserveCalifornia accounts do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Whataboutthosewhoneverhadanaccount\">What about those who never had an account?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What happened to the California State Parks reservation website?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 29, 2025, the \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/\">ReserveCalifornia website\u003c/a>, which California State Parks uses to help visitors book campsites and other park amenities, underwent a system upgrade, said Adeline Yee, a spokesperson for the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That upgrade helped improve the system’s operations and incorporated multi-factor authentication for users, requiring anyone trying to log into an account to provide a code sent to their email address to improve system security.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069168\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12069168\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. \u003ccite>(George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>An email about the changes was sent to ReserveCalifornia account holders in advance of the Oct. 29 switchover, Yee said — but the initial instructions it contained for reauthenticating accounts, encouraging users to use a “Forgot Password?” link, didn’t actually work on the version of the website that went live on that date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The day after the update went live, Yee said, state parks added a banner alert to ReserveCalifornia with updated login directions – which now required even existing account-holders to hit “Create Account” to reauthenticate their details.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yee said while the update affected all 1.2 million ReserveCalifornia accounts, only around 400,000 of those accounts have been active in the past two years. During the first five days after the update, the ReserveCalifornia customer service line saw a 30% increase in calls and emails, Yee said — around 300 more inquiries per day than normal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“State Parks apologizes for the confusion and inconvenience and will work with ReserveCalifornia so future website updates and account enhancements go smoother,” Yee said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatshouldpeoplewithexistingReserveCaliforniaaccountsdo\">\u003c/a>I have a ReserveCalifornia account, and I want to reserve a state parks campsite soon. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. Your account is still active, and your reservation and account history haven’t been lost — so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#F\">if you were signed up for the lottery of a must-have spot like the Steep Ravine Cabins\u003c/a>, you’re still on the list.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you will have to go through a couple of steps to log back in – and it may take a few minutes, so it’s best to do it \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you’re racing others to get a prime camping spot this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069170\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12069170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1311\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty2-1536x1007.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Campsites are filled at Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, on June 29, 2010. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How to reauthenticate and reactivate your ReserveCalifornia account:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go to “Log In/Sign Up” on the top right of \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and click the “Create an Account” link.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, use the same email address of your existing account, and re-set up your profile. You can use the password you previously used for your ReserveCalifornia account, or create a new one.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Once you do so, your new ReserveCalifornia account should be automatically linked to your old one, Yee said — and you’ll be immediately able to make campsite reservations once more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you got an email or searched the web and got different instructions, like those saying to hit the “Forgot Password” button — ignore those.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re still having trouble or are stuck in password reset purgatory, try refreshing the page and starting over — or call ReserveCalifornia between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. PST at 800-444-7275.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Whataboutthosewhoneverhadanaccount\">\u003c/a>I’m new to ReserveCalifornia. What should I know?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>New account users shouldn’t have any issues. Simply \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/\">go to ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, hit the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner and create a new account.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you know the reservation policies at state parks, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">as they’ve just changed this year\u003c/a> — and make canceling campsites more costly in an effort to keep more reservations open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you should know that campsite and cabin reservations open up to six months in advance at 8 a.m., so if you have big summer plans to get out into the wilderness, you may want to check now for availability. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973183/want-to-go-camping-near-the-bay-area-this-summer-make-your-reservations-now\">Read our full guide on how to snag desirable California campsites for summer 2026\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system",
"title": "‘A Morale Bomb’: National Park Workers Face Wage Cuts and 'Dubiously Legal' Review System",
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"headTitle": "‘A Morale Bomb’: National Park Workers Face Wage Cuts and ‘Dubiously Legal’ Review System | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>As National Park Service leaders grapple with\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12054083/yosemite-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-workers-unionize-amid-fears-of-further-firings\"> reduced staffing\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065920/trump-orders-dei-out-of-national-park-bookstores\">restrictive, ideological policies\u003c/a>, maintenance workers at Yosemite National Park are now also facing a pay cut in 2026 that could reduce hourly wages by as much as $3.50 for some positions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s after the National Park Service told its staff that pay for newly hired or promoted employees will now be based on rates for the Fresno area, instead of Stockton, as they have been \u003ca href=\"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/05/13/E9-11193/prevailing-rate-systems-redefinition-of-the-fresno-and-stockton-ca-appropriated-fund-federal-wage\">for the last 16 years\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Federation of Federal Employees’ Local 465, which represents NPS employees at five national parks, including Yosemite, put out a press release this week saying workers were told of the wage change in late November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The move comes as park service leaders nationwide say they’re being told to make changes to employee reviews and performance ratings that they worry could influence future potential layoffs they fear are coming in the near future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Former national park employee Elizabeth Villano, a spokesperson for advocacy group Resistance Rangers, called the changes to the review process a “morale bomb” for workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re going to continue to push out qualified, passionate civil servants from their job,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060933\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12060933 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A National Park Service employee at Yosemite National Park, California, on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Any wage-grade employee, like maintenance workers for park facilities and trails, hired, promoted or changing positions as of Jan. 1, 2026, will have their pay changed — “a reduction,” the NFFE release said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One NPS employee who is also a NFFE union representative called the change a “slap in the face” for the hundreds of employees affected, many of whom commute one or even two hours into work and face steep costs of living in and around the Yosemite area. KQED has agreed not to publish the names of employees because they fear retribution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>National parks are still suffering from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/9551-staffing-crisis-at-national-parks-reaches-breaking-point-new-data-shows-24\">24% reduction\u003c/a> in their workforce. While the Department of the Interior has technically \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/document-library/human-resources-policy/memo-2025-lifting-may-2-2025-personnel-actions-freeze\">lifted\u003c/a> its hiring freeze, the NFFE is continuing to raise concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency-cost-efficiency-initiative/\">policies\u003c/a> promoting government efficiency, which have instructed parks to reduce their workforces.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The loss in pay and the pressure to fill gaps will likely result in added stress to the Yosemite [wage-grade] workers, lower retention, fewer opportunities for workers to detail into different positions to gain career experience, and slower overall park operations,” the release states.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, said that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management “created new locality areas for the Federal Wage System effective October 1,” which meant that “most wage system employees will see a pay increase under the new structure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A small number of locations, including Yosemite, will see a decrease based on the updated OPM tables,” said the DOI spokesperson. “We are coordinating with the Office of Human Capital to understand the impacts and to identify options that may help affected employees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regarding reviews within the parks system, the DOI said that “There is no percentage cap on [Employee Performance Appraisal Plan] ratings,” and that “consistent with OPM’s government-wide performance management guidance, we are working to normalize ratings across the agency. The goal of this effort is to ensure fair, consistent performance evaluations across all of our parks and programs.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Reviews an ‘insult to injury’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Currently underway at parks nationwide is a wider discussion about employee performance plans, whose drafting and implementation have been delayed all year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to several national park employees from across the country, NPS leadership has instructed them to abide by a new “quota” or “cap” on high performance ratings — currently issued on a one-to-five scale. Under the revised system, the employees say they’ve been told, only around 30% of employees appear to be allowed to get high ratings. Different parks have been given different numbers over the past week, Villano said, only adding to the confusion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11970738\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11970738\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/GettyImages-1846156476-scaled-e1759449061670.jpg\" alt=\"state parks\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A welcome sign is seen at the Yosemite National Park on Dec. 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The NPS employees say this mandate has essentially forced park leaders to artificially deflate their employees’ performance reviews — a move Villano said is akin to “asking employees and supervisors to lie.” She also called the action “dubiously legal” and potentially in violation of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-430/subpart-B/section-430.208\">federal code\u003c/a> that outlines how performance ratings must occur.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s them taking a dagger into the backs of everyone who’s been working overtime, crushing themselves just to keep the parks open, safe, accessible and the resources protected,” Villano said. “It feels like an insult to injury.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park superintendents, she said, were “told explicitly that the management of their park, no matter how above and beyond they were going, was a three, except for if they were managing more than one park, then they could maybe get a four,” Villano said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One park superintendent, who also asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation or firing, said by the time they got the new instructions, they had already sent out their initial performance reviews. Now, they’re being told to rescind and resubmit them because they didn’t conform to the new requirements, they said.[aside postID=news_12065920 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed.jpg']“Employees across the parks know what they would have gotten and are now going to get something different,” the superintendent said. “All of the park superintendents are having to carry the liability for this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also concerning is the potential “self-fulfilling prophecy” of giving mid-tier grades to most employees, said Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they know ahead of time that they’re gonna be rated as average … over time, that’s exactly what they’re gonna get,” Wade said. “It defies all good sense of leadership.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Villano said while there is no denying that the park service’s normal system of performance reviews is flawed, these changes have not been thought out or systematic, and she’s worried that low scores could be used to justify future layoffs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, according to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/11/agency-layoff-rules-get-overhaul-under-nearly-finalized-trump-administration-proposal/409706/\">report \u003c/a>from \u003cem>Government Executive\u003c/em>, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is set to propose new formulas for federal layoffs that would base decisions on the weighted sum of their three most recent performance ratings — rather than their time of service at the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the ethical and legal questions, the anonymous NPS employee and NFFE union representative said the Yosemite wage and performance review changes create a major morale issue for current workers, and are likely to deter prospective ones, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I can’t tell you how many people are looking for jobs actively outside the park,” they said. “It’s just not a winning deal right now to come work for the National Park Service, and that’s a sad thing to say about one of our most beloved institutions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12066876\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12066876\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A park ranger holds a map at the entrance to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Wade agreed, saying that even with the hiring freeze now lifted, the loss of a quarter of permanent positions at the NPS since January 2025 – in addition to reduced numbers of applicants to federal jobs and continued restrictions on hiring – he’s most worried about a coming “experience gap” at parks, and what that would mean for the future of these treasured landmarks..\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are being asked to do more with less,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response to the changes, Villano said park leaders and employees are organizing — the most coordination she’s seen since the February 2025 mass layoffs dubbed the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/02/25/national-park-service-layoffs-what-to-know/80234977007/\">Valentine’s Day massacre\u003c/a>.” She said some have even planned to unilaterally give out the same exact score to everyone so as not to deflate some and not others’ reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They took it a step too far this time by asking by asking us to turn on each other and tell each other that we’re doing bad work when day in and day out we know how deeply untrue that is,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Resistance Rangers, she said, is offering information and resources on how to respond, including instructions to help supervisors and employees create a paper trail of how their ratings may be changing and what options they may have, including refusing to sign new performance reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My message to rangers right now is that even just showing up to work when every single day you’re being told that your work doesn’t matter, and the agency you work for is slowly disintegrating around you — that in and of itself is heroic,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a community of rangers who are fighting together to make sure that your work doesn’t go unappreciated and unrewarded.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Wage cuts announced for Yosemite National Park employees come as reported new performance metrics raise ethical alarms for National Park Service leaders and employees.\r\n",
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"title": "‘A Morale Bomb’: National Park Workers Face Wage Cuts and 'Dubiously Legal' Review System | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As National Park Service leaders grapple with\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12054083/yosemite-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-workers-unionize-amid-fears-of-further-firings\"> reduced staffing\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065920/trump-orders-dei-out-of-national-park-bookstores\">restrictive, ideological policies\u003c/a>, maintenance workers at Yosemite National Park are now also facing a pay cut in 2026 that could reduce hourly wages by as much as $3.50 for some positions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s after the National Park Service told its staff that pay for newly hired or promoted employees will now be based on rates for the Fresno area, instead of Stockton, as they have been \u003ca href=\"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/05/13/E9-11193/prevailing-rate-systems-redefinition-of-the-fresno-and-stockton-ca-appropriated-fund-federal-wage\">for the last 16 years\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Federation of Federal Employees’ Local 465, which represents NPS employees at five national parks, including Yosemite, put out a press release this week saying workers were told of the wage change in late November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The move comes as park service leaders nationwide say they’re being told to make changes to employee reviews and performance ratings that they worry could influence future potential layoffs they fear are coming in the near future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Former national park employee Elizabeth Villano, a spokesperson for advocacy group Resistance Rangers, called the changes to the review process a “morale bomb” for workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re going to continue to push out qualified, passionate civil servants from their job,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060933\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12060933 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A National Park Service employee at Yosemite National Park, California, on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Any wage-grade employee, like maintenance workers for park facilities and trails, hired, promoted or changing positions as of Jan. 1, 2026, will have their pay changed — “a reduction,” the NFFE release said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One NPS employee who is also a NFFE union representative called the change a “slap in the face” for the hundreds of employees affected, many of whom commute one or even two hours into work and face steep costs of living in and around the Yosemite area. KQED has agreed not to publish the names of employees because they fear retribution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>National parks are still suffering from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/9551-staffing-crisis-at-national-parks-reaches-breaking-point-new-data-shows-24\">24% reduction\u003c/a> in their workforce. While the Department of the Interior has technically \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/document-library/human-resources-policy/memo-2025-lifting-may-2-2025-personnel-actions-freeze\">lifted\u003c/a> its hiring freeze, the NFFE is continuing to raise concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency-cost-efficiency-initiative/\">policies\u003c/a> promoting government efficiency, which have instructed parks to reduce their workforces.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The loss in pay and the pressure to fill gaps will likely result in added stress to the Yosemite [wage-grade] workers, lower retention, fewer opportunities for workers to detail into different positions to gain career experience, and slower overall park operations,” the release states.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, said that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management “created new locality areas for the Federal Wage System effective October 1,” which meant that “most wage system employees will see a pay increase under the new structure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A small number of locations, including Yosemite, will see a decrease based on the updated OPM tables,” said the DOI spokesperson. “We are coordinating with the Office of Human Capital to understand the impacts and to identify options that may help affected employees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regarding reviews within the parks system, the DOI said that “There is no percentage cap on [Employee Performance Appraisal Plan] ratings,” and that “consistent with OPM’s government-wide performance management guidance, we are working to normalize ratings across the agency. The goal of this effort is to ensure fair, consistent performance evaluations across all of our parks and programs.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Reviews an ‘insult to injury’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Currently underway at parks nationwide is a wider discussion about employee performance plans, whose drafting and implementation have been delayed all year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to several national park employees from across the country, NPS leadership has instructed them to abide by a new “quota” or “cap” on high performance ratings — currently issued on a one-to-five scale. Under the revised system, the employees say they’ve been told, only around 30% of employees appear to be allowed to get high ratings. Different parks have been given different numbers over the past week, Villano said, only adding to the confusion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11970738\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11970738\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/GettyImages-1846156476-scaled-e1759449061670.jpg\" alt=\"state parks\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A welcome sign is seen at the Yosemite National Park on Dec. 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The NPS employees say this mandate has essentially forced park leaders to artificially deflate their employees’ performance reviews — a move Villano said is akin to “asking employees and supervisors to lie.” She also called the action “dubiously legal” and potentially in violation of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-430/subpart-B/section-430.208\">federal code\u003c/a> that outlines how performance ratings must occur.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s them taking a dagger into the backs of everyone who’s been working overtime, crushing themselves just to keep the parks open, safe, accessible and the resources protected,” Villano said. “It feels like an insult to injury.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park superintendents, she said, were “told explicitly that the management of their park, no matter how above and beyond they were going, was a three, except for if they were managing more than one park, then they could maybe get a four,” Villano said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One park superintendent, who also asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation or firing, said by the time they got the new instructions, they had already sent out their initial performance reviews. Now, they’re being told to rescind and resubmit them because they didn’t conform to the new requirements, they said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“Employees across the parks know what they would have gotten and are now going to get something different,” the superintendent said. “All of the park superintendents are having to carry the liability for this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also concerning is the potential “self-fulfilling prophecy” of giving mid-tier grades to most employees, said Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they know ahead of time that they’re gonna be rated as average … over time, that’s exactly what they’re gonna get,” Wade said. “It defies all good sense of leadership.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Villano said while there is no denying that the park service’s normal system of performance reviews is flawed, these changes have not been thought out or systematic, and she’s worried that low scores could be used to justify future layoffs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, according to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/11/agency-layoff-rules-get-overhaul-under-nearly-finalized-trump-administration-proposal/409706/\">report \u003c/a>from \u003cem>Government Executive\u003c/em>, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is set to propose new formulas for federal layoffs that would base decisions on the weighted sum of their three most recent performance ratings — rather than their time of service at the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the ethical and legal questions, the anonymous NPS employee and NFFE union representative said the Yosemite wage and performance review changes create a major morale issue for current workers, and are likely to deter prospective ones, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I can’t tell you how many people are looking for jobs actively outside the park,” they said. “It’s just not a winning deal right now to come work for the National Park Service, and that’s a sad thing to say about one of our most beloved institutions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12066876\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12066876\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251028-YosemiteShutdown-123-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A park ranger holds a map at the entrance to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Wade agreed, saying that even with the hiring freeze now lifted, the loss of a quarter of permanent positions at the NPS since January 2025 – in addition to reduced numbers of applicants to federal jobs and continued restrictions on hiring – he’s most worried about a coming “experience gap” at parks, and what that would mean for the future of these treasured landmarks..\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are being asked to do more with less,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response to the changes, Villano said park leaders and employees are organizing — the most coordination she’s seen since the February 2025 mass layoffs dubbed the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/02/25/national-park-service-layoffs-what-to-know/80234977007/\">Valentine’s Day massacre\u003c/a>.” She said some have even planned to unilaterally give out the same exact score to everyone so as not to deflate some and not others’ reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They took it a step too far this time by asking by asking us to turn on each other and tell each other that we’re doing bad work when day in and day out we know how deeply untrue that is,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Resistance Rangers, she said, is offering information and resources on how to respond, including instructions to help supervisors and employees create a paper trail of how their ratings may be changing and what options they may have, including refusing to sign new performance reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My message to rangers right now is that even just showing up to work when every single day you’re being told that your work doesn’t matter, and the agency you work for is slowly disintegrating around you — that in and of itself is heroic,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a community of rangers who are fighting together to make sure that your work doesn’t go unappreciated and unrewarded.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area",
