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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It might only be May, but Yosemite National Park’s summertime crowds are \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-valley-parking-full-22238123.php\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already back in full force\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And with \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the park’s vehicle reservation system to enter the park officially scrapped for 2026\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, visitors are reporting that finding parking and a peaceful place to soak in the iconic views on peak weekends is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/s/WgwigquZ01\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already proving challenging.\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In March of this year, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ARCH\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite reported a 45% increase in visitation from 2025\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, rivaling 2016 numbers. And last year, when a reservation system was still limiting daily visitation, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/yosemite-visitation-2025/?scope=initial\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">4.2 million people still visited the park:\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> its fourth-busiest year on record. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So whether it’s the traffic, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996404/yosemite-camping-national-park-reservations-delay-2025\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">huge popularity\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/2991\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite’s campgrounds\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the $100 fee for visitors from abroad\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or the widespread uncertainty caused by \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on National Parks Service staffing last year, there are several reasons some people might be looking to other corners of California for a wilderness getaway this summer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And if that’s you, depending\u003c/span> on what attracted you to the High Sierra park in the first place — like iconic waterfalls, clear, swimmable rivers, scenic drives or wildlife — you may still find what you’re looking for at these six more underrated spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more below for some “alternatives to Yosemite” recreation areas within driving distance of the Bay Area that could bring you that same remote mountain feeling — without the stress of reservations or crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#A\">Sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#B\">The clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#C\">The rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#D\">Scenic mountain drive Sonora Pass\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#E\">Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#F\">Picturesque June Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047200\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047200\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The road leading to June Lake Loop takes visitors on a 14-mile drive underneath Carson Peak with access to several small towns and campgrounds, as well as lots of lake and mountain recreation. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"A\">\u003c/a>Looking for Valley-like views? Soak up sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Did you know we have our very own “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol\">Little Yosemite\u003c/a>” right here in the Bay Area? At Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/poi/us/california/sunol/alameda-creek-overlook--formerly-little-yosemite-\">a 4.5-mile round-trip hike\u003c/a> will take you through a gorge that’s not unlike a miniature Yosemite Valley, and up close to stunning cliff sides, over babbling creeks and under gushing waterfalls. And you’re more than likely to spot native birds, wildflowers in the spring and cows all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re up for even more adventure, snag a reservation at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs#sunol\">Sunol Backpack Campground\u003c/a>, just a few miles from the Visitor Center and parking lot, up to a remarkably remote-feeling cluster of campsites. \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/EastBay/SunolCG.html\">Each site is unique\u003c/a>, hidden around rock formations, nestled in giant oak trees or with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Running water is available but needs to be treated, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242#backpacking-gear\">so don’t forget your filter.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reservations: \u003c/em>Make sure to call at least two days in advance — or more if you’re aiming for a weekend — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs\">to reserve a backcountry camping spot\u003c/a>. You’ll also need a trail permit, which you can purchase online, in person or over the phone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2121px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alameda Creek winds through the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. \u003ccite>(Yiming Chen/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"B\">\u003c/a>Love Yosemite’s Merced River? Take a plunge in the clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No trip to Yosemite is complete without a dip in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/merced-river/\">Merced River\u003c/a>. But if a visit to the national park isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider heading up north — like, way north — to the 140-mile-long \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers\">Six Rivers National Forest\u003c/a> that runs from the Oregon border to Mendocino County, to get a more remote river experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12044161 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/inntown-3-2000x1333.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Betsy Totten, forest staff officer for the national forest, particularly recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers/recreation/smith-river-national-recreation-area-0\">Smith River National Recreation Area\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/smith\">the only major undammed river in California\u003c/a> — for its crystal-clear emerald waters, which are “ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting.” She pointed to the \u003ca href=\"https://redwood-edventures.