"title": "Yes, Winter Camping Is Worth It — and Here’s Where to Go",
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"headTitle": "Yes, Winter Camping Is Worth It — and Here’s Where to Go | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Summer may be long over, but what if I told you that camping in the wintertime in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> can be just as magical as in the warmer months — or even more so?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you don’t even have to embark upon camping in snow, like you might be envisioning. While that’s certainly available if you want it, there are also a wealth of incredible campsites right here in the Bay Area — or close at hand — where the weather isn’t even all that cold in winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From firsthand experience, I can tell you that it doesn’t take much to convert your normal summer setup to a winter one — and it’s also much easier to get reservations to hard-to-get spots during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a lot of fun as long as you come prepared,” said Lillie Oravetz, a state park interpreter II at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. “You’re gonna get cold, but it’s really beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for tips from the experts, or jump straight to five great winter camping spots to start planning your winter excursion now. And remember: If you read this and the idea of pitching your tent in the colder months still doesn’t appeal, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur\">go glamping instead.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">Your winter camping equipment checklist\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">5 great winter campgrounds near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Expert tips on planning a successful winter camping trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: For warmer winter climates, head to the coast — but still check the weather forecast\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Therese Cools, park aide for \u003ca href=\"http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a>, said the Sonoma Coast can get some of its best weather in the winter, with blue skies overhead and less wind than usual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware: That area does get heavy rains starting in January, so don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Costanoa Lodge & Camp offers year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge & Camp)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If it’s raining heavily, it’s not a great place” for camping, Cools said, “But when there’s not a storm coming through, it’s beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>November is also crabbing season on the coast, so if you’d like a fresh catch, come this month. Or for a front seat for \u003ca href=\"https://www.bodegabay.com/tides/what-is-a-king-tide/\">California’s famed King Tides\u003c/a>, plan your trip for January, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wintertime isn’t the best for water sports, so unless you’re an expert, you may want to leave your surfboard at home and plan to stay out of the ocean altogether. But you should bring your binoculars, as there’s a wealth of seabirds and other wildlife to explore on the Sonoma Coast, many of which spend the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/451/files/SonomaCoastSPFinalWebLayout2017.pdf\">winter on the coast in large flocks.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Unless you’re ready for snow, avoid the mountains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading to higher ground, know it’s likely to snow. In Calaveras, which is 4,600 feet above sea level, “it’s pretty unpredictable when we will get snow,” Oravetz said — “but we can guarantee at \u003cem>some \u003c/em>point there’ll be snow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And conditions can change rapidly at high elevations, so don’t just check the weather once a few weeks out, Oravetz warned. Double check the forecast regularly, “a couple of days in advance” for a more accurate forecast, she cautioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget: No matter where you’re going, but especially if you are planning to go up high in elevation, be sure to check nighttime temperatures ahead of time and be prepared for below-freezing nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Make a plan — and a plan B\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rachel Borick, operations manager at private campground \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> on the San Mateo County coast, said her number one piece of advice for winter camping is: “Be prepared and always have a backup plan.”[aside postID=news_11972590 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/GettyImages-1358858502-1020x507.jpg']On the coast, that might mean preparing for heavy rains in the winter. In the mountains, you’ll need to prepare for snow and below-freezing conditions as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even “a rainy day spent in a tent with the right supplies can be more memorable than a perfectly sunny day on the trails,” she said. “Having an open mind and leaning in to what Mother Nature provides is vital.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know where you’re going and what you’re planning to do, but make sure you have other options in case your trailhead is no longer accessible — or if \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">winter weather makes travel downright unsafe\u003c/a>. Take note of towns with services like gas stations and hotels near your camping destination, just in case you need to bail on your plans outright and hunker down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget that many campgrounds and wilderness areas have no cellphone service — so in winter, it’s especially important to know your exit routes and bailout points ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Bring layers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No matter where you’re going, remember to bring waterproof and windproof gear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz went one step further and advised campers to come prepared for almost \u003cem>any \u003c/em>weather. “Sometimes it might snow, but then be pretty warm the next day, and we don’t want people to overheat,” she cautioned\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Low is the general manager at \u003ca href=\"https://www.club.urbandiversion.com/\">Club Urban Diversion,\u003c/a> a Bay Area-based social club that organizes all sorts of outdoor trips, including winter camping. Low said his winter packing list varies by location, but “no matter what the forecast is showing, you’re always going to want to pack some sort of rain gear,” he said. And don’t forget insulating layers to go underneath for warmth, too, urged Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Layers are the most efficient way to pack for winter camping “because it’s easy to either layer up to get warmer, or easy to take off layers to adjust your body heat to make sure that you’re not getting too warm or too cold,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064309\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1297\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-1536x1038.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A camper digs out a tent site from snow in the Sierra Nevada, on the Tahoe Rim Trail. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Brian Low)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Pack smart, and bring backup gear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz said starting in November, anyone traveling up to the higher elevations should bring chains for their car, “just in case.” That goes for extra fuel in your car, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You could come up for a couple of days here or go further up the mountain, and then a snowstorm comes in,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re parking on the side of the road and not at a campsite, be aware of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">potential avalanche areas\u003c/a> and snowplow routes. Low warned — you don’t want to return to your car only to find it buried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said some auto shops like Les Schwab even allow you to buy chains and return them at the end of the season for a full refund if you never end up using them. You can \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">check chain controls\u003c/a> online and learn how to properly install chains on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’s website\u003c/a>, and read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">preparing to drive in wintry conditions with our KQED guide\u003c/a>.[aside postID=news_11937204 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-2013486739-1020x765-1-672x372.jpg']Bring or plan to store extra water, Oravetz said, since the pipes at some campgrounds, like Calaveras’, can freeze, so the only available water is at a central location. And remember that even in the winter, you need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store your food safely away from bears \u003c/a>in bear canisters or food lockers provided at each campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upside? There shouldn’t be too many bugs in the winter, so you can leave your DEET at home. But remember that the sun sets early in the winter, so make sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\">bring ample light and something to do \u003c/a>during the night hours, like a deck of cards or a book to read.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying warm at night is important, Low said — and one way to stay toasty that might surprise you is to get up and out of your tent as soon as you realize you have to pee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because your body is sending energy to your bladder that could otherwise be used to keep you warm, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot better to just actually bite the bullet, get out of your tent, put on your shoes and just go pee,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’ll be a lot happier because you’ll sleep better, you’ll be warmer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember that even in winter, you have to properly dispose of any and all waste — that includes any trash, food waste and especially poop — as \u003cem>anything \u003c/em>buried in snow is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995954/at-hidden-tahoe-lab-scientists-learn-the-art-of-measuring-snow\">headed for a waterway come spring. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, if you have any questions — or are at all worried about winter camping — you can always call ahead to the campground or wilderness area for advice on that particular spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Winters, especially snow camping, can be very intimidating for people just because of the temperatures,” Low said. “But with the right gear list and the right techniques, then you can really have an amazing time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">\u003c/a>Your winter and snow camping gear checklist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As an expert in \u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html\">winter camping\u003c/a>, Low recommends bringing these items for your next cold-weather or snow trip:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A zero-degree sleeping bag, or warmer\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember:\u003ca href=\"https://seatosummit.eu/blogs/technical-features/sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoq8aSMfu00UzxMidRbQTDFIPJwqxUtbJFjMSDxLe_JBQzMxRtj9\"> the ratings on sleeping bags\u003c/a> tell you the temperature at which it will keep you \u003cem>alive\u003c/em>, not comfortable: “Generally speaking, you want a zero-degree bag for anywhere that it’s going to be below 30 degrees,” Low said. “It’s better to have a bag that is a little too warm and not warm enough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1939px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064310\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1939\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png 1939w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-1536x1014.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1939px) 100vw, 1939px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pescadero Creek in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re still worried about warmth, a \u003cstrong>sleeping bag liner\u003c/strong> can add five or 10 degrees of warmth to the bag you might already have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Synthetic or wool clothing to hike and sleep in\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forget cotton, Low said, because once you sweat in it, or it gets wet, cotton takes a really long time to dry out. If you’re backpacking or going for a long hike, abide by the saying “be bold, start cold” by peeling off layers before they get drenched in sweat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve just gotten back from a hike and are overly warm, take that opportunity to remove any sweaty items and change into your warmest clothes, including a beanie and gloves — to best retain your body heat all evening long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sunglasses \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So you can avoid \u003ca href=\"https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness\">snow blindness\u003c/a> when it’s sunny out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A first aid kit \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… and knowledge of not only what’s in it, but how to use it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A bear canister \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food storage, if one is required, where you’re camping.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-choose-backpacking-fuel.html\">\u003cstrong>liquid fuel stove\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low recommends this type of stove over a more typical backpacking gas fuel stove because the fuel canister will maintain its pressure and perform better at cold temperatures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to cooking, you can use your stove to melt snow for drinking water, but remember to find a clean, undisturbed patch of snow — and to be extra safe, you can always boil the water before drinking it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Microspikes, crampons or snowshoes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For traction underfoot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/choosing-between-microspikes-crampons-snowshoes-for-winter-hikes/\">depending on your activity.\u003c/a> Low said he loves using microspikes for walking around camp in slippery conditions because they keep you on your feet while not being as clunky as snowshoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lots of food\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eating a good amount of calories will keep you warm, and cooking up a hot meal of fresh — not dehydrated — food can make your evening that much more enjoyable, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A doubled-up sleeping pad\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said that one of his guiding colleagues — who’s summited Denali, the highest mountain in North America — swears by putting an inflatable pad underneath a foam pad for the warmest night’s sleep. (Don’t forget to check the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.switchbacktravel.com/info/sleeping-pad-r-value\">R value\u003c/a>” of any pad you bring — that will tell you its warmth).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low even recommends inflating your pad with a small pump instead of blowing it up by mouth, to keep out condensation, which can freeze inside your pad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A small shovel\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the snow is deep where you’re camping, bring something with which you can dig out a seating area, kitchen and even a trash bag-lined toilet to use, as recommended by Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any durable tent \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any model \u003c/strong>will do, Low said — even \u003ca href=\"https://winterbackpacking.com/3-season-vs-4-season-tents/\">\u003cstrong>a three-season tent\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, so long as heavy snow isn’t in the forecast. When to consider a four-season tent instead: If you know you’ll be out in a heavy storm with the risk of high winds, or snowfall that could pile up and break your tent poles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Nalgene-style water bottle \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before going to bed, a bottle like this can be filled up with boiling water, screwed nice and tight and placed inside your sleeping bag to act as a heater. Just remember to wrap it in a sock, so you don’t get burned by accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hand and toe warmers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically used by skiers, these are perfect for placing inside clothes or a sleeping bag for warmth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Plastic bags\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use these to keep your socks dry in your boots, if they’re not as waterproof as they need to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html\">\u003cstrong>Gaiters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To keep snow out of low-cut shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>5 beautiful wintertime camping spots to try this year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/bodega-dunes-campground/\">Bodega Dunes\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/wrights-beach-campgrounds/\">Wright’s Beach\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a> are open all winter long to campers and RVers, although they don’t have hookups. Campsites start at $45 per night and reservations can be made on \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.\u003c/a> Both campgrounds allow campfires all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park aid Cools said while Wright’s Beach fills up more quickly, Bodega Dunes tends to have more availability on winter weekends — and weekday reservations are easy to get in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064314\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064314\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-1536x1021.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Homestead Trail in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“During the winter, the Sonoma Coast can be really nice with blue skies — and it tends to be less windy,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yosemite National Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Itching to experience \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winter.htm\">Yosemite\u003c/a> without the craziness of summer crowds? Winter might be your best bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love to go to Yosemite in the wintertime,” Low said. “It is so beautiful, and you can get a piece of Yosemite all to yourself without a person in sight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tioga Road and the road to Glacier Point — and much of the upper areas of the park — close during the early months of winter. But if you want to soak in the snow-dusted granite walls from Yosemite Valley, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">make a reservation (typically $35 per night) or try your luck at first-come, first-served campgrounds\u003c/a> in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, take Low’s suggestion and get a wilderness permit to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dewey-point-trail--4\">backpack into Dewey Point\u003c/a> or along any route off Glacier Point Road once the first five miles of road to Badger Pass Ski Area are plowed (check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">park website \u003c/a>or call 209-372-0200 for status updates) and the rest is groomed for cross-country skiing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm\">You must camp at least one mile away from any plowed road. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How often do you get to go to a place that’s as busy as Yosemite and camp in a spot where there’s not another soul around for as far as you can see?” Low said. “Waking up to see Half Dome or to see El Cap and watching the sun rise on the dawn wall while having a cup of coffee or tea is spectacular.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada range, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> — known for its massive sequoia trees — is open all year round. That said, some camp spots and parts of the park \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/551/files/CalaverasSkiCampgrdFlyerLR.pdf\">close to cars\u003c/a> after the first significant snowfall or by Dec. 1, Oravetz said. This includes Parkway Road, which closes off access to the Stanislaus River and two groves of big trees, plus a couple of picnic areas and some camping. But those areas are still accessible to snowshoers and cross-country skiers, she said — so your sense of adventure could be rewarded by having these beautiful areas devoid of summer crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oravetz recommends the \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">North Grove Trail\u003c/a> for visitors looking to wander among the big trees on snowshoes or cross-country skis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The snow is beautiful against the giant sequoias,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be warned, the trail is popular with visitors and locals alike, and can get quite busy between Christmas and the New Year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is not open to general snowplay, so Oravetz recommends heading to \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">Parkway Road\u003c/a> instead to sled, build snowmen or start a snowball fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations for family campsites are $35 and can be made on \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http://ReserveCalifornia.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo’s Memorial Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the redwoods of \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park\">Memorial Park\u003c/a> in San Mateo County, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/facility/family-camping-memorial-park\">Azalea Flat\u003c/a> campground stays open all year long while other nearby camping areas close for the winter. RVs, trailers and campfires are allowed, and buying wood to burn at the park is recommended to avoid spreading bugs from park to park, said Carla Schoof, spokesperson for San Mateo County Parks Department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Schoof said while the park gets crowded in summer, it’s not so full in the winter, which can make it feel extra peaceful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s relatively easy to get to, but you really do feel like you’re far away,” she said. “You are deep in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, surrounded by redwoods.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the nearby towns of Loma Mar and Pescadero offer opportunities to get supplies and explore — which may be extra necessary in the winter, when Memorial Park’s camp store is closed, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park-history\">over a century old\u003c/a>, the park is “a special place to a lot of people … who’ve been going camping there since they were pretty small,” Schoof said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park rangers are happy to answer questions about park conditions and camping. They can be reached at 650-879-0238, Schoof said, and reservations can also be made \u003ca href=\"https://secure.itinio.com/sanmateo/memorial-park\">online\u003c/a> and are $32 per night in the off-season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Costanoa Lodge & Camp\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like a more bougie experience (and who could blame you?), the \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> private campgrounds on the San Mateo County coast are known for their “failproof camping,” Borick, the camping and glamping resort’s operations manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But still, prepare for anything: “You could end up with a full storm, huddled with your campmates, hot cocoa in hand, with a story to tell — or out on a muddy trail with the spectacular view of a clear winter’s day, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having a beach all to yourself, or the top of a viewpoint with the silence surrounding you, can be truly worth the invigoration of a winter camping trip,” Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the winter season brings abundant bird migrations and elephant seal pupping at nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> that can even be heard from the property, Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In any case, the private campground has year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. And if you get tired of braving the elements, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://reservations.costanoa.com/costanoa/?dl_cd=eyJrdiI6IktWX2MxYTExZjBhZTg2Y2M1YTQ3ZmJkNGY4MDExYmMwN2ViIiwiYWNjSWQiOiJhYzZmZWEyZi1hMjcxLTRlNmUtOTUxNy00YTQxNzMwYWJiNjEiLCJpc1ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlLCJleHAiOjE3NjIyMTc5MzQyMzd9&_gl=1*utn68e*_ga*Nzc2NzI0MTM5LjE3NjIyMDUwNTI.*_ga_GZX22LK6FD*czE3NjIyMTY4MTgkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjIyMTc5MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw\">upgrade to a glamping tent, cabin or a room in the lodge. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Whether you want actual snow or not, here are expert tips to make your cold-weather camping trip memorable — plus five great winter campgrounds.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Summer may be long over, but what if I told you that camping in the wintertime in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> can be just as magical as in the warmer months — or even more so?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you don’t even have to embark upon camping in snow, like you might be envisioning. While that’s certainly available if you want it, there are also a wealth of incredible campsites right here in the Bay Area — or close at hand — where the weather isn’t even all that cold in winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From firsthand experience, I can tell you that it doesn’t take much to convert your normal summer setup to a winter one — and it’s also much easier to get reservations to hard-to-get spots during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a lot of fun as long as you come prepared,” said Lillie Oravetz, a state park interpreter II at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. “You’re gonna get cold, but it’s really beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for tips from the experts, or jump straight to five great winter camping spots to start planning your winter excursion now. And remember: If you read this and the idea of pitching your tent in the colder months still doesn’t appeal, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur\">go glamping instead.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">Your winter camping equipment checklist\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">5 great winter campgrounds near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Expert tips on planning a successful winter camping trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: For warmer winter climates, head to the coast — but still check the weather forecast\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Therese Cools, park aide for \u003ca href=\"http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a>, said the Sonoma Coast can get some of its best weather in the winter, with blue skies overhead and less wind than usual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware: That area does get heavy rains starting in January, so don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Costanoa Lodge & Camp offers year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge & Camp)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If it’s raining heavily, it’s not a great place” for camping, Cools said, “But when there’s not a storm coming through, it’s beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>November is also crabbing season on the coast, so if you’d like a fresh catch, come this month. Or for a front seat for \u003ca href=\"https://www.bodegabay.com/tides/what-is-a-king-tide/\">California’s famed King Tides\u003c/a>, plan your trip for January, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wintertime isn’t the best for water sports, so unless you’re an expert, you may want to leave your surfboard at home and plan to stay out of the ocean altogether. But you should bring your binoculars, as there’s a wealth of seabirds and other wildlife to explore on the Sonoma Coast, many of which spend the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/451/files/SonomaCoastSPFinalWebLayout2017.pdf\">winter on the coast in large flocks.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Unless you’re ready for snow, avoid the mountains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading to higher ground, know it’s likely to snow. In Calaveras, which is 4,600 feet above sea level, “it’s pretty unpredictable when we will get snow,” Oravetz said — “but we can guarantee at \u003cem>some \u003c/em>point there’ll be snow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And conditions can change rapidly at high elevations, so don’t just check the weather once a few weeks out, Oravetz warned. Double check the forecast regularly, “a couple of days in advance” for a more accurate forecast, she cautioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget: No matter where you’re going, but especially if you are planning to go up high in elevation, be sure to check nighttime temperatures ahead of time and be prepared for below-freezing nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Make a plan — and a plan B\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rachel Borick, operations manager at private campground \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> on the San Mateo County coast, said her number one piece of advice for winter camping is: “Be prepared and always have a backup plan.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>On the coast, that might mean preparing for heavy rains in the winter. In the mountains, you’ll need to prepare for snow and below-freezing conditions as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even “a rainy day spent in a tent with the right supplies can be more memorable than a perfectly sunny day on the trails,” she said. “Having an open mind and leaning in to what Mother Nature provides is vital.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know where you’re going and what you’re planning to do, but make sure you have other options in case your trailhead is no longer accessible — or if \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">winter weather makes travel downright unsafe\u003c/a>. Take note of towns with services like gas stations and hotels near your camping destination, just in case you need to bail on your plans outright and hunker down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget that many campgrounds and wilderness areas have no cellphone service — so in winter, it’s especially important to know your exit routes and bailout points ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Bring layers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No matter where you’re going, remember to bring waterproof and windproof gear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz went one step further and advised campers to come prepared for almost \u003cem>any \u003c/em>weather. “Sometimes it might snow, but then be pretty warm the next day, and we don’t want people to overheat,” she cautioned\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Low is the general manager at \u003ca href=\"https://www.club.urbandiversion.com/\">Club Urban Diversion,\u003c/a> a Bay Area-based social club that organizes all sorts of outdoor trips, including winter camping. Low said his winter packing list varies by location, but “no matter what the forecast is showing, you’re always going to want to pack some sort of rain gear,” he said. And don’t forget insulating layers to go underneath for warmth, too, urged Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Layers are the most efficient way to pack for winter camping “because it’s easy to either layer up to get warmer, or easy to take off layers to adjust your body heat to make sure that you’re not getting too warm or too cold,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064309\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1297\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-1536x1038.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A camper digs out a tent site from snow in the Sierra Nevada, on the Tahoe Rim Trail. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Brian Low)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Pack smart, and bring backup gear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz said starting in November, anyone traveling up to the higher elevations should bring chains for their car, “just in case.” That goes for extra fuel in your car, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You could come up for a couple of days here or go further up the mountain, and then a snowstorm comes in,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re parking on the side of the road and not at a campsite, be aware of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">potential avalanche areas\u003c/a> and snowplow routes. Low warned — you don’t want to return to your car only to find it buried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said some auto shops like Les Schwab even allow you to buy chains and return them at the end of the season for a full refund if you never end up using them. You can \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">check chain controls\u003c/a> online and learn how to properly install chains on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’s website\u003c/a>, and read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">preparing to drive in wintry conditions with our KQED guide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Bring or plan to store extra water, Oravetz said, since the pipes at some campgrounds, like Calaveras’, can freeze, so the only available water is at a central location. And remember that even in the winter, you need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store your food safely away from bears \u003c/a>in bear canisters or food lockers provided at each campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upside? There shouldn’t be too many bugs in the winter, so you can leave your DEET at home. But remember that the sun sets early in the winter, so make sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\">bring ample light and something to do \u003c/a>during the night hours, like a deck of cards or a book to read.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying warm at night is important, Low said — and one way to stay toasty that might surprise you is to get up and out of your tent as soon as you realize you have to pee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because your body is sending energy to your bladder that could otherwise be used to keep you warm, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot better to just actually bite the bullet, get out of your tent, put on your shoes and just go pee,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’ll be a lot happier because you’ll sleep better, you’ll be warmer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember that even in winter, you have to properly dispose of any and all waste — that includes any trash, food waste and especially poop — as \u003cem>anything \u003c/em>buried in snow is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995954/at-hidden-tahoe-lab-scientists-learn-the-art-of-measuring-snow\">headed for a waterway come spring. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, if you have any questions — or are at all worried about winter camping — you can always call ahead to the campground or wilderness area for advice on that particular spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Winters, especially snow camping, can be very intimidating for people just because of the temperatures,” Low said. “But with the right gear list and the right techniques, then you can really have an amazing time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">\u003c/a>Your winter and snow camping gear checklist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As an expert in \u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html\">winter camping\u003c/a>, Low recommends bringing these items for your next cold-weather or snow trip:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A zero-degree sleeping bag, or warmer\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember:\u003ca href=\"https://seatosummit.eu/blogs/technical-features/sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoq8aSMfu00UzxMidRbQTDFIPJwqxUtbJFjMSDxLe_JBQzMxRtj9\"> the ratings on sleeping bags\u003c/a> tell you the temperature at which it will keep you \u003cem>alive\u003c/em>, not comfortable: “Generally speaking, you want a zero-degree bag for anywhere that it’s going to be below 30 degrees,” Low said. “It’s better to have a bag that is a little too warm and not warm enough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1939px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064310\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1939\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png 1939w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-1536x1014.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1939px) 100vw, 1939px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pescadero Creek in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re still worried about warmth, a \u003cstrong>sleeping bag liner\u003c/strong> can add five or 10 degrees of warmth to the bag you might already have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Synthetic or wool clothing to hike and sleep in\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forget cotton, Low said, because once you sweat in it, or it gets wet, cotton takes a really long time to dry out. If you’re backpacking or going for a long hike, abide by the saying “be bold, start cold” by peeling off layers before they get drenched in sweat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve just gotten back from a hike and are overly warm, take that opportunity to remove any sweaty items and change into your warmest clothes, including a beanie and gloves — to best retain your body heat all evening long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sunglasses \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So you can avoid \u003ca href=\"https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness\">snow blindness\u003c/a> when it’s sunny out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A first aid kit \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… and knowledge of not only what’s in it, but how to use it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A bear canister \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food storage, if one is required, where you’re camping.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-choose-backpacking-fuel.html\">\u003cstrong>liquid fuel stove\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low recommends this type of stove over a more typical backpacking gas fuel stove because the fuel canister will maintain its pressure and perform better at cold temperatures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to cooking, you can use your stove to melt snow for drinking water, but remember to find a clean, undisturbed patch of snow — and to be extra safe, you can always boil the water before drinking it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Microspikes, crampons or snowshoes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For traction underfoot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/choosing-between-microspikes-crampons-snowshoes-for-winter-hikes/\">depending on your activity.\u003c/a> Low said he loves using microspikes for walking around camp in slippery conditions because they keep you on your feet while not being as clunky as snowshoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lots of food\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eating a good amount of calories will keep you warm, and cooking up a hot meal of fresh — not dehydrated — food can make your evening that much more enjoyable, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A doubled-up sleeping pad\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said that one of his guiding colleagues — who’s summited Denali, the highest mountain in North America — swears by putting an inflatable pad underneath a foam pad for the warmest night’s sleep. (Don’t forget to check the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.switchbacktravel.com/info/sleeping-pad-r-value\">R value\u003c/a>” of any pad you bring — that will tell you its warmth).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low even recommends inflating your pad with a small pump instead of blowing it up by mouth, to keep out condensation, which can freeze inside your pad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A small shovel\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the snow is deep where you’re camping, bring something with which you can dig out a seating area, kitchen and even a trash bag-lined toilet to use, as recommended by Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any durable tent \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any model \u003c/strong>will do, Low said — even \u003ca href=\"https://winterbackpacking.com/3-season-vs-4-season-tents/\">\u003cstrong>a three-season tent\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, so long as heavy snow isn’t in the forecast. When to consider a four-season tent instead: If you know you’ll be out in a heavy storm with the risk of high winds, or snowfall that could pile up and break your tent poles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Nalgene-style water bottle \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before going to bed, a bottle like this can be filled up with boiling water, screwed nice and tight and placed inside your sleeping bag to act as a heater. Just remember to wrap it in a sock, so you don’t get burned by accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hand and toe warmers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically used by skiers, these are perfect for placing inside clothes or a sleeping bag for warmth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Plastic bags\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use these to keep your socks dry in your boots, if they’re not as waterproof as they need to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html\">\u003cstrong>Gaiters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To keep snow out of low-cut shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>5 beautiful wintertime camping spots to try this year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/bodega-dunes-campground/\">Bodega Dunes\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/wrights-beach-campgrounds/\">Wright’s Beach\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a> are open all winter long to campers and RVers, although they don’t have hookups. Campsites start at $45 per night and reservations can be made on \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.\u003c/a> Both campgrounds allow campfires all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park aid Cools said while Wright’s Beach fills up more quickly, Bodega Dunes tends to have more availability on winter weekends — and weekday reservations are easy to get in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064314\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064314\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-1536x1021.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Homestead Trail in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“During the winter, the Sonoma Coast can be really nice with blue skies — and it tends to be less windy,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yosemite National Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Itching to experience \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winter.htm\">Yosemite\u003c/a> without the craziness of summer crowds? Winter might be your best bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love to go to Yosemite in the wintertime,” Low said. “It is so beautiful, and you can get a piece of Yosemite all to yourself without a person in sight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tioga Road and the road to Glacier Point — and much of the upper areas of the park — close during the early months of winter. But if you want to soak in the snow-dusted granite walls from Yosemite Valley, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">make a reservation (typically $35 per night) or try your luck at first-come, first-served campgrounds\u003c/a> in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, take Low’s suggestion and get a wilderness permit to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dewey-point-trail--4\">backpack into Dewey Point\u003c/a> or along any route off Glacier Point Road once the first five miles of road to Badger Pass Ski Area are plowed (check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">park website \u003c/a>or call 209-372-0200 for status updates) and the rest is groomed for cross-country skiing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm\">You must camp at least one mile away from any plowed road. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How often do you get to go to a place that’s as busy as Yosemite and camp in a spot where there’s not another soul around for as far as you can see?” Low said. “Waking up to see Half Dome or to see El Cap and watching the sun rise on the dawn wall while having a cup of coffee or tea is spectacular.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada range, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> — known for its massive sequoia trees — is open all year round. That said, some camp spots and parts of the park \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/551/files/CalaverasSkiCampgrdFlyerLR.pdf\">close to cars\u003c/a> after the first significant snowfall or by Dec. 1, Oravetz said. This includes Parkway Road, which closes off access to the Stanislaus River and two groves of big trees, plus a couple of picnic areas and some camping. But those areas are still accessible to snowshoers and cross-country skiers, she said — so your sense of adventure could be rewarded by having these beautiful areas devoid of summer crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oravetz recommends the \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">North Grove Trail\u003c/a> for visitors looking to wander among the big trees on snowshoes or cross-country skis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The snow is beautiful against the giant sequoias,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be warned, the trail is popular with visitors and locals alike, and can get quite busy between Christmas and the New Year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is not open to general snowplay, so Oravetz recommends heading to \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">Parkway Road\u003c/a> instead to sled, build snowmen or start a snowball fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations for family campsites are $35 and can be made on \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http://ReserveCalifornia.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo’s Memorial Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the redwoods of \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park\">Memorial Park\u003c/a> in San Mateo County, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/facility/family-camping-memorial-park\">Azalea Flat\u003c/a> campground stays open all year long while other nearby camping areas close for the winter. RVs, trailers and campfires are allowed, and buying wood to burn at the park is recommended to avoid spreading bugs from park to park, said Carla Schoof, spokesperson for San Mateo County Parks Department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Schoof said while the park gets crowded in summer, it’s not so full in the winter, which can make it feel extra peaceful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s relatively easy to get to, but you really do feel like you’re far away,” she said. “You are deep in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, surrounded by redwoods.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the nearby towns of Loma Mar and Pescadero offer opportunities to get supplies and explore — which may be extra necessary in the winter, when Memorial Park’s camp store is closed, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park-history\">over a century old\u003c/a>, the park is “a special place to a lot of people … who’ve been going camping there since they were pretty small,” Schoof said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park rangers are happy to answer questions about park conditions and camping. They can be reached at 650-879-0238, Schoof said, and reservations can also be made \u003ca href=\"https://secure.itinio.com/sanmateo/memorial-park\">online\u003c/a> and are $32 per night in the off-season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Costanoa Lodge & Camp\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like a more bougie experience (and who could blame you?), the \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> private campgrounds on the San Mateo County coast are known for their “failproof camping,” Borick, the camping and glamping resort’s operations manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But still, prepare for anything: “You could end up with a full storm, huddled with your campmates, hot cocoa in hand, with a story to tell — or out on a muddy trail with the spectacular view of a clear winter’s day, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having a beach all to yourself, or the top of a viewpoint with the silence surrounding you, can be truly worth the invigoration of a winter camping trip,” Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the winter season brings abundant bird migrations and elephant seal pupping at nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> that can even be heard from the property, Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In any case, the private campground has year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. And if you get tired of braving the elements, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://reservations.costanoa.com/costanoa/?dl_cd=eyJrdiI6IktWX2MxYTExZjBhZTg2Y2M1YTQ3ZmJkNGY4MDExYmMwN2ViIiwiYWNjSWQiOiJhYzZmZWEyZi1hMjcxLTRlNmUtOTUxNy00YTQxNzMwYWJiNjEiLCJpc1ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlLCJleHAiOjE3NjIyMTc5MzQyMzd9&_gl=1*utn68e*_ga*Nzc2NzI0MTM5LjE3NjIyMDUwNTI.*_ga_GZX22LK6FD*czE3NjIyMTY4MTgkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjIyMTc5MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw\">upgrade to a glamping tent, cabin or a room in the lodge. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "muir-woods-reopens-amid-government-shutdown-temporarily",
"title": "Muir Woods to Remain Open Another 10 Days During Government Shutdown",
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"content": "\u003cp>After being initially closed for several weeks as a result of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">the ongoing federal government shutdown,\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument will remain temporarily open \u003c/a>through Nov. 12.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061286/muir-woods-reopens-amid-government-shutdown-temporarily\">The park was reopened on Oct. 23\u003c/a> after several companies associated with the park made donations to the National Park Service, and has seen its temporary reopening extended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1999035/rain-on-me-bay-area-braces-for-a-wet-and-windy-atmospheric-river-storm\">anticipated rain and winds,\u003c/a> Muir Woods will close for one day on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to Faycal Bouaddallah, owner of tour company Must See Tours — one of the groups continuing to fund the park’s reopened operations during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Since it’s financed with private money, [NPS is] thinking that it’s better to keep it closed that day — because if they bring staff that day and we cannot open the park, people won’t be able to come.” Bouaddallah said, noting that Muir Woods’ temporary reopening will be extended through Nov. 12 to account for this week’s one-day closure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NPS confirmed in an email to KQED last week that short-term donations like this one have been keeping some parks open during the shutdown “in several states.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The park’s reopening through private funds is permitted by the NPS’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">shutdown plan,\u003c/a> and is the same funding model being used to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058592/alcatraz-island-is-open-again-after-several-false-starts\">Alcatraz Island open.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The costs of reopening Muir Woods\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Bouaddallah, company \u003ca href=\"https://goexplorus.com/\">ExplorUS\u003c/a> — which operates the \u003ca href=\"https://muirwoodstradingcompany.com/\">Muir Woods Trading Company\u003c/a> and park cafe — teamed up with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mustsee.world/\">Must See Tours\u003c/a> to offer the first round of funding which enabled the park to reopen on Oct. 23.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bouaddallah said he reached out to other tour operators in the park, as well as other major Bay Area-based companies, to ask for help funding the costs of keeping Muir Woods open and staffed: now around $3,800 per day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, he said, his company and ExplorUS were the only ones willing to fund an extension of the reopening.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He also just published a \u003ca href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-muir-woods-open-during-government-shutdown\">GoFundMe\u003c/a> page, which as of Tuesday has raised nearly $3,500: almost enough to fund one day of operations, “which is amazing,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, Bouddallah said he plans to redirect as many of the proceeds from his company’s tours as possible into donations to keep Muir Woods open — as well as money from special T-shirt and audio tour sales.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bouddallah said he doesn’t expect to make up the money in the short-term, but after seven years operating in Muir Woods, and with federal workers needing the park to be open to get paid, he felt the need to step up and help out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For the books, it’s a total disaster,” he said. “We don’t make that money back at all. It was a way to give back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Muir Woods was first reopened on Oct, 23, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy told KQED that in addition to the Muir Woods Trading Company and Must See Tours, “operational support” during the park would also be provided by ACE Parking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When contacted for confirmation if the company was associated with the extension of Muir Woods’ reopening as well, a spokesperson for ACE told KQED they were “not at liberty to discuss the details,” and referred all comment to NPS, who did not reply.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Reopening the redwoods\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The initial reopening was confirmed in a memo that Sally Golub, acting chief of business management at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, sent to companies operating in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re grateful to see Muir Woods remain open a little longer,” Christine Lehnertz, Conservancy president & CEO, told KQED by email on Oct. 31. “This moment speaks to the dedication of our partners and the deep care our community has for these places.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But it also reminds us that these are temporary solutions. Parks need lasting support to stay open and resilient for generations to come,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During this temporary reopening, the usual $15 entrance fee remains waived. \u003ca href=\"https://gomuirwoods.com/\">Parking and shuttle reservations\u003c/a> are once again required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The visitor center will remain open during this extended period, along with the Muir Woods Trading Company, which manages the park’s gift shop and cafe. Rangers are on-site and providing programs, the memo said.[aside postID=news_12060911 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/NationalParkServiceGetty.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lehnertz told KQED that the park is currently being staffed by interpretive rangers, reflecting a focus on the “visitor experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, other NPS staff like park biologists and natural resource experts remain furloughed, so it’s still not possible to know the extent of any damage to the park during the shutdown, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a little bit like having a monster under the bed,” said Lehnertz. “The monster’s not there until you look.