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/quest-grayfalls.pdf\">Gray Falls Day Use Picnic Area\u003c/a> for the best fishing and \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/JedSmith/SandCG.html\">Sand Camp\u003c/a> for its sandy beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, head to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/07/klamath-river-trip-dam-removal\">Klamath \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/trinity\">Trinity rivers\u003c/a>, which are fast-flowing and best for anyone looking for a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure down rapids, Totten said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And “keep an eye out for black bears, ospreys, and a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and trout,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally,\u003ca href=\"https://smithriveralliance.org/goose-creek/\"> the South Fork of the Smith River at Goose Creek\u003c/a> could be the best bet for families, where clear pools make for a leisurely afternoon float or swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>While the area is generally less crowded than others across the state, Totten said campgrounds at popular lakes and river spots can fill up on the weekends, so securing \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1075\">reservations in advance\u003c/a> may be necessary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047209\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047209\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Mount Shasta emerges through trees in Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047210\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047210\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Horsetail Falls is the largest waterfall in the June Lake Loop in the Eastern Sierra and a popular hiking destination in the summer. Right: Kayakers float on Silver Lake, one of the more remote lakes that make up the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"C\">\u003c/a>Want that Curry Village vibe? Relax in the rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When Caleb Agron first went backpacking near the Siskiyou County town of Etna in Northern California, “it reminded me of what I saw in \u003ca href=\"https://articles.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-wilderness/?doing_wp_cron=1751578829.4512479305267333984375\">Ansel Adams Wilderness\u003c/a>,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An iconic stop along the \u003ca href=\"https://northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/2020/09/16/etna-summit-pct-russian-wilderness/\">Pacific Crest Trail\u003c/a>, the tiny Scott Valley community is the ideal mountain town and jumping-off spot for adventures up north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Situated between the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps and the Russian Wilderness, there is a wealth of trails and lakes to explore within minutes of town, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/taylor-lake-trail\">ranging from short jaunts\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/paynes-lake-trail--2\">moderate outings\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cliff-lake-via-shackelford-creek-trail\">extended weekend trips.\u003c/a> Etna is also a popular spot to begin any fishing, rafting, mountain biking or horseback riding outing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with a population of just under 700 people, the quaint streets of Etna come alive during its \u003ca href=\"https://www.trailsendmusicfest.org/\">annual Trails End Music Festival\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"http://www.etnarodeo.com/\">The Etna Rodeo\u003c/a>, two events that bring in crowds from far and wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Everything is better than you expect it to be,” Agron said — especially the people, who take pride in their friendliness to visitors. Agron and his cousin Stephen Daniel are the outgoing and incoming managers, respectively, of \u003ca href=\"https://etnabluebird.com/\">The Bluebird Inn\u003c/a>, a relatively new bed and breakfast in an old Victorian house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://etnafarmersmarket.org/\">Etna Farmers Market\u003c/a> is on Saturdays all summer, and its downtown area features artisanal eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, like general store-turned-restaurant and distillery \u003ca href=\"https://www.dennybarcompany.com/\">Denny Bar Company\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.farmhousebakery.org/\">Farmhouse Bakery\u003c/a>, whose fresh loaves are known far and wide — plus a hardware and sporting goods store for all your adventure needs. And if you’re ready to relax after a long day on the trails, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/mountain-healing-spa-etna\">there’s even a spa right downtown. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>If you’re planning on going backpacking, the wilderness areas around Etna generally only require \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/wilderness\">self-issued overnight and fire permits\u003c/a>, which are easy to come by. During the rodeo and music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly in the area, but the town of Etna also allows \u003ca href=\"https://discoversiskiyou.com/activities/johnson-joss-memorial-park-etna-city-park/\">free tent camping at its city park. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"D\">\u003c/a>Craving a Tioga Pass alternative? Take a scenic mountain drive up and over Sonora Pass\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047201\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1707px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047201\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg 1707w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-2000x3000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of waiting in hourslong traffic on Highway 120 into Yosemite, consider a leisurely drive over \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sonora-pass-scenic-drive-sonora-to-us-395\">Sonora Pass\u003c/a> instead — and soak in dramatic High Sierra views from the comfort of your car.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not Yosemite, but it’s still pretty freaking spectacular,” said Liz Grans, economic development director for Mono County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amanda Carlson, the county’s economic development coordinator, recommended checking out \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/listing/leavitt-falls-vista/1432/\">Leavitt Falls,\u003c/a> which is \u003ca href=\"https://yosemiteparkphotos.com/high-sierra/sonora-pass-photos/sonora-pass-waterfalls/\">one of many waterfalls flowing near the highway\u003c/a> and is viewable from a parking lot and picnic area just off Highway 108.