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Huber, owner of San Francisco Jeep Tours, which operates trips to the park, said the park’s reopening had been in the works for the last several weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While his company isn’t currently donating money to the Muir Woods reopening, Huber says he was part of a group of business owners that volunteered to provide funds toward the estimated $4,700 per day required to initially keep Muir Woods open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During Muir Woods’ closure, Huber said his company redirected their Jeeps to Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais, while other companies with buses went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450\">Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve\u003c/a> in Sonoma County, but “that’s a two-and-a-half-hour addition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People come from all over the world to go to it, so we’re excited they can go again,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>After being initially closed for several weeks as a result of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">the ongoing federal government shutdown,\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument will remain temporarily open \u003c/a>through Nov. 12.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061286/muir-woods-reopens-amid-government-shutdown-temporarily\">The park was reopened on Oct. 23\u003c/a> after several companies associated with the park made donations to the National Park Service, and has seen its temporary reopening extended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1999035/rain-on-me-bay-area-braces-for-a-wet-and-windy-atmospheric-river-storm\">anticipated rain and winds,\u003c/a> Muir Woods will close for one day on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to Faycal Bouaddallah, owner of tour company Must See Tours — one of the groups continuing to fund the park’s reopened operations during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Since it’s financed with private money, [NPS is] thinking that it’s better to keep it closed that day — because if they bring staff that day and we cannot open the park, people won’t be able to come.” Bouaddallah said, noting that Muir Woods’ temporary reopening will be extended through Nov. 12 to account for this week’s one-day closure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NPS confirmed in an email to KQED last week that short-term donations like this one have been keeping some parks open during the shutdown “in several states.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The park’s reopening through private funds is permitted by the NPS’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">shutdown plan,\u003c/a> and is the same funding model being used to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058592/alcatraz-island-is-open-again-after-several-false-starts\">Alcatraz Island open.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The costs of reopening Muir Woods\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Bouaddallah, company \u003ca href=\"https://goexplorus.com/\">ExplorUS\u003c/a> — which operates the \u003ca href=\"https://muirwoodstradingcompany.com/\">Muir Woods Trading Company\u003c/a> and park cafe — teamed up with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mustsee.world/\">Must See Tours\u003c/a> to offer the first round of funding which enabled the park to reopen on Oct. 23.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bouaddallah said he reached out to other tour operators in the park, as well as other major Bay Area-based companies, to ask for help funding the costs of keeping Muir Woods open and staffed: now around $3,800 per day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, he said, his company and ExplorUS were the only ones willing to fund an extension of the reopening.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He also just published a \u003ca href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-muir-woods-open-during-government-shutdown\">GoFundMe\u003c/a> page, which as of Tuesday has raised nearly $3,500: almost enough to fund one day of operations, “which is amazing,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, Bouddallah said he plans to redirect as many of the proceeds from his company’s tours as possible into donations to keep Muir Woods open — as well as money from special T-shirt and audio tour sales.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bouddallah said he doesn’t expect to make up the money in the short-term, but after seven years operating in Muir Woods, and with federal workers needing the park to be open to get paid, he felt the need to step up and help out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For the books, it’s a total disaster,” he said. “We don’t make that money back at all. It was a way to give back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Muir Woods was first reopened on Oct, 23, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy told KQED that in addition to the Muir Woods Trading Company and Must See Tours, “operational support” during the park would also be provided by ACE Parking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When contacted for confirmation if the company was associated with the extension of Muir Woods’ reopening as well, a spokesperson for ACE told KQED they were “not at liberty to discuss the details,” and referred all comment to NPS, who did not reply.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Reopening the redwoods\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The initial reopening was confirmed in a memo that Sally Golub, acting chief of business management at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, sent to companies operating in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re grateful to see Muir Woods remain open a little longer,” Christine Lehnertz, Conservancy president & CEO, told KQED by email on Oct. 31. “This moment speaks to the dedication of our partners and the deep care our community has for these places.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But it also reminds us that these are temporary solutions. Parks need lasting support to stay open and resilient for generations to come,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During this temporary reopening, the usual $15 entrance fee remains waived. \u003ca href=\"https://gomuirwoods.com/\">Parking and shuttle reservations\u003c/a> are once again required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The visitor center will remain open during this extended period, along with the Muir Woods Trading Company, which manages the park’s gift shop and cafe. Rangers are on-site and providing programs, the memo said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lehnertz told KQED that the park is currently being staffed by interpretive rangers, reflecting a focus on the “visitor experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, other NPS staff like park biologists and natural resource experts remain furloughed, so it’s still not possible to know the extent of any damage to the park during the shutdown, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a little bit like having a monster under the bed,” said Lehnertz. “The monster’s not there until you look.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Huber, owner of San Francisco Jeep Tours, which operates trips to the park, said the park’s reopening had been in the works for the last several weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While his company isn’t currently donating money to the Muir Woods reopening, Huber says he was part of a group of business owners that volunteered to provide funds toward the estimated $4,700 per day required to initially keep Muir Woods open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During Muir Woods’ closure, Huber said his company redirected their Jeeps to Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais, while other companies with buses went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450\">Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve\u003c/a> in Sonoma County, but “that’s a two-and-a-half-hour addition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People come from all over the world to go to it, so we’re excited they can go again,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point",
"title": "Which Bay Area Landmarks Are Closed by the Government Shutdown — and Where Can You Go Instead?",
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"content": "\u003cp>Now entering its second week, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777\">federal government shutdown\u003c/a> has resulted in many San Francisco Bay Area landmarks and attractions closing their doors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument\u003c/a>, where visitors who came to see the giant redwoods on Oct. 1 were not able to enter the park. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm\">Alcatraz Island\u003c/a> was also initially closed but \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">re-opened on Oct. 3,\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">Fort Point will partially reopen on Friday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Last year, San Francisco alone drew \u003ca href=\"https://sftravel.ent.box.com/s/n3xqgl7cnjxl9wwd3kodkxkooswrp2ca\">an estimated 23.3 million visitors.\u003c/a> And for those who traveled across the country — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">or even the globe \u003c/a>— to see these sites, it’s a dismaying, unexpected prospect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But while several landmarks will remain closed for the duration of the shutdown, other Bay Area locations on the tourist trail remain open. Keep reading for which federally managed locations locally are closed to the public, and where visitors can go instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhatBayAreavisitorattractionsareclosedduringtheshutdown\">What Bay Area visitor attractions are closed during the shutdown\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>First off, which Bay Area tourist spots are \u003cem>unaffected \u003c/em>by the shutdown?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alcatraz Island\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alcatraz Island was a particularly confusing case for tourists to San Francisco early in the shutdown. After posting a Oct. 1 closure that was described as temporary due to a “planned project,” NPS said that the site would be “reopening for its regular schedule on October 2 with all facilities OPEN” — and Alcatraz City Cruises, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">the ferry company that operates boat service to the island\u003c/a>, was still selling tickets for Thursday onward.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But on Oct. 2, notices were posted on NPS.gov stating that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm\">Alcatraz Island was now in fact “closed due to lapse in federal appropriations,”\u003c/a> offering no timeframe for the closure, and that any ticket purchases would be refunded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058258\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A security guard informs a tourist that Alcatraz Island is closed Oct. 1, citing closure due to a planned project, on October 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 3, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">Alcatraz City Cruises’ website said tours to the Island had resumed once more at 10:30 a.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brendan David, owner of local tour company San Francisco Excursions told KQED that the NPS staffer responsible for tour groups on the Island informed him early on Oct. 3 that earlier tours that day had been canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 2018 government shutdown, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/24/alcatraz-cancelled-shutdown-san-francisco-bay-area-muir-woods/\">Alcatraz remained open, though night tours were canceled.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fort Point National Historic Site (partially open starting Oct. 10)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>After being \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">shuttered for over a week due to the federal government shutdown\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/fopo/index.htm\">Fort Point National Historic Site\u003c/a> is scheduled to partially reopen to the public on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco national park site, famed for its use as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller \u003ca href=\"https://reelsf.com/reelsf/vertigo-fort-point\">\u003cem>Vertigo\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, will reopen only on weekends during the shutdown, according to Chris Lehnertz, president and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">the gates that lead to Fort Point by Long Avenue and Marine Drive have remained locked\u003c/a>, although pedestrian access is still possible and the site’s bathrooms are still open.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>But Lehnertz said due to the popularity of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.for-site.org/black-gold-stories-untold\">\u003cem>Black Gold: Stories Untold \u003c/em>\u003c/a>exhibition on display inside Fort Point, the conservancy made a donation to fund staffing at the site for the show’s final weekend on Oct. 10-13. Both the museum and exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>The Fort Point visitor center, parking lot, bookstore and the bathrooms will be open Friday through Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend, and every following weekend, Friday through Sunday, “for the foreseeable future,” said Lehnertz. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">Read more about the reopening of Fort Point.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Fort Point during the week:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/fort-baker.htm\">NPS site Fort Baker\u003c/a>, across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, remains open during the shutdown. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy also offers more\u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/article/seven-places-gaze-golden-gate-bridge\"> ideas for scenic vantage points around the bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The Presidio\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Presidio of San Francisco is under NPS jurisdiction but funded separately, so the former U.S.-Army-site-turned-national park will remain open and accessible. Take a look at our suggestions for\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12054079/best-hikes-san-francisco-presidio-views-trails-hiking\"> four hikes to discover the Presidio.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055111\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055111\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A trail passes by Immigrant Point Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Golden Gate Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park is not federal land and therefore is unaffected by the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046160\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12046160\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People row on a rental boat on Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on June 24, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Almost all museums and galleries around the Bay Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike Washington, D.C., where museums and galleries are part of the federal Smithsonian group, Bay Area museums and galleries aren’t federally run and are unaffected by the shutdown. That includes the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, SFMOMA, the California Academy of Sciences and the Oakland Museum of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The only exception will be the museums that are part of NPS sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers explore Point Reyes shrouded in fog on July 20, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Point Reyes National Seashore \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No NPS closures have yet been posted for this 100-square-mile stretch of wilderness on the North Bay coast, though visitors should watch for \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">bathroom closures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>And in case you were wondering … San Francisco cable cars\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by SFMTA, the cable cars will continue to operate.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatBayAreavisitorattractionsareclosedduringtheshutdown\">\u003c/a>What Bay Area parks, landmarks and tourist attractions are affected by the shutdown?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Muir Woods National Monument: Closed with temporary re-opening Oct. 23-Nov 1\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people come to the Bay Area hoping to visit Muir Woods’ famous, majestic redwoods, but this national park is one of the Bay Area NPS sites that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">closed straightaway at the start of the shutdown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061286/muir-woods-reopens-amid-government-shutdown-temporarily\">Muir Woods was temporarily re-opened for 10 days on Oct. 23\u003c/a> thanks to donations from several companies associated with the park. Nov. `1 will be the last day to visit Muir Woods during the shutdown before it closes again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both parking at Muir Woods itself and the shuttle to the park require \u003ca href=\"http://gomuirwoods.com\">timed reservations in advance via gomuirwoods.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058253\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor peeks past the barriers at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California, which is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’ve already bought reservations for a period when Muir Woods will be closed, they’ll be canceled and refunded. You \u003cem>can \u003c/em>still make reservations, but since we don’t know how long the shutdown will last, be aware that “any reservations made for the near future may be automatically canceled and refunded if the shutdown continues,” according to the Go Muir Woods site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Muir Woods? \u003c/em>On Wednesday, park rangers turning away visitors recommended nearby hikes, including \u003ca href=\"https://parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/preserves/roys-redwoods\">Roy’s Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a> around 45 minutes north, and trails around \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a> — which, as a California State Park, remains open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED also has a guide to other forest spaces around the Bay Area that offer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">stunning redwoods\u003c/a>, including Samuel P. Taylor State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State park in the North Bay. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">Read our full guide to Bay Area redwoods to visit as an alternative to Muir Woods.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12050853\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12050853 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1176\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1-160x98.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1-1536x941.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">If you can’t see Muir Woods, the Bay Area still holds other beautiful redwood forests, like Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. \u003ccite>(Hotaik Sung/Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You may hear that it’s possible to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/canopy-lost-and-fern-creek-loop\">hike into Muir Woods from other areas\u003c/a>, but while it’s technically true, the NPS has historically urged visitors to stay away from closed parks.[aside postID=news_12058137 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250912-TrumpsSignageOrder-36-BL_qed.jpg']A full closure like this also means that if you get into trouble on the steep trails, there will be no park rangers or first responders in the vicinity to help you — and there’s little-to-no cellphone service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>China Beach: Closed\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/chinabeach.htm\">China Beach\u003c/a>, a small but scenic San Francisco cove with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is now closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to China Beach: \u003c/em>While nearby NPS site \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/baker-beach.htm\">Baker Beach\u003c/a> remains open and offers a similar vista, its parking lot has been closed — so you’ll need to find alternative parking in the Sea Cliff neighborhood. Baker Beach’s bathrooms, however, will remain open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058373\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1777px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058373\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands of California on March 17, 2012. \u003ccite>(Craig Miller/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Point Bonita Lighthouse: Closed\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm\">This 1855 lighthouse in the Marin Headlands\u003c/a>, with views over the Golden Gate, is also now closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Point Bonita Lighthouse: \u003c/em>NPS has suggestions on \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/marin-headlands-scenic-vistas.htm\">how to drive the Headlands\u003c/a> to access the most striking vantage points over the ocean and the Bay. If it’s lighthouses you’re looking for, consider heading south to visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=78#google_vignette\">Point Montara \u003c/a>near Half Moon Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=533\">Pigeon Point\u003c/a> near Pescadero and \u003ca href=\"https://www.pointpinoslighthouse.org/\">Point Pinos\u003c/a> near Monterey. There’s also the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/lighthouse.htm\">Point Reyes lighthouse\u003c/a>, but as this is NPS land, you should stay vigilant for any updates around shutdown closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11993184\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1777px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11993184 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Francisco’s Baker Beach photographed on June 4, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Finally: Going to the beach? Watch out for parking lot closures\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Popular Bay Area beaches where parking lots are currently closed (but bathrooms remain open):\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Crissy Field East Beach, San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Baker Beach, San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Stinson Beach, Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook, Marin County.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">See the full list of NPS closures and advisories for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "On Wednesday, some popular National Park Service locations around the Bay Area began experiencing full or partial closures. Here are the spots that are still open and unaffected.",
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"title": "Which Bay Area Landmarks Are Closed by the Government Shutdown — and Where Can You Go Instead? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Now entering its second week, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777\">federal government shutdown\u003c/a> has resulted in many San Francisco Bay Area landmarks and attractions closing their doors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument\u003c/a>, where visitors who came to see the giant redwoods on Oct. 1 were not able to enter the park. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm\">Alcatraz Island\u003c/a> was also initially closed but \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">re-opened on Oct. 3,\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">Fort Point will partially reopen on Friday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Last year, San Francisco alone drew \u003ca href=\"https://sftravel.ent.box.com/s/n3xqgl7cnjxl9wwd3kodkxkooswrp2ca\">an estimated 23.3 million visitors.\u003c/a> And for those who traveled across the country — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">or even the globe \u003c/a>— to see these sites, it’s a dismaying, unexpected prospect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But while several landmarks will remain closed for the duration of the shutdown, other Bay Area locations on the tourist trail remain open. Keep reading for which federally managed locations locally are closed to the public, and where visitors can go instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhatBayAreavisitorattractionsareclosedduringtheshutdown\">What Bay Area visitor attractions are closed during the shutdown\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>First off, which Bay Area tourist spots are \u003cem>unaffected \u003c/em>by the shutdown?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alcatraz Island\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alcatraz Island was a particularly confusing case for tourists to San Francisco early in the shutdown. After posting a Oct. 1 closure that was described as temporary due to a “planned project,” NPS said that the site would be “reopening for its regular schedule on October 2 with all facilities OPEN” — and Alcatraz City Cruises, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">the ferry company that operates boat service to the island\u003c/a>, was still selling tickets for Thursday onward.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But on Oct. 2, notices were posted on NPS.gov stating that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm\">Alcatraz Island was now in fact “closed due to lapse in federal appropriations,”\u003c/a> offering no timeframe for the closure, and that any ticket purchases would be refunded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058258\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20251001_PARKSSHUTDOWN_GC-7-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A security guard informs a tourist that Alcatraz Island is closed Oct. 1, citing closure due to a planned project, on October 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 3, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/tour-options/alcatraz-day-tour/\">Alcatraz City Cruises’ website said tours to the Island had resumed once more at 10:30 a.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brendan David, owner of local tour company San Francisco Excursions told KQED that the NPS staffer responsible for tour groups on the Island informed him early on Oct. 3 that earlier tours that day had been canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 2018 government shutdown, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/24/alcatraz-cancelled-shutdown-san-francisco-bay-area-muir-woods/\">Alcatraz remained open, though night tours were canceled.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fort Point National Historic Site (partially open starting Oct. 10)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>After being \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">shuttered for over a week due to the federal government shutdown\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/fopo/index.htm\">Fort Point National Historic Site\u003c/a> is scheduled to partially reopen to the public on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco national park site, famed for its use as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller \u003ca href=\"https://reelsf.com/reelsf/vertigo-fort-point\">\u003cem>Vertigo\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, will reopen only on weekends during the shutdown, according to Chris Lehnertz, president and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">the gates that lead to Fort Point by Long Avenue and Marine Drive have remained locked\u003c/a>, although pedestrian access is still possible and the site’s bathrooms are still open.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>But Lehnertz said due to the popularity of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.for-site.org/black-gold-stories-untold\">\u003cem>Black Gold: Stories Untold \u003c/em>\u003c/a>exhibition on display inside Fort Point, the conservancy made a donation to fund staffing at the site for the show’s final weekend on Oct. 10-13. Both the museum and exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\n\u003cp>The Fort Point visitor center, parking lot, bookstore and the bathrooms will be open Friday through Monday for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend, and every following weekend, Friday through Sunday, “for the foreseeable future,” said Lehnertz. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">Read more about the reopening of Fort Point.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Fort Point during the week:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/fort-baker.htm\">NPS site Fort Baker\u003c/a>, across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, remains open during the shutdown. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy also offers more\u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/article/seven-places-gaze-golden-gate-bridge\"> ideas for scenic vantage points around the bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The Presidio\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Presidio of San Francisco is under NPS jurisdiction but funded separately, so the former U.S.-Army-site-turned-national park will remain open and accessible. Take a look at our suggestions for\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12054079/best-hikes-san-francisco-presidio-views-trails-hiking\"> four hikes to discover the Presidio.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055111\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055111\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-22-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A trail passes by Immigrant Point Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Golden Gate Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park is not federal land and therefore is unaffected by the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046160\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12046160\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/250624-PARKFILE-25-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People row on a rental boat on Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on June 24, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Almost all museums and galleries around the Bay Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike Washington, D.C., where museums and galleries are part of the federal Smithsonian group, Bay Area museums and galleries aren’t federally run and are unaffected by the shutdown. That includes the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, SFMOMA, the California Academy of Sciences and the Oakland Museum of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The only exception will be the museums that are part of NPS sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers explore Point Reyes shrouded in fog on July 20, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Point Reyes National Seashore \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No NPS closures have yet been posted for this 100-square-mile stretch of wilderness on the North Bay coast, though visitors should watch for \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">bathroom closures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>And in case you were wondering … San Francisco cable cars\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by SFMTA, the cable cars will continue to operate.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatBayAreavisitorattractionsareclosedduringtheshutdown\">\u003c/a>What Bay Area parks, landmarks and tourist attractions are affected by the shutdown?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Muir Woods National Monument: Closed with temporary re-opening Oct. 23-Nov 1\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people come to the Bay Area hoping to visit Muir Woods’ famous, majestic redwoods, but this national park is one of the Bay Area NPS sites that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">closed straightaway at the start of the shutdown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061286/muir-woods-reopens-amid-government-shutdown-temporarily\">Muir Woods was temporarily re-opened for 10 days on Oct. 23\u003c/a> thanks to donations from several companies associated with the park. Nov. `1 will be the last day to visit Muir Woods during the shutdown before it closes again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both parking at Muir Woods itself and the shuttle to the park require \u003ca href=\"http://gomuirwoods.com\">timed reservations in advance via gomuirwoods.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058253\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor peeks past the barriers at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California, which is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’ve already bought reservations for a period when Muir Woods will be closed, they’ll be canceled and refunded. You \u003cem>can \u003c/em>still make reservations, but since we don’t know how long the shutdown will last, be aware that “any reservations made for the near future may be automatically canceled and refunded if the shutdown continues,” according to the Go Muir Woods site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Muir Woods? \u003c/em>On Wednesday, park rangers turning away visitors recommended nearby hikes, including \u003ca href=\"https://parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/preserves/roys-redwoods\">Roy’s Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a> around 45 minutes north, and trails around \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a> — which, as a California State Park, remains open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED also has a guide to other forest spaces around the Bay Area that offer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">stunning redwoods\u003c/a>, including Samuel P. Taylor State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State park in the North Bay. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">Read our full guide to Bay Area redwoods to visit as an alternative to Muir Woods.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12050853\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12050853 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1176\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1-160x98.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1-1536x941.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">If you can’t see Muir Woods, the Bay Area still holds other beautiful redwood forests, like Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. \u003ccite>(Hotaik Sung/Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You may hear that it’s possible to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/canopy-lost-and-fern-creek-loop\">hike into Muir Woods from other areas\u003c/a>, but while it’s technically true, the NPS has historically urged visitors to stay away from closed parks.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>A full closure like this also means that if you get into trouble on the steep trails, there will be no park rangers or first responders in the vicinity to help you — and there’s little-to-no cellphone service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>China Beach: Closed\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/chinabeach.htm\">China Beach\u003c/a>, a small but scenic San Francisco cove with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is now closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to China Beach: \u003c/em>While nearby NPS site \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/baker-beach.htm\">Baker Beach\u003c/a> remains open and offers a similar vista, its parking lot has been closed — so you’ll need to find alternative parking in the Sea Cliff neighborhood. Baker Beach’s bathrooms, however, will remain open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058373\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1777px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058373\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/PointBonita_20120317b_qed-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands of California on March 17, 2012. \u003ccite>(Craig Miller/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Point Bonita Lighthouse: Closed\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm\">This 1855 lighthouse in the Marin Headlands\u003c/a>, with views over the Golden Gate, is also now closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Alternatives to Point Bonita Lighthouse: \u003c/em>NPS has suggestions on \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/marin-headlands-scenic-vistas.htm\">how to drive the Headlands\u003c/a> to access the most striking vantage points over the ocean and the Bay. If it’s lighthouses you’re looking for, consider heading south to visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=78#google_vignette\">Point Montara \u003c/a>near Half Moon Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=533\">Pigeon Point\u003c/a> near Pescadero and \u003ca href=\"https://www.pointpinoslighthouse.org/\">Point Pinos\u003c/a> near Monterey. There’s also the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/lighthouse.htm\">Point Reyes lighthouse\u003c/a>, but as this is NPS land, you should stay vigilant for any updates around shutdown closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11993184\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1777px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11993184 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2155470074_qed-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Francisco’s Baker Beach photographed on June 4, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Finally: Going to the beach? Watch out for parking lot closures\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Popular Bay Area beaches where parking lots are currently closed (but bathrooms remain open):\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Crissy Field East Beach, San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Baker Beach, San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Stinson Beach, Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook, Marin County.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">See the full list of NPS closures and advisories for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "should-i-still-visit-yosemite-and-other-questions-about-national-parks-during-the-shutdown",
"title": "Should I Still Visit Yosemite? And Other Questions About National Parks During the Shutdown",
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"headTitle": "Should I Still Visit Yosemite? And Other Questions About National Parks During the Shutdown | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>More than a week in, the federal \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">government shutdown\u003c/a> has affected national parks in an often-confusing variety of ways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While many \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">National Park Service sites are fully open,\u003c/a> like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058592/alcatraz-island-is-open-again-after-several-false-starts\">Alcatraz\u003c/a>, other sites are completely closed during the shutdown — including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And then, there are the other parks that remain technically open but with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058508/yes-yosemite-is-open-during-the-shutdown-but-with-lots-of-changes-for-visitors\">vastly reduced staffing levels and limited services\u003c/a>. What’s more, with many NPS staff furloughed, these parks’ websites are not being updated during the shutdown, making it even more difficult to find up-to-date information, especially for first-time visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have plans to visit a national park soon — having secured a coveted camping Yosemite reservation, for example — it might feel hard right now to know what’s happening on the ground at parks, and how you can prepare for your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We talked to the experts, who shared what you should know about visiting national parks during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#ShouldIstillgotoaNationalParkduringtheshutdown\">Should I still go to a National Park during the shutdown?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Willmyreservationbehonored\">Will my reservation be honored?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowwillIknowifatrailisopenorclosed\">How will I know if a trail is open or closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIrecreateresponsibly\">How can I recreate responsibly?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#WhereelsecanIgoonmyvacation\">Where else can I go on my vacation?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIsupportNationalParksrightnow\">How can I support National Parks right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ShouldIstillgotoaNationalParkduringtheshutdown\">\u003c/a>Should I still go to a national park that’s open?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First things first — check whether the park you’re planning to visit \u003cem>is \u003c/em>actually open, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">several parks have experienced something of a back-and-forth\u003c/a> with closing and opening in the last week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the park of your choice is open, make sure you know of any other closures that may still be in place within it, like bathrooms, parking lots, campsites and other amenities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12059389\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12059389\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Falls on Aug. 31, 2025, in the Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For example, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/current-conditions/\">Yosemite\u003c/a> has open gates but no rangers on duty at the entry to collect fees, and all visitor centers are locked. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">A full list of closures of Golden Gate National Recreation\u003c/a> sites in the Bay Area can be found here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that many national parks websites are not being updated during the shutdown. What’s more, communications staff for parks have been furloughed, with many only checking email for urgent safety issues — so updates to the public, including on social media, will be slow to get out.[aside postID=news_12058291 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/GGBridgeGetty.jpg']Mark Rose, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/11003-parks-group-warns-shutdown-leaves-national-parks-open-and-unprotected-while\">National Parks Conservation Association’\u003c/a>s Sierra Nevada program manager, said his organization is encouraging visitors who \u003cem>can \u003c/em>change their plans to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Canceling your trip isn’t just to protect the park, he said — but also because you may miss out on some attractions like visitor centers, ranger programs and museums that aren’t operating during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, “if you have a reservation, or this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you’re flying across the country, we’re not going to say, ‘Don’t go to the park,’” Rose said. “If you are going to go, do everything you can to plan ahead and be prepared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, he did warn against taking on a more risky adventure right now — like a multi-day backpacking trip — because staffing is low and response times may be delayed in an emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for more local and urban national park sites like those within the Bay Area, Chris Lehnertz, president and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, said it’s OK to visit, but be sure to focus on minimizing damage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think people should continue to go to parks — \u003cem>and \u003c/em>they should be thoughtful visitors,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Willmyreservationbehonored\">\u003c/a>Will my national parks reservation be honored?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It \u003cem>should \u003c/em>be. But if it isn’t, you may unfortunately have trouble finding out ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the government shutdown on Oct. 1, reservations for NPS lands — like camping sites and backcountry permits — have been thrown into confusion, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/JoshuaTree/comments/1nw8pmp/reservation_automatically_cancelled/\">with Reddit threads like this one\u003c/a> full of people struggling to find definitive answers on whether their reservations will be honored.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058253\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor peeks past the barriers at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California, which is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The simplest answer is that if the park is open, you can still go — and your reservation should still be valid. But Rose warned that due to reduced staff, there may be fewer rangers available to check that everyone is complying with the reservation system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a worst-case scenario, this could mean there’s nobody to make sure someone isn’t taking your campsite, either inadvertently or deliberately.[aside postID=news_12058508 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty.jpg']A message on \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, which manages reservations for national parks, states that \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/government-shutdown-info\">the agency isn’t able to keep track of current closures\u003c/a>, and that understaffing may, in fact, cancel your reservation even at a park that’s otherwise open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cory Goehring, outdoor programs manager and senior naturalist at nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy, said that while services are limited within the park, he’s heard that people are generally respecting reservations — and hasn’t seen reports of overcrowding or damage just yet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wilderness reservations for backcountry trips are still valid, Goehring said. But most wilderness centers — other than the one in Yosemite Valley — won’t have rangers there to help you register your trip ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means it’s important that you self-register your trip and let others know about your plans ahead of time in case of an emergency, Goehring said. You’ll also need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058508/yes-yosemite-is-open-during-the-shutdown-but-with-lots-of-changes-for-visitors\">bring your own bear canister\u003c/a>, as rentals will not be available outside of Yosemite Valley, and be sure to abide by food storage regulations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowwillIknowifatrailisopenorclosed\">\u003c/a>How will I know which trails are open in a park?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, those parts of parks that are already physically accessible are staying open. Think of it as “an open-air closure,” Lehnertz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So while certain visitor centers and entire welcome areas are closed, including parking lots, many trails remain open and technically accessible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers explore Point Reyes shrouded in fog on July 20, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So long as there’s no “closed” sign, these trails can be accessed, but Lehnertz noted that since you may find some areas are unexpectedly closed, be sure to respect any signs you \u003cem>do \u003c/em>see.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Basically, whether it’s at a park entrance or within the park itself, “don’t go past any sign that has the word ‘Closed’ on it,” urged Lehnertz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She also warned that you could encounter slower response times if there’s an emergency due to reduced staffing, and amenities like bathrooms and trash cans may not be serviced as frequently.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIrecreateresponsibly\">\u003c/a>How can I recreate responsibly?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing to keep in mind is: these are public lands, and we all have a responsibility to tend to them,” Goehring said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Yosemite remains open, he urged visitors to follow \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lnt.htm\">Leave No Trace\u003c/a> principles by respecting the park’s natural and cultural sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Looking at the seven pillars of Leave No Trace, the very first one is to plan ahead and prepare,” he said. “That’s going to be the most important thing for people to do if they’re going to make their way to Yosemite.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11997996\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11997996\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Upper Yosemite Fall is reflected in the Merced River at Swinging Bridge in Yosemite National Park on June 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tracy Barbutes/The Washington Post via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While the park’s website might not be fully up to date, Lehnertz recommended checking out the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/index.htm\">Plan Your Visit\u003c/a>” section to get advice ahead of your trip. Think about the timing of your visit, and what your bathroom and trash needs will be ahead of time. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, consider what their needs will be, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most of all, don’t go off trails or damage the park, she reiterated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/yosemite-during-the-government-shutdown/\">guide published by the Yosemite Conservancy\u003c/a> also urges visitors to stay patient, as “fewer staff means slower or reduced service.” Goehring recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/Yosemite-Guide-50-8-508V1.pdf\">downloading the park map and guide\u003c/a> ahead of time, since no one will be there to give directions at the entrance of the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many parks have limited cell phone service, so the National Parks Conservation Association advises \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/7670-2025-park-visitation-prepare-for-the-unexpected\">bringing extra water and being especially careful to respect wildlife\u003c/a> during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPCA’s Rose urged visitors to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store their food away from bears\u003c/a> and to be extra cautious about wildfires amid limited staffing to help guard against those hazards. “All it takes is one bad actor” to “undo decades of progress,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So far, Lehnertz said, who works with national park sites in the Bay Area, “our community members are being very respectful of park resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I want to stay away from national parks during the shutdown. \u003ca id=\"WhereelsecanIgoonmyvacation\">\u003c/a>Where can I go instead?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While some national parks are closed or operating with limited staff, California’s 280 state parks are all functional and operating as usual. That includes more than 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage and more than 15,000 campsites and 4,500 miles of trail, according to California State Parks spokesperson Adeline Yee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When it comes to state-run alternatives to popular national parks in the Sierra, Yee particularly recommended \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514\">Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve\u003c/a> near the eastern entrance to Yosemite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046849\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12046849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1458\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1-1536x1120.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California gull soars above Mono Lake in Lee Vining, California, on July 18, 2011. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For a taste of Gold Rush history and some very big trees, you can stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=552\">Columbia State Historic Park\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> near Yosemite’s western entrances, Yee said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And amid the changing fall colors, state parks even published its own list of autumn \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1430\">recommendations to catch the best of the vibrant foliage, \u003c/a>which includes Bay Area parks like Angel Island, Henry Coe and Castle Rock state parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park\">See the list of all state parks within California\u003c/a> and take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">KQED’s other recommendations for Bay Area landmarks\u003c/a> that aren’t affected by the shutdown, including the Presidio.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIsupportNationalParksrightnow\">\u003c/a>How can I support National Parks right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The NPCA estimates that parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/3590-what-a-federal-government-shutdown-means-for-national-parks\">could lose as much as $1 million per day\u003c/a> while not collecting entrance and other fees during the shutdown. That’s not even including the potential impacts to local economies — an estimated $80 million daily — that will lose their own revenue as visitorship pauses, the organization said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the nationwide nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9065&9065.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&s_subsrc=25D00WGG-X0G2X&utm_source=ck-ad&utm_medium=GG&utm_campaign=evg25&rc=CKNPF-SEARCH-GG-BRAND-US-X0G2X&g_acctid=334-377-6810&g_keyword=national%20parks%20foundation&g_network=g&g_adgroupid=144572029880&g_keywordid=kwd-354898249845&g_adtype=search&g_campaignid=18504611475&g_adid=727503475416&g_campaign=NPF+Paid+Search+-+Brand+-+EXACT&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18504611475&gbraid=0AAAAADtLNwL-71r6J9kImJF9VCRDauhx7&gclid=CjwKCAjwup3HBhAAEiwA7euZunIHMAH9ENxAOcGigmLM09UNNMlQPeG-Ys4c40TxOpDgkUlICO2uexoCa98QAvD_BwE\">National Park Foundation\u003c/a>, every national park has its own nonprofit arm that organizes volunteers, runs bookstores and often fills gaps left by the National Park Service. Some of those groups are even using their own funds to keep parks open, like Lehnertz’s group, which is now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">paying to keep Fort Point available to the public again\u003c/a> on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12029489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12029489\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A volunteer for the National Park Service welcomes visitors at the Exploration Center in Yosemite Valley, at Yosemite National Park on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Plus, these organizations are still operating their own programs within national parks during the shutdown. These include the \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/experience/outdoor-adventures/\">Yosemite Conservancy\u003c/a>, which is staffing its own centers in the park to field visitor questions and is continuing to run its art and guided tour programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So for those inclined to donate money or time, you can find information online on how to help the nonprofit affiliate for your park of choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPCA is also urging park supporters to contact their members of Congress to call on them to pass a funding bill to keep the government open — and to support \u003ca href=\"https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/senate-committee-approves-fy-2026-interior-and-environment-appropriations-bill\">a Senate bill that averts future funding cuts for parks. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Parks advocates say: Plan ahead, pack out your trash and be prepared to cancel your trip to a national park right now.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>More than a week in, the federal \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">government shutdown\u003c/a> has affected national parks in an often-confusing variety of ways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While many \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">National Park Service sites are fully open,\u003c/a> like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058592/alcatraz-island-is-open-again-after-several-false-starts\">Alcatraz\u003c/a>, other sites are completely closed during the shutdown — including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058298/at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown\">Muir Woods National Monument.