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the apex of the pass, you can spot various peaks, or keep going for a sweeping view of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/west-walker-river/\">West Walker River\u003c/a> and Yosemite to the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047202\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047202\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: A small waterfall flows near Sonora Pass, a scenic drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, on Oct. 10, 2024. Right: Road sign at Sonora Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11640709/how-this-ghost-towns-curse-backfired-on-park-rangers\">Bodie State Historic Park\u003c/a> is a hidden gem of the Eastern Sierra, where nearly 200 buildings of a historic gold and silver mining town — now a ghost town — still stand, including a stamp mill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can walk the streets, and it is just how it was left,” Grans said. “When the gold ran out and people started to leave, and they didn’t have cars, many of them didn’t have horses or carts or anything, so the furniture — their clothing — is all still there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The drive over Sonora Pass from the Bay Area takes a full day, so make sure to plan to stay overnight on the eastern side of the Sierra. Bridgeport is the closest major town to the pass, but Mono City and Lee Vining — which offer easy access to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046670/mono-lake-could-be-losing-its-california-gulls\">biodiverse Mono Lake\u003c/a> — aren’t far away, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"E\">\u003c/a>Want Half Dome without the long hike? Scale Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047196\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047196\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The famous granite ‘crags,’ formed around 160 million years ago, rise up over Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652\">Permits to scale Yosemite’s Half Dome\u003c/a> are notoriously hard to come by — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941829/the-half-dome-lottery-system-was-supposed-to-make-the-hike-safer-this-study-says-it-hasnt\">and the 14-mile round-trip hike is no walk in the park, either. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a similar granite landscape with a more achievable goal, consider \u003ca href=\"https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/castle-crags/castle-dome-and-indian-springs/\">Castle Dome\u003c/a> in Shasta County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454\">Castle Crags State Park.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://castlecragspark.org/the-park\">Formed around 160 million years ago\u003c/a>, the rocks that give the park its iconic “crags” not only feel ancient but are also home to a wide biodiversity of wildlife.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The 5.4-mile round trip is much more manageable than Half Dome, but it’s still quite a trek, climbing 2,000 feet of elevation that brings hikers up and around steep granite cliffs, revealing a full view of Mount Shasta ahead. Most hikers choose to turn around at the base of the dome, but \u003ca href=\"https://californiathroughmylens.com/castle-dome-hike-in-castle-crags-state-park/\">if you’re an experienced climber, you can even attempt the summit itself. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to check out nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/dunsmuir/\">Dunsmuir\u003c/a> along a calm portion of the Sacramento River, with swimming holes and lunch spots aplenty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The state park has 76 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. It costs $8 to enter the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047197\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047197\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The granite crags at Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"F\">\u003c/a>Seeking refuge at a high-altitude alpine lake? Visit picturesque June Lake\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re still hoping to head to the High Sierra but don’t want to fight Yosemite’s crowds, try the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June Lake Loop\u003c/a>, a 15-mile detour off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With four lakes, numerous resorts and tons of trails, you can escape deep into the wilderness or enjoy a luxurious visit to the town of June Lake, often dubbed “the Switzerland of California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/grant-lake/\">Grant Lake,\u003c/a> the biggest of the four, is open to recreational speedboats after 10 a.m., while \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/gull-lake/\">Gull\u003c/a> lakes are more suited to fishing and paddling. The most remote is\u003ca href=\"https://www.silverlakeresort.net/\"> Silver Lake,\u003c/a> where visitors can grab lunch and go out on a kayak to explore the picturesque alpine environment. Hikers and backpackers start their journeys from the loop to access the Inyo National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/parker-lake-trail\">including the scenic 3.5-mile hike to Parker Lake.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047198\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047198\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from above Gull Lake, one of the four lakes that make up the June Lake Loop, where visitors can paddle, fish and swim in the summer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Silver Lake is my favorite,” Carlson said. “We rented kayaks and went out on that very same day; there were only two other human beings on the lake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Down closer to town, popular activities include trout fishing, biking and boating, \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/event/june-lake-autumn-beer-festival/7324/\">plus the annual beer festival every fall, hosted at Gull Lake Park.