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And then, there are the other parks that remain technically open but with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058508/yes-yosemite-is-open-during-the-shutdown-but-with-lots-of-changes-for-visitors\">vastly reduced staffing levels and limited services\u003c/a>. What’s more, with many NPS staff furloughed, these parks’ websites are not being updated during the shutdown, making it even more difficult to find up-to-date information, especially for first-time visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have plans to visit a national park soon — having secured a coveted camping Yosemite reservation, for example — it might feel hard right now to know what’s happening on the ground at parks, and how you can prepare for your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We talked to the experts, who shared what you should know about visiting national parks during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#ShouldIstillgotoaNationalParkduringtheshutdown\">Should I still go to a National Park during the shutdown?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Willmyreservationbehonored\">Will my reservation be honored?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowwillIknowifatrailisopenorclosed\">How will I know if a trail is open or closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIrecreateresponsibly\">How can I recreate responsibly?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#WhereelsecanIgoonmyvacation\">Where else can I go on my vacation?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIsupportNationalParksrightnow\">How can I support National Parks right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ShouldIstillgotoaNationalParkduringtheshutdown\">\u003c/a>Should I still go to a national park that’s open?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First things first — check whether the park you’re planning to visit \u003cem>is \u003c/em>actually open, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">several parks have experienced something of a back-and-forth\u003c/a> with closing and opening in the last week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the park of your choice is open, make sure you know of any other closures that may still be in place within it, like bathrooms, parking lots, campsites and other amenities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12059389\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12059389\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Falls on Aug. 31, 2025, in the Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For example, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/current-conditions/\">Yosemite\u003c/a> has open gates but no rangers on duty at the entry to collect fees, and all visitor centers are locked. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">A full list of closures of Golden Gate National Recreation\u003c/a> sites in the Bay Area can be found here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that many national parks websites are not being updated during the shutdown. What’s more, communications staff for parks have been furloughed, with many only checking email for urgent safety issues — so updates to the public, including on social media, will be slow to get out.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Mark Rose, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/11003-parks-group-warns-shutdown-leaves-national-parks-open-and-unprotected-while\">National Parks Conservation Association’\u003c/a>s Sierra Nevada program manager, said his organization is encouraging visitors who \u003cem>can \u003c/em>change their plans to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Canceling your trip isn’t just to protect the park, he said — but also because you may miss out on some attractions like visitor centers, ranger programs and museums that aren’t operating during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But, “if you have a reservation, or this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you’re flying across the country, we’re not going to say, ‘Don’t go to the park,’” Rose said. “If you are going to go, do everything you can to plan ahead and be prepared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, he did warn against taking on a more risky adventure right now — like a multi-day backpacking trip — because staffing is low and response times may be delayed in an emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for more local and urban national park sites like those within the Bay Area, Chris Lehnertz, president and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, said it’s OK to visit, but be sure to focus on minimizing damage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think people should continue to go to parks — \u003cem>and \u003c/em>they should be thoughtful visitors,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Willmyreservationbehonored\">\u003c/a>Will my national parks reservation be honored?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It \u003cem>should \u003c/em>be. But if it isn’t, you may unfortunately have trouble finding out ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the government shutdown on Oct. 1, reservations for NPS lands — like camping sites and backcountry permits — have been thrown into confusion, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/JoshuaTree/comments/1nw8pmp/reservation_automatically_cancelled/\">with Reddit threads like this one\u003c/a> full of people struggling to find definitive answers on whether their reservations will be honored.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058253\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor peeks past the barriers at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California, which is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The simplest answer is that if the park is open, you can still go — and your reservation should still be valid. But Rose warned that due to reduced staff, there may be fewer rangers available to check that everyone is complying with the reservation system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a worst-case scenario, this could mean there’s nobody to make sure someone isn’t taking your campsite, either inadvertently or deliberately.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>A message on \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, which manages reservations for national parks, states that \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/government-shutdown-info\">the agency isn’t able to keep track of current closures\u003c/a>, and that understaffing may, in fact, cancel your reservation even at a park that’s otherwise open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cory Goehring, outdoor programs manager and senior naturalist at nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy, said that while services are limited within the park, he’s heard that people are generally respecting reservations — and hasn’t seen reports of overcrowding or damage just yet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wilderness reservations for backcountry trips are still valid, Goehring said. But most wilderness centers — other than the one in Yosemite Valley — won’t have rangers there to help you register your trip ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means it’s important that you self-register your trip and let others know about your plans ahead of time in case of an emergency, Goehring said. You’ll also need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058508/yes-yosemite-is-open-during-the-shutdown-but-with-lots-of-changes-for-visitors\">bring your own bear canister\u003c/a>, as rentals will not be available outside of Yosemite Valley, and be sure to abide by food storage regulations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowwillIknowifatrailisopenorclosed\">\u003c/a>How will I know which trails are open in a park?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>During the shutdown, those parts of parks that are already physically accessible are staying open. Think of it as “an open-air closure,” Lehnertz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So while certain visitor centers and entire welcome areas are closed, including parking lots, many trails remain open and technically accessible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Fog-2-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers explore Point Reyes shrouded in fog on July 20, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So long as there’s no “closed” sign, these trails can be accessed, but Lehnertz noted that since you may find some areas are unexpectedly closed, be sure to respect any signs you \u003cem>do \u003c/em>see.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Basically, whether it’s at a park entrance or within the park itself, “don’t go past any sign that has the word ‘Closed’ on it,” urged Lehnertz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She also warned that you could encounter slower response times if there’s an emergency due to reduced staffing, and amenities like bathrooms and trash cans may not be serviced as frequently.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIrecreateresponsibly\">\u003c/a>How can I recreate responsibly?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing to keep in mind is: these are public lands, and we all have a responsibility to tend to them,” Goehring said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Yosemite remains open, he urged visitors to follow \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lnt.htm\">Leave No Trace\u003c/a> principles by respecting the park’s natural and cultural sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Looking at the seven pillars of Leave No Trace, the very first one is to plan ahead and prepare,” he said. “That’s going to be the most important thing for people to do if they’re going to make their way to Yosemite.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11997996\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11997996\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Upper Yosemite Fall is reflected in the Merced River at Swinging Bridge in Yosemite National Park on June 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tracy Barbutes/The Washington Post via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While the park’s website might not be fully up to date, Lehnertz recommended checking out the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/index.htm\">Plan Your Visit\u003c/a>” section to get advice ahead of your trip. Think about the timing of your visit, and what your bathroom and trash needs will be ahead of time. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, consider what their needs will be, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most of all, don’t go off trails or damage the park, she reiterated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/yosemite-during-the-government-shutdown/\">guide published by the Yosemite Conservancy\u003c/a> also urges visitors to stay patient, as “fewer staff means slower or reduced service.” Goehring recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/Yosemite-Guide-50-8-508V1.pdf\">downloading the park map and guide\u003c/a> ahead of time, since no one will be there to give directions at the entrance of the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many parks have limited cell phone service, so the National Parks Conservation Association advises \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/7670-2025-park-visitation-prepare-for-the-unexpected\">bringing extra water and being especially careful to respect wildlife\u003c/a> during the shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPCA’s Rose urged visitors to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store their food away from bears\u003c/a> and to be extra cautious about wildfires amid limited staffing to help guard against those hazards. “All it takes is one bad actor” to “undo decades of progress,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So far, Lehnertz said, who works with national park sites in the Bay Area, “our community members are being very respectful of park resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I want to stay away from national parks during the shutdown. \u003ca id=\"WhereelsecanIgoonmyvacation\">\u003c/a>Where can I go instead?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While some national parks are closed or operating with limited staff, California’s 280 state parks are all functional and operating as usual. That includes more than 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage and more than 15,000 campsites and 4,500 miles of trail, according to California State Parks spokesperson Adeline Yee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When it comes to state-run alternatives to popular national parks in the Sierra, Yee particularly recommended \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514\">Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve\u003c/a> near the eastern entrance to Yosemite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046849\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12046849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1458\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MonoLakeGullsGetty1-1536x1120.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California gull soars above Mono Lake in Lee Vining, California, on July 18, 2011. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For a taste of Gold Rush history and some very big trees, you can stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=552\">Columbia State Historic Park\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> near Yosemite’s western entrances, Yee said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And amid the changing fall colors, state parks even published its own list of autumn \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1430\">recommendations to catch the best of the vibrant foliage, \u003c/a>which includes Bay Area parks like Angel Island, Henry Coe and Castle Rock state parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park\">See the list of all state parks within California\u003c/a> and take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058291/san-francisco-national-parks-government-shutdown-bay-area-muir-woods-redwoods-fort-point\">KQED’s other recommendations for Bay Area landmarks\u003c/a> that aren’t affected by the shutdown, including the Presidio.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIsupportNationalParksrightnow\">\u003c/a>How can I support National Parks right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The NPCA estimates that parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/3590-what-a-federal-government-shutdown-means-for-national-parks\">could lose as much as $1 million per day\u003c/a> while not collecting entrance and other fees during the shutdown. That’s not even including the potential impacts to local economies — an estimated $80 million daily — that will lose their own revenue as visitorship pauses, the organization said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the nationwide nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9065&9065.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&s_subsrc=25D00WGG-X0G2X&utm_source=ck-ad&utm_medium=GG&utm_campaign=evg25&rc=CKNPF-SEARCH-GG-BRAND-US-X0G2X&g_acctid=334-377-6810&g_keyword=national%20parks%20foundation&g_network=g&g_adgroupid=144572029880&g_keywordid=kwd-354898249845&g_adtype=search&g_campaignid=18504611475&g_adid=727503475416&g_campaign=NPF+Paid+Search+-+Brand+-+EXACT&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18504611475&gbraid=0AAAAADtLNwL-71r6J9kImJF9VCRDauhx7&gclid=CjwKCAjwup3HBhAAEiwA7euZunIHMAH9ENxAOcGigmLM09UNNMlQPeG-Ys4c40TxOpDgkUlICO2uexoCa98QAvD_BwE\">National Park Foundation\u003c/a>, every national park has its own nonprofit arm that organizes volunteers, runs bookstores and often fills gaps left by the National Park Service. Some of those groups are even using their own funds to keep parks open, like Lehnertz’s group, which is now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12059259/san-franciscos-fort-point-will-partially-reopen-amid-national-parks-shutdown\">paying to keep Fort Point available to the public again\u003c/a> on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12029489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12029489\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A volunteer for the National Park Service welcomes visitors at the Exploration Center in Yosemite Valley, at Yosemite National Park on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Plus, these organizations are still operating their own programs within national parks during the shutdown. These include the \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/experience/outdoor-adventures/\">Yosemite Conservancy\u003c/a>, which is staffing its own centers in the park to field visitor questions and is continuing to run its art and guided tour programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So for those inclined to donate money or time, you can find information online on how to help the nonprofit affiliate for your park of choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPCA is also urging park supporters to contact their members of Congress to call on them to pass a funding bill to keep the government open — and to support \u003ca href=\"https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/senate-committee-approves-fy-2026-interior-and-environment-appropriations-bill\">a Senate bill that averts future funding cuts for parks. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "best-hikes-san-francisco-presidio-views-trails-hiking",
"title": "4 Holiday Hikes to Explore the San Francisco Presidio, From Stunning Views to Historic Trails",
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"headTitle": "4 Holiday Hikes to Explore the San Francisco Presidio, From Stunning Views to Historic Trails | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>If there’s one thing about San Francisco that’s unwaveringly impressive, it’s the city’s parks. Every resident has access to some kind of park \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/in-san-francisco-everyone-lives-within-a-10-minute-walk-of-a-park/\">within a 10-minute walk.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the west side of the city is particularly blessed — between sprawling Golden Gate Park (it’s bigger than Manhattan’s Central Park) and the Presidio, there are \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/419/Who-We-Are\">more than 4,000 acres\u003c/a> of parkland in the city’s boundaries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12054109\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12054109\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A jogger runs along part of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio of San Francisco on June 4, 2025. The coastal path offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean, access to historic military sites and Marshall’s Beach. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While Golden Gate Park boasts ample museums and is perfect for a long stroll, if you’re really trying to immerse yourself in nature, consider taking your next hike this holiday weekend to the Presidio, where wildness can be found around every corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A former U.S. Army site turned national park, the Presidio can feel shockingly wild for how urban it is. Getting lost in its tangles of \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/creating-a-sustainable-forest\">cypress, redwood and eucalyptus trees\u003c/a> is easy to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may even see its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046806/coyotes-are-in-pupping-season-in-the-bay-area-heres-how-to-keep-yourself-and-your-dog-safe\">infamous coyotes,\u003c/a> which inhabit the area and are often responsible for seasonal trail closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12054103\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Presidio’s sheer size, however, can be initially daunting for many would-be explorers. Perhaps you’ve only visited \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/andy-goldsworthys-wood-line\">Andy Goldsworthy’s ever-decaying \u003cem>Wood Line\u003c/em>\u003c/a> while traveling on \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/lovers-lane-trail\">Lover’s Lane\u003c/a>, allegedly San Francisco’s oldest footpath. Or maybe you’ve taken on the popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042938/hiking-along-beautiful-bluffs-can-get-risky-heres-how-to-stay-safe\">Batteries to Bluffs\u003c/a> trail, or the stroll from Crissy Field along \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/golden-gate-promenade-bay-trail\">Golden Gate Promenade \u003c/a>to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/fort-point-national-historic-site\">Fort Point\u003c/a> and the iconic bridge itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But head inland a bit and you’ll discover the park has far more than meets the eye, including a network of trails that take you through its most hidden, and some of its best, spots. Read on for four of the best hikes to discover the Presidio, from incredible views to off-the-beaten-path finds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A word about safety: The Presidio is home to an active coyote population, so some sections of the park, like sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail, are closed to dogs in certain seasons to prevent dog-coyote conflicts. \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">Remember to check for closures\u003c/a> before heading out, keep your dog leashed and abide by all posted signs.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with a ‘wilderness’ feel: The Ecology Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One of the park’s shortest but most immersive trails is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/ecology-trail\">Ecology Trail\u003c/a>, which winds around a southeastern segment of the park and takes hikers through redwoods, native grasslands and even coastal wetland habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upper trail is pedestrian only, while the lower trail allows bikes. Stop at \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/inspiration-point-overlook\">Inspiration Point Overlook\u003c/a> for one of the best views in the park, overlooking Angel Island, the Palace of Fine Arts and Alcatraz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055105\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055105\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Upper Ecology Trail, near Inspiration Point, in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Along the way, don’t forget to detour to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/el-polin-spring\">El Polín Spring\u003c/a>, a natural spring that was foundational to the Indigenous people who lived in the area and the Spanish and U.S. armies who later occupied it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Part of the Tennessee Hollow Watershed, the site of the spring was also home to \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/juana-briones.htm\">Doña Juana Briones de Miranda\u003c/a>, among the first settlers of then-Yerba Buena, who lived there with her family in the 1800s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Presidio Trust spokesperson Lisa Petrie said when the park was first established, cleaning up and restoring native habitat to the spring and the surrounding ecosystem was a high priority.[aside postID=news_12052990 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/CampingGetty.jpg']Now, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability\">everything from great horned owls to frogs and even turtles\u003c/a> can be found there, and it’s also the site used to first reintroduce species that have been threatened back into the landscape.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When the habitat was planted there, the area just started to thrive,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to the spring from the south, a zig-zagging trail winds downhill through scrubland to a boardwalk and the entrance of the spring, tucked away inside a sheltered oak-tree wildlife hub. Here, you’ll also find a “field station” housing materials for kids to learn about the spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearby signage, which details the importance of the water to native species and the people who lived nearby, encourages visitors to slow down and listen to the birds and the wind as it moves through the three main habitats of the area — wetland, coastal scrub and grassland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It just makes you feel like you’re in the wilderness,” Petrie said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The Ecology Trail is 1.4 miles in total and takes about half an hour to complete, but adding on a detour to El Polín Spring will tack on another 15–20 minutes or so.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with history: The Park Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bisecting the park north-south is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/park-trail\">Park Trail\u003c/a>, which winds adjacent to the San Francisco National Cemetery, up to the Presidio Golf Course, around Mountain Lake and terminating at the former U.S. Marine Hospital — which is now housing for Presidio residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One major highlight of the trail is a quick detour to the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/national-cemetery-overlook\">National Cemetery Overlook\u003c/a>, also accessible via the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The forest here is dense with green foliage and ivy crawling up eucalyptus trees. Above the cemetery is a place to sit and reflect or meander through a World War I monument adorned with excerpts from \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/wwim/learn/historyculture/young.htm\">Archibald MacLeish’s poem \u003cem>The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055107\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055107\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cemetery Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025, looks out over the National Cemetery and the San Francisco Bay. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calvin Anderson, a San Francisco resident who was out walking to the overlook, said his son goes to school not too far away — so he often comes out to Inspiration Point and the Cemetery Overlook, both for the history and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I even have it tattooed on my arm,” he said of the bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1WaXHWVkgLirukBHy8AuipWBKO60eYUY&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"1920\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s not the only homage along this trail to those lost. At its northernmost end, you’ll find a \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/presidio-pet-cemetery\">pet cemetery\u003c/a>. Then, as the Park Trail winds its way south, it passes near the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/marine-cemetery-vista\">Marine Cemetery Vista\u003c/a> overlooking the park’s dune habitat, which honors merchant mariners who died at the nearby Marine Hospital, whose graves were rediscovered in 1989.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The Park Trail winds north to south for 1.7 miles in total. Add on detours to the National Cemetery Overlook and Marine Cemetery Vista, and it’ll come out closer to 2–2.5 miles for a little under an hour of walking.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with art: The Bay Area Ridge Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a more than 500-mile network of trails that \u003ca href=\"https://ridgetrail.org/\">creates a ring around the entire Bay Area\u003c/a> — and\u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/bay-area-ridge-trail\"> its Presidio segment \u003c/a>is a highlight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Near its southern start, the trail passes next to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/andy-goldsworthys-spire\">another Andy Goldsworthy sculpture called \u003cem>Spire\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>. \u003c/em>The artist built this artwork from 37 Monterey cypress trees that had to be removed during the park’s restoration, and it’s now surrounded by new trees planted at the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055112\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055112\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tents are setup at Rob Hill Campground, above Immigrant Point Overlook, in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As well as being an arresting sight, \u003cem>Spire \u003c/em>is “almost acting like a measuring stick to see the natural progression of the new trees that were planted,” Petrie said. “It’s just a striking moment to be able to consider the various life cycles of trees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the National Cemetery Overlook, along the way you’ll skirt the Presidio Golf Course — as well as the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/rob-hill-campground\">Rob Hill Campground\u003c/a>, the highest point in the Presidio, which \u003ca href=\"https://rvparksf.com/\">until recently\u003c/a> was the only campground within the city. During World War II, it was a lookout that then became a campground maintained by the Boy Scouts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, it welcomes up to 30 people at each site during the summer months. \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10172170\">Rob Hill Group Campground reservations \u003c/a>get snapped up quickly on weekends, but tend to be easy to get on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Behind the sites themselves is a dune restoration site and a forest with a fire circle. Petrie said if the weather is right, at nighttime while camping, you may even see stars and hear the evocative foghorn in the distance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can also really hear the great horned owls up there,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The total length of this section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is just 2.5 miles, and takes just under an hour to complete from one end to the other. If you’re planning to hike it point to point, it’s easily accessible by public transit on both ends via the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/1-california\">1 Muni bus\u003c/a> from the south and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/28-19th-avenue\">28 from the north near the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/a> Reservations at Rob Hill Campground cost $92 per night on weekdays and $240 on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with stunning views: Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The 1,200-mile \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/juan-bautista-de-anza-national-historic-trail\">Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail \u003c/a>crosses three states and even an international border, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/juba/planyourvisit/maps.htm\">following the colonizer’s route\u003c/a> from Sonora, Mexico, to San Francisco in 1776.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily for you, its Presidio segment is just under three miles long, following the expedition’s route from Mountain Lake to the Golden Gate Bridge, with a whole lot of vistas along the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055110\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055110\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view from Immigrant Point Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In total, the park has eight scenic overlooks, which Petrie said were key to transforming the Presidio from a military base to a national park site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The least assuming but most unique is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/lobos-valley-overlook\">Lobos Valley Overlook\u003c/a>, which gives a rare west-facing view of Sea Cliff and the Legion of Honor Museum beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/immigrant-point-overlook\">Immigrant Point Overlook\u003c/a> perches hikers above the Batteries-to-Bluffs trails, where the expanse of the Pacific Ocean beyond dominates the view, honoring immigrants to the United States who landed on these shores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll also encounter the dramatic \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/pacific-overlook\">Pacific Overlook\u003c/a> and its hidden picnic tables, and the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/golden-gate-overlook\">Golden Gate Overlook\u003c/a>, which Petrie highlighted as one of the most “unusual, head-on” views of the bridge in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1cMScoOQYrt1ezTgUGz_2P_laW8aJMyg&ehbc=2E312F\" height=\"480\" width=\"100%\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While most of the trails in the park are up to two to three miles maximum, Petrie encouraged hikers to get creative to make a full day out of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s amazing how you can do loops and put the trails together,” Petrie said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>At almost three miles, this section of trail takes around an hour to complete. Don’t forget to stop at \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/mountain-lake\">Mountain Lake \u003c/a>on your way out for a chance to spot birds and frogs at one of the city’s last natural lakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If there’s one thing about San Francisco that’s unwaveringly impressive, it’s the city’s parks. Every resident has access to some kind of park \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/in-san-francisco-everyone-lives-within-a-10-minute-walk-of-a-park/\">within a 10-minute walk.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the west side of the city is particularly blessed — between sprawling Golden Gate Park (it’s bigger than Manhattan’s Central Park) and the Presidio, there are \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/419/Who-We-Are\">more than 4,000 acres\u003c/a> of parkland in the city’s boundaries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12054109\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12054109\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A jogger runs along part of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio of San Francisco on June 4, 2025. The coastal path offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean, access to historic military sites and Marshall’s Beach. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While Golden Gate Park boasts ample museums and is perfect for a long stroll, if you’re really trying to immerse yourself in nature, consider taking your next hike this holiday weekend to the Presidio, where wildness can be found around every corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A former U.S. Army site turned national park, the Presidio can feel shockingly wild for how urban it is. Getting lost in its tangles of \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/creating-a-sustainable-forest\">cypress, redwood and eucalyptus trees\u003c/a> is easy to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may even see its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046806/coyotes-are-in-pupping-season-in-the-bay-area-heres-how-to-keep-yourself-and-your-dog-safe\">infamous coyotes,\u003c/a> which inhabit the area and are often responsible for seasonal trail closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12054103\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Trails-Map-Accessible.pdf-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Presidio’s sheer size, however, can be initially daunting for many would-be explorers. Perhaps you’ve only visited \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/andy-goldsworthys-wood-line\">Andy Goldsworthy’s ever-decaying \u003cem>Wood Line\u003c/em>\u003c/a> while traveling on \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/lovers-lane-trail\">Lover’s Lane\u003c/a>, allegedly San Francisco’s oldest footpath. Or maybe you’ve taken on the popular \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042938/hiking-along-beautiful-bluffs-can-get-risky-heres-how-to-stay-safe\">Batteries to Bluffs\u003c/a> trail, or the stroll from Crissy Field along \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/golden-gate-promenade-bay-trail\">Golden Gate Promenade \u003c/a>to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/fort-point-national-historic-site\">Fort Point\u003c/a> and the iconic bridge itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But head inland a bit and you’ll discover the park has far more than meets the eye, including a network of trails that take you through its most hidden, and some of its best, spots. Read on for four of the best hikes to discover the Presidio, from incredible views to off-the-beaten-path finds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A word about safety: The Presidio is home to an active coyote population, so some sections of the park, like sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail, are closed to dogs in certain seasons to prevent dog-coyote conflicts. \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">Remember to check for closures\u003c/a> before heading out, keep your dog leashed and abide by all posted signs.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with a ‘wilderness’ feel: The Ecology Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One of the park’s shortest but most immersive trails is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/ecology-trail\">Ecology Trail\u003c/a>, which winds around a southeastern segment of the park and takes hikers through redwoods, native grasslands and even coastal wetland habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upper trail is pedestrian only, while the lower trail allows bikes. Stop at \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/inspiration-point-overlook\">Inspiration Point Overlook\u003c/a> for one of the best views in the park, overlooking Angel Island, the Palace of Fine Arts and Alcatraz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055105\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055105\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-09-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Upper Ecology Trail, near Inspiration Point, in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Along the way, don’t forget to detour to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/el-polin-spring\">El Polín Spring\u003c/a>, a natural spring that was foundational to the Indigenous people who lived in the area and the Spanish and U.S. armies who later occupied it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Part of the Tennessee Hollow Watershed, the site of the spring was also home to \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/juana-briones.htm\">Doña Juana Briones de Miranda\u003c/a>, among the first settlers of then-Yerba Buena, who lived there with her family in the 1800s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Presidio Trust spokesperson Lisa Petrie said when the park was first established, cleaning up and restoring native habitat to the spring and the surrounding ecosystem was a high priority.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Now, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability\">everything from great horned owls to frogs and even turtles\u003c/a> can be found there, and it’s also the site used to first reintroduce species that have been threatened back into the landscape.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When the habitat was planted there, the area just started to thrive,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to the spring from the south, a zig-zagging trail winds downhill through scrubland to a boardwalk and the entrance of the spring, tucked away inside a sheltered oak-tree wildlife hub. Here, you’ll also find a “field station” housing materials for kids to learn about the spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearby signage, which details the importance of the water to native species and the people who lived nearby, encourages visitors to slow down and listen to the birds and the wind as it moves through the three main habitats of the area — wetland, coastal scrub and grassland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It just makes you feel like you’re in the wilderness,” Petrie said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The Ecology Trail is 1.4 miles in total and takes about half an hour to complete, but adding on a detour to El Polín Spring will tack on another 15–20 minutes or so.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with history: The Park Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bisecting the park north-south is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/park-trail\">Park Trail\u003c/a>, which winds adjacent to the San Francisco National Cemetery, up to the Presidio Golf Course, around Mountain Lake and terminating at the former U.S. Marine Hospital — which is now housing for Presidio residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One major highlight of the trail is a quick detour to the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/national-cemetery-overlook\">National Cemetery Overlook\u003c/a>, also accessible via the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The forest here is dense with green foliage and ivy crawling up eucalyptus trees. Above the cemetery is a place to sit and reflect or meander through a World War I monument adorned with excerpts from \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/wwim/learn/historyculture/young.htm\">Archibald MacLeish’s poem \u003cem>The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055107\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055107\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-13-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cemetery Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025, looks out over the National Cemetery and the San Francisco Bay. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calvin Anderson, a San Francisco resident who was out walking to the overlook, said his son goes to school not too far away — so he often comes out to Inspiration Point and the Cemetery Overlook, both for the history and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I even have it tattooed on my arm,” he said of the bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1WaXHWVkgLirukBHy8AuipWBKO60eYUY&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"1920\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s not the only homage along this trail to those lost. At its northernmost end, you’ll find a \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/presidio-pet-cemetery\">pet cemetery\u003c/a>. Then, as the Park Trail winds its way south, it passes near the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/marine-cemetery-vista\">Marine Cemetery Vista\u003c/a> overlooking the park’s dune habitat, which honors merchant mariners who died at the nearby Marine Hospital, whose graves were rediscovered in 1989.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The Park Trail winds north to south for 1.7 miles in total. Add on detours to the National Cemetery Overlook and Marine Cemetery Vista, and it’ll come out closer to 2–2.5 miles for a little under an hour of walking.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with art: The Bay Area Ridge Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a more than 500-mile network of trails that \u003ca href=\"https://ridgetrail.org/\">creates a ring around the entire Bay Area\u003c/a> — and\u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/bay-area-ridge-trail\"> its Presidio segment \u003c/a>is a highlight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Near its southern start, the trail passes next to \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/andy-goldsworthys-spire\">another Andy Goldsworthy sculpture called \u003cem>Spire\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>. \u003c/em>The artist built this artwork from 37 Monterey cypress trees that had to be removed during the park’s restoration, and it’s now surrounded by new trees planted at the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055112\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055112\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-24-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tents are setup at Rob Hill Campground, above Immigrant Point Overlook, in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As well as being an arresting sight, \u003cem>Spire \u003c/em>is “almost acting like a measuring stick to see the natural progression of the new trees that were planted,” Petrie said. “It’s just a striking moment to be able to consider the various life cycles of trees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to the National Cemetery Overlook, along the way you’ll skirt the Presidio Golf Course — as well as the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/rob-hill-campground\">Rob Hill Campground\u003c/a>, the highest point in the Presidio, which \u003ca href=\"https://rvparksf.com/\">until recently\u003c/a> was the only campground within the city. During World War II, it was a lookout that then became a campground maintained by the Boy Scouts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, it welcomes up to 30 people at each site during the summer months. \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10172170\">Rob Hill Group Campground reservations \u003c/a>get snapped up quickly on weekends, but tend to be easy to get on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Behind the sites themselves is a dune restoration site and a forest with a fire circle. Petrie said if the weather is right, at nighttime while camping, you may even see stars and hear the evocative foghorn in the distance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can also really hear the great horned owls up there,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>The total length of this section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is just 2.5 miles, and takes just under an hour to complete from one end to the other. If you’re planning to hike it point to point, it’s easily accessible by public transit on both ends via the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/1-california\">1 Muni bus\u003c/a> from the south and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/28-19th-avenue\">28 from the north near the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/a> Reservations at Rob Hill Campground cost $92 per night on weekdays and $240 on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For a Presidio hike with stunning views: Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The 1,200-mile \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/juan-bautista-de-anza-national-historic-trail\">Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail \u003c/a>crosses three states and even an international border, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/juba/planyourvisit/maps.htm\">following the colonizer’s route\u003c/a> from Sonora, Mexico, to San Francisco in 1776.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily for you, its Presidio segment is just under three miles long, following the expedition’s route from Mountain Lake to the Golden Gate Bridge, with a whole lot of vistas along the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055110\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055110\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250904-PRESIDIOHIKES-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view from Immigrant Point Overlook in the Presidio of San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In total, the park has eight scenic overlooks, which Petrie said were key to transforming the Presidio from a military base to a national park site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The least assuming but most unique is the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/lobos-valley-overlook\">Lobos Valley Overlook\u003c/a>, which gives a rare west-facing view of Sea Cliff and the Legion of Honor Museum beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/immigrant-point-overlook\">Immigrant Point Overlook\u003c/a> perches hikers above the Batteries-to-Bluffs trails, where the expanse of the Pacific Ocean beyond dominates the view, honoring immigrants to the United States who landed on these shores.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll also encounter the dramatic \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/pacific-overlook\">Pacific Overlook\u003c/a> and its hidden picnic tables, and the \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/golden-gate-overlook\">Golden Gate Overlook\u003c/a>, which Petrie highlighted as one of the most “unusual, head-on” views of the bridge in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1cMScoOQYrt1ezTgUGz_2P_laW8aJMyg&ehbc=2E312F\" height=\"480\" width=\"100%\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While most of the trails in the park are up to two to three miles maximum, Petrie encouraged hikers to get creative to make a full day out of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s amazing how you can do loops and put the trails together,” Petrie said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>By the numbers: \u003c/em>At almost three miles, this section of trail takes around an hour to complete. Don’t forget to stop at \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/mountain-lake\">Mountain Lake \u003c/a>on your way out for a chance to spot birds and frogs at one of the city’s last natural lakes.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cdiv class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__shortcodes__shortcodeWrapper'>\n \u003ciframe\n src='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true?embedded=true'\n title='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true'\n width='760' height='500'\n frameborder='0'\n marginheight='0' marginwidth='0'>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/div>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "at-muir-woods-tourists-heartbroken-over-national-park-closure-during-shutdown",
"title": "At Muir Woods, Tourists ‘Heartbroken’ Over National Park Closure During Shutdown",
"publishDate": 1759362750,
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"headTitle": "At Muir Woods, Tourists ‘Heartbroken’ Over National Park Closure During Shutdown | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>As visitors arrived at the entrance to Muir Woods National Monument on Wednesday morning, they were greeted by a sign: “Closed due to a lapse in appropriations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In other words, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777\">federal government had shut down\u003c/a> at 12:01 that day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A National Park Service ranger greeted people by the closed gate, explaining the closure and recommending alternatives such as \u003ca href=\"https://parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/preserves/roys-redwoods\">Roy’s Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a>, about 45 minutes north, and hikes around \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a> — a California state park that remains open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shutdown has left Bay Area parks in mixed states. Muir Woods is fully closed. Alcatraz Island is slated to stay open. Other sites like Point Reyes National Seashore and Fort Point have partial closures, with some parking lots blocked or bathrooms locked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even park staff said they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058137/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks-planning-memo\">didn’t learn the plan\u003c/a> until Tuesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One NPS superintendent, who was on a call with parks leadership on Tuesday, spoke to KQED on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation and losing their job, said this didn’t take place until 3 p.m. that afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058343\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058343\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor takes a photos of a sign indicating that Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, CA is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The NPS had submitted a closure plan last week, but staff didn’t get direction from the Department of the Interior until the last minute. KQED has reached out to NPS and DOI for comment, and has not yet received a response.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The superintendent told KQED they were told to report on Wednesday and submit their closure plan, which included making a formal request for any essential employees they believed needed to continue working — and to then instruct everyone else to set out-of-office notifications on their emails and phones.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, “I’ll finalize any time sheets and lock the doors,” they said on Tuesday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Muir Woods, tourists like Amelia Lei Cabatit expressed confusion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I thought I was being clever when I Googled and it said yesterday night that parks would remain open,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cabatit came to California all the way from Hong Kong. Muir Woods was at the top of her list, she said, along with Yosemite, where she has reservations next week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm\">Yosemite remains partially open\u003c/a> with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mariposagazette.com/articles/yosemite-remains-open-but-with-limited-visitor-services/\">reports of reduced staffing\u003c/a>, but Cabatit fears it’s unlikely the shutdown will be resolved in time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I’m heartbroken,” she said. “I’ve been everywhere from Africa to the Galapagos to Costa Rica. I tell you, there’s nothing as beautiful as California parks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The impact on visitors — and the land\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Running national parks on a “skeleton crew” is going to be an issue for visitors, the superintendent warned, especially considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Park%20Service%20reported,2%25\">visitor numbers\u003c/a> continue to rise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than 40 former superintendents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777/with-a-government-shutdown-looming-heres-how-the-bay-area-could-be-affected\">signed a letter\u003c/a> to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum last week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058137/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks-planning-memo\">raising the alarm about\u003c/a> what keeping some parks open with no staff could mean for visitors and the parks’ ecology itself.[aside postID=news_12058294 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/GettyImages-2238183191-scaled.jpg']They warned the safety of visitors is at stake, as there won’t be staff to direct them and emergency response times may be slower due to low staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If people go into Yosemite and they [don’t] know where to go or what to do, they’ll be on their own,” said Don Neubacher, former park superintendent for Yosemite and Point Reyes national parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unsupervised visitors can also cause damage to parks, as happened at Joshua Tree National Park during the 2018–19 government shutdown, where bathrooms overflowed, pounds of trash accumulated, vehicles went off-road and iconic \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/29/us/joshua-tree-shutdown.html\">Joshua trees were cut down\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we saw last time required dozens of volunteers to step up and fill the gap left by lack of maintenance and lack of law enforcement,” said Kenji Haroutunian, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Joshua Tree. His group was one of those that helped maintain and clean up the park during and after the shutdown, and had urged NPS leaders to close Joshua Tree for the duration of any shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, Haroutunian said, the park’s “partial opening” will once again “require some of the community to step up … to support the skeleton crew that’s likely to be in place for the foreseeable future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The longer-term picture for parks\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Russell Galipeau, former superintendent of Channel Islands National Park, said focusing only on human impacts of the shutdown misses another major issue: the consequences for research across NPS land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While they’re not considered “essential” under a government shutdown, staff like wildlife biologists who help manage bear populations and monitor ecosystems are just as important — and their work, too, will get shut down, Galipeau warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10898045\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10898045\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles.jpg\" alt=\"A breeding pair of bald eagles atop their nest in Channel Islands National Park.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-400x234.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-800x467.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-1180x689.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-960x561.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A breeding pair of bald eagles atop their nest in Channel Islands National Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy National Park Service)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We forget that these parks, these natural areas, they don’t manage themselves,” he said. “Sometimes, intervention is necessary.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Channel Islands, that means 40 years of data monitoring the health of the kelp forest or local populations of pinnipeds will now have a shutdown-sized hole — along with monitoring of fish populations to help inform fishing policy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All those programs get shut down, and so we no longer have that canary in the coal mine that’s giving us an indicator of the health of not just the park, not just the ecosystem, but the place we live,” Galipeau said.[aside postID=news_12058137 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/250912-TrumpsSignageOrder-36-BL_qed.jpg']Galipeau said he was especially worried about smaller or less-visited parks like Manzanar National Historic Site — concerns echoed by that park’s former superintendent, Bernadette Johnson. Manzanar’s remote location in the Eastern Sierra doesn’t have onsite worker housing, and the park was already only open four days a week due to lack of staffing and budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Small parks like Manzanar really can’t afford to lose any other bodies at all,” Johnson said. “It’s already been bare bones.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She noted that it’s not just the parks that will lose income, including entrance fees, during the shutdown: Bookstores, coffee shops, and even nearby towns will all lose out on dollars while parks are closed. But Galipeau said that the current shutdown plan, which prioritizes keeping parks that \u003cem>can \u003c/em>collect entrance fees open, is a dangerous game, too. “Now all of a sudden, we’re letting money drive everything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under President Donald Trump’s second administration, Galipeau said, it’s been especially hard to find out what the plans for national parks are — and what the future might hold. “In the past, you could talk to people more openly,” he said. “You could understand what their shutdown plans were.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very hard to get anybody to talk to us,” he said. “Because they don’t know what’s going to happen to them if they’ll be perceived as non-loyalists.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/kmizuguchi\">\u003cem>Keith Mizuguchi\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/carlysevern\">\u003cem>Carly Severn\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "As some national parks close their doors entirely during the shutdown, visitors and advocates are dismayed by what’s unfolding.",
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"title": "At Muir Woods, Tourists ‘Heartbroken’ Over National Park Closure During Shutdown | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As visitors arrived at the entrance to Muir Woods National Monument on Wednesday morning, they were greeted by a sign: “Closed due to a lapse in appropriations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In other words, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777\">federal government had shut down\u003c/a> at 12:01 that day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A National Park Service ranger greeted people by the closed gate, explaining the closure and recommending alternatives such as \u003ca href=\"https://parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/preserves/roys-redwoods\">Roy’s Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a>, about 45 minutes north, and hikes around \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a> — a California state park that remains open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shutdown has left Bay Area parks in mixed states. Muir Woods is fully closed. Alcatraz Island is slated to stay open. Other sites like Point Reyes National Seashore and Fort Point have partial closures, with some parking lots blocked or bathrooms locked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even park staff said they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058137/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks-planning-memo\">didn’t learn the plan\u003c/a> until Tuesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One NPS superintendent, who was on a call with parks leadership on Tuesday, spoke to KQED on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation and losing their job, said this didn’t take place until 3 p.m. that afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058343\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058343\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251001-NATIONAL-PARKS-SHUTDOWN-MD-03-1-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor takes a photos of a sign indicating that Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, CA is closed as a consequence of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The NPS had submitted a closure plan last week, but staff didn’t get direction from the Department of the Interior until the last minute. KQED has reached out to NPS and DOI for comment, and has not yet received a response.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The superintendent told KQED they were told to report on Wednesday and submit their closure plan, which included making a formal request for any essential employees they believed needed to continue working — and to then instruct everyone else to set out-of-office notifications on their emails and phones.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, “I’ll finalize any time sheets and lock the doors,” they said on Tuesday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Muir Woods, tourists like Amelia Lei Cabatit expressed confusion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I thought I was being clever when I Googled and it said yesterday night that parks would remain open,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cabatit came to California all the way from Hong Kong. Muir Woods was at the top of her list, she said, along with Yosemite, where she has reservations next week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm\">Yosemite remains partially open\u003c/a> with \u003ca href=\"https://www.mariposagazette.com/articles/yosemite-remains-open-but-with-limited-visitor-services/\">reports of reduced staffing\u003c/a>, but Cabatit fears it’s unlikely the shutdown will be resolved in time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I’m heartbroken,” she said. “I’ve been everywhere from Africa to the Galapagos to Costa Rica. I tell you, there’s nothing as beautiful as California parks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The impact on visitors — and the land\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Running national parks on a “skeleton crew” is going to be an issue for visitors, the superintendent warned, especially considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Park%20Service%20reported,2%25\">visitor numbers\u003c/a> continue to rise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than 40 former superintendents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777/with-a-government-shutdown-looming-heres-how-the-bay-area-could-be-affected\">signed a letter\u003c/a> to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum last week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058137/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks-planning-memo\">raising the alarm about\u003c/a> what keeping some parks open with no staff could mean for visitors and the parks’ ecology itself.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>They warned the safety of visitors is at stake, as there won’t be staff to direct them and emergency response times may be slower due to low staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If people go into Yosemite and they [don’t] know where to go or what to do, they’ll be on their own,” said Don Neubacher, former park superintendent for Yosemite and Point Reyes national parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unsupervised visitors can also cause damage to parks, as happened at Joshua Tree National Park during the 2018–19 government shutdown, where bathrooms overflowed, pounds of trash accumulated, vehicles went off-road and iconic \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/29/us/joshua-tree-shutdown.html\">Joshua trees were cut down\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we saw last time required dozens of volunteers to step up and fill the gap left by lack of maintenance and lack of law enforcement,” said Kenji Haroutunian, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Joshua Tree. His group was one of those that helped maintain and clean up the park during and after the shutdown, and had urged NPS leaders to close Joshua Tree for the duration of any shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, Haroutunian said, the park’s “partial opening” will once again “require some of the community to step up … to support the skeleton crew that’s likely to be in place for the foreseeable future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The longer-term picture for parks\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Russell Galipeau, former superintendent of Channel Islands National Park, said focusing only on human impacts of the shutdown misses another major issue: the consequences for research across NPS land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While they’re not considered “essential” under a government shutdown, staff like wildlife biologists who help manage bear populations and monitor ecosystems are just as important — and their work, too, will get shut down, Galipeau warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10898045\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10898045\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles.jpg\" alt=\"A breeding pair of bald eagles atop their nest in Channel Islands National Park.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-400x234.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-800x467.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-1180x689.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/channeleagles-960x561.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A breeding pair of bald eagles atop their nest in Channel Islands National Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy National Park Service)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We forget that these parks, these natural areas, they don’t manage themselves,” he said. “Sometimes, intervention is necessary.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Channel Islands, that means 40 years of data monitoring the health of the kelp forest or local populations of pinnipeds will now have a shutdown-sized hole — along with monitoring of fish populations to help inform fishing policy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All those programs get shut down, and so we no longer have that canary in the coal mine that’s giving us an indicator of the health of not just the park, not just the ecosystem, but the place we live,” Galipeau said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Galipeau said he was especially worried about smaller or less-visited parks like Manzanar National Historic Site — concerns echoed by that park’s former superintendent, Bernadette Johnson. Manzanar’s remote location in the Eastern Sierra doesn’t have onsite worker housing, and the park was already only open four days a week due to lack of staffing and budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Small parks like Manzanar really can’t afford to lose any other bodies at all,” Johnson said. “It’s already been bare bones.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She noted that it’s not just the parks that will lose income, including entrance fees, during the shutdown: Bookstores, coffee shops, and even nearby towns will all lose out on dollars while parks are closed. But Galipeau said that the current shutdown plan, which prioritizes keeping parks that \u003cem>can \u003c/em>collect entrance fees open, is a dangerous game, too. “Now all of a sudden, we’re letting money drive everything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under President Donald Trump’s second administration, Galipeau said, it’s been especially hard to find out what the plans for national parks are — and what the future might hold. “In the past, you could talk to people more openly,” he said. “You could understand what their shutdown plans were.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very hard to get anybody to talk to us,” he said. “Because they don’t know what’s going to happen to them if they’ll be perceived as non-loyalists.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/kmizuguchi\">\u003cem>Keith Mizuguchi\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/carlysevern\">\u003cem>Carly Severn\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "‘Going to Be Chaos’: Advocates Alarmed by Last-Minute National Parks Shutdown Plans",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101911415/federal-government-shutdown-looms-large-ahead-of-midnight-deadline\">The federal government shut down\u003c/a> at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, after Congress failed to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">pass stop-gap government funding\u003c/a> by Tuesday’s deadline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with hours to go, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/national-parks-service\">National Park Service\u003c/a> shared a last-minute contingency plan that would keep many park sites open but without full staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to an internal NPS memo obtained by KQED, national park sites that \u003cem>can\u003c/em> be made physically inaccessible to the public will be closed off. But all other NPS sites, including those with roads and trails that are accessible to the public, will now remain open according to the memo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#national-park-closures-bay-area\">What national parks will be closed in the Bay Area?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">An expanded version of the NPS plan\u003c/a> was posted online later Tuesday, with an estimate that over 9,000 staff nationwide — out of a total NPS workforce of 14,500 — are expected to be furloughed in the event of a shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shutdown will see federal workers around the country — including NPS staff — go without pay, with those employees deemed “essential” required to work through the period regardless. Under \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">the NPS shutdown plan posted online\u003c/a>, just over 5,000 NPS staff would be categorized as essential.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Advocates for America’s national parks have expressed alarm at the last-minute nature of this planning for park closures. Superintendents were only informed during a meeting late Tuesday afternoon about which sites would remain open — followed by the email memo shortly after — according to Jesse Chakrin, executive director of the Fund for People in Parks, an advocacy group that works with small or lesser-known parks in the West.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chakrin said this is the tightest turnaround for shutdown planning he’s seen by a large margin. “They’re asking for each park unit to make a plan, including staffing numbers and associated costs for a shutdown, which is happening in hours,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12029489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12029489\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A volunteer for the National Park Service welcomes visitors at the Exploration Center in Yosemite Valley, at Yosemite National Park on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“This would have been something that would have taken at least all hands, weeks to prepare for in any other administration,” Chakrin said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"national-park-closures-bay-area\">\u003c/a>National park closures in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which manages many of the Bay Area’s national park sites, has released a list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">which parks are closed as of Wednesday and which will remain open.\u003c/a> They include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Muir Woods National Monument: Closed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Alcatraz Island: Temporarily closed on Wednesday, but “reopening for its regular schedule on October 2 with all facilities OPEN”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Fort Point: Interior, parking lot and Long Avenue and Marine Drive closed, with restrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>China Beach: Closed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Ocean Beach: Sloat Blvd parking lot closed, with bathrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Stinson Beach: Parking lot closed, with bathrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook: Parking lot closed, with bathrooms open.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Point Reyes National Seashore is open, but with \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">certain bathroom closures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A spokesperson for the Presidio, which is financially independent from NPS, said that site would remain fully open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Morale is already rock bottom’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The NPS’s email memo to staff “sounds to me like it will be a mixture of open and closed with as much open as possible,” Chakrin said. But he expressed concern about the “haphazard” nature of the planning and confusing language contained in the memo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It looks like a lot of this was cut and pasted from different plans,” he said, calling the memo “not very well thought out.” KQED has contacted NPS to request comment on its shutdown planning.[aside postID=news_12057777 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/GETTYIMAGES-2236770685-KQED_1.jpg']The memo states that parks that collect entrance fees will be staying open to do what they can to collect those fees and use them to run the park during the shutdown, Chakrin explained. Those that don’t collect fees may be able to pull from those same pots of cash to keep extremely limited services going.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While peak summer tourism season is over, fall is still a busy time for parks in the Bay Area and across the country. NPS \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Park%20Service%20reported,2%25\">data\u003c/a> shows nearly 30 million people visited parks in October of last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As federal staff, NPS employees will have to wait for backpay after a shutdown ends, while some will be required to work unpaid through the period as “essential” staff. Parks staff have grown increasingly worried, however, that they will be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/24/white-house-firings-shutdown-00579909\">target of firings Trump has proposed\u003c/a> — on top of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/9551-staffing-crisis-at-national-parks-reaches-breaking-point-new-data-shows-24\">reported 24% reduction in staff \u003c/a>that parks have already seen this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11691329\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11691329\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-960x640.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-240x160.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-375x250.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Point Reyes National Seashore. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Morale is already rock bottom with park staff,” said Don Neubacher, former park superintendent for Yosemite and Point Reyes national parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parks advocates warn that keeping parks open with such skeletal resources is a bad idea for both the parks and the people who visit them. Late last week, a group of more than 40 former park superintendents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777/with-a-government-shutdown-looming-heres-how-the-bay-area-could-be-affected\">signed a letter\u003c/a> calling on the administration to close parks to avoid damage to fragile ecosystems and harm to visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The last government shutdown over the winter of 2018–19 lasted 35 days, and resulted in vandalism, garbage and long-term damage by visitors to California’s Joshua Tree National Park while most of its park rangers were furloughed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This type of both open and closed type of situation is really confusing,” Chakrin said. “It’s confusing for the folks that are trying to manage parks responsibly and for the public trying to visit them responsibly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it is going to be chaos,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/abandlamudi\">Adhiti Bandlamudi\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101911415/federal-government-shutdown-looms-large-ahead-of-midnight-deadline\">The federal government shut down\u003c/a> at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, after Congress failed to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/government-shutdown\">pass stop-gap government funding\u003c/a> by Tuesday’s deadline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with hours to go, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/national-parks-service\">National Park Service\u003c/a> shared a last-minute contingency plan that would keep many park sites open but without full staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to an internal NPS memo obtained by KQED, national park sites that \u003cem>can\u003c/em> be made physically inaccessible to the public will be closed off. But all other NPS sites, including those with roads and trails that are accessible to the public, will now remain open according to the memo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#national-park-closures-bay-area\">What national parks will be closed in the Bay Area?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">An expanded version of the NPS plan\u003c/a> was posted online later Tuesday, with an estimate that over 9,000 staff nationwide — out of a total NPS workforce of 14,500 — are expected to be furloughed in the event of a shutdown.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shutdown will see federal workers around the country — including NPS staff — go without pay, with those employees deemed “essential” required to work through the period regardless. Under \u003ca href=\"https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf\">the NPS shutdown plan posted online\u003c/a>, just over 5,000 NPS staff would be categorized as essential.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Advocates for America’s national parks have expressed alarm at the last-minute nature of this planning for park closures. Superintendents were only informed during a meeting late Tuesday afternoon about which sites would remain open — followed by the email memo shortly after — according to Jesse Chakrin, executive director of the Fund for People in Parks, an advocacy group that works with small or lesser-known parks in the West.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chakrin said this is the tightest turnaround for shutdown planning he’s seen by a large margin. “They’re asking for each park unit to make a plan, including staffing numbers and associated costs for a shutdown, which is happening in hours,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12029489\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12029489\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/CaliforniaPublicLandsGetty1-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A volunteer for the National Park Service welcomes visitors at the Exploration Center in Yosemite Valley, at Yosemite National Park on March 1, 2025. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“This would have been something that would have taken at least all hands, weeks to prepare for in any other administration,” Chakrin said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"national-park-closures-bay-area\">\u003c/a>National park closures in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which manages many of the Bay Area’s national park sites, has released a list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/park-status-during-2025-lapse.htm\">which parks are closed as of Wednesday and which will remain open.\u003c/a> They include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Muir Woods National Monument: Closed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Alcatraz Island: Temporarily closed on Wednesday, but “reopening for its regular schedule on October 2 with all facilities OPEN”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Fort Point: Interior, parking lot and Long Avenue and Marine Drive closed, with restrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>China Beach: Closed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Ocean Beach: Sloat Blvd parking lot closed, with bathrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Stinson Beach: Parking lot closed, with bathrooms open\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook: Parking lot closed, with bathrooms open.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Point Reyes National Seashore is open, but with \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">certain bathroom closures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A spokesperson for the Presidio, which is financially independent from NPS, said that site would remain fully open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Morale is already rock bottom’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The NPS’s email memo to staff “sounds to me like it will be a mixture of open and closed with as much open as possible,” Chakrin said. But he expressed concern about the “haphazard” nature of the planning and confusing language contained in the memo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It looks like a lot of this was cut and pasted from different plans,” he said, calling the memo “not very well thought out.” KQED has contacted NPS to request comment on its shutdown planning.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The memo states that parks that collect entrance fees will be staying open to do what they can to collect those fees and use them to run the park during the shutdown, Chakrin explained. Those that don’t collect fees may be able to pull from those same pots of cash to keep extremely limited services going.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While peak summer tourism season is over, fall is still a busy time for parks in the Bay Area and across the country. NPS \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Park%20Service%20reported,2%25\">data\u003c/a> shows nearly 30 million people visited parks in October of last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As federal staff, NPS employees will have to wait for backpay after a shutdown ends, while some will be required to work unpaid through the period as “essential” staff. Parks staff have grown increasingly worried, however, that they will be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/24/white-house-firings-shutdown-00579909\">target of firings Trump has proposed\u003c/a> — on top of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/9551-staffing-crisis-at-national-parks-reaches-breaking-point-new-data-shows-24\">reported 24% reduction in staff \u003c/a>that parks have already seen this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11691329\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11691329\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-960x640.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-240x160.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-375x250.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS30208_DSC_1071-qut-520x347.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Point Reyes National Seashore. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Morale is already rock bottom with park staff,” said Don Neubacher, former park superintendent for Yosemite and Point Reyes national parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parks advocates warn that keeping parks open with such skeletal resources is a bad idea for both the parks and the people who visit them. Late last week, a group of more than 40 former park superintendents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12057777/with-a-government-shutdown-looming-heres-how-the-bay-area-could-be-affected\">signed a letter\u003c/a> calling on the administration to close parks to avoid damage to fragile ecosystems and harm to visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The last government shutdown over the winter of 2018–19 lasted 35 days, and resulted in vandalism, garbage and long-term damage by visitors to California’s Joshua Tree National Park while most of its park rangers were furloughed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This type of both open and closed type of situation is really confusing,” Chakrin said. “It’s confusing for the folks that are trying to manage parks responsibly and for the public trying to visit them responsibly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it is going to be chaos,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/abandlamudi\">Adhiti Bandlamudi\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
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"soldout": {
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"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
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