\u003c/a> As far as accommodations go, visitors can find everything from upscale resorts to more rustic spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>June Lake is not nearly as crowded as nearby Yosemite — or even Mammoth Lakes, which can get extremely busy, especially in the wintertime. Still, be sure to book early for long weekends or peak summer times. If you strike out on finding something in your price range on the loop itself, try Lee Vining or Bridgeport to the north, with even more options to choose from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047205\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047205\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Silver-Lake-August-2017-AV-2-Mono-County-Tourism-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Boats are docked at Silver Lake, a remote lake near June Lake, California, in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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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"excerpt": "Looking for a mountain escape minus the chaos of a national park? Here are some ideas.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It might only be May, but Yosemite National Park’s summertime crowds are \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-valley-parking-full-22238123.php\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already back in full force\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And with \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the park’s vehicle reservation system to enter the park officially scrapped for 2026\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, visitors are reporting that finding parking and a peaceful place to soak in the iconic views on peak weekends is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/s/WgwigquZ01\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already proving challenging.\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In March of this year, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ARCH\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite reported a 45% increase in visitation from 2025\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, rivaling 2016 numbers. And last year, when a reservation system was still limiting daily visitation, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/yosemite-visitation-2025/?scope=initial\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">4.2 million people still visited the park:\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> its fourth-busiest year on record. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So whether it’s the traffic, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996404/yosemite-camping-national-park-reservations-delay-2025\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">huge popularity\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/2991\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite’s campgrounds\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the $100 fee for visitors from abroad\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or the widespread uncertainty caused by \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on National Parks Service staffing last year, there are several reasons some people might be looking to other corners of California for a wilderness getaway this summer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And if that’s you, depending\u003c/span> on what attracted you to the High Sierra park in the first place — like iconic waterfalls, clear, swimmable rivers, scenic drives or wildlife — you may still find what you’re looking for at these six more underrated spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more below for some “alternatives to Yosemite” recreation areas within driving distance of the Bay Area that could bring you that same remote mountain feeling — without the stress of reservations or crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#A\">Sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#B\">The clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#C\">The rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#D\">Scenic mountain drive Sonora Pass\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#E\">Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#F\">Picturesque June Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047200\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047200\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The road leading to June Lake Loop takes visitors on a 14-mile drive underneath Carson Peak with access to several small towns and campgrounds, as well as lots of lake and mountain recreation. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"A\">\u003c/a>Looking for Valley-like views? Soak up sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Did you know we have our very own “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol\">Little Yosemite\u003c/a>” right here in the Bay Area? At Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/poi/us/california/sunol/alameda-creek-overlook--formerly-little-yosemite-\">a 4.5-mile round-trip hike\u003c/a> will take you through a gorge that’s not unlike a miniature Yosemite Valley, and up close to stunning cliff sides, over babbling creeks and under gushing waterfalls. And you’re more than likely to spot native birds, wildflowers in the spring and cows all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re up for even more adventure, snag a reservation at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs#sunol\">Sunol Backpack Campground\u003c/a>, just a few miles from the Visitor Center and parking lot, up to a remarkably remote-feeling cluster of campsites. \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/EastBay/SunolCG.html\">Each site is unique\u003c/a>, hidden around rock formations, nestled in giant oak trees or with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Running water is available but needs to be treated, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242#backpacking-gear\">so don’t forget your filter.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reservations: \u003c/em>Make sure to call at least two days in advance — or more if you’re aiming for a weekend — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs\">to reserve a backcountry camping spot\u003c/a>. You’ll also need a trail permit, which you can purchase online, in person or over the phone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2121px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alameda Creek winds through the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. \u003ccite>(Yiming Chen/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"B\">\u003c/a>Love Yosemite’s Merced River? Take a plunge in the clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No trip to Yosemite is complete without a dip in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/merced-river/\">Merced River\u003c/a>. But if a visit to the national park isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider heading up north — like, way north — to the 140-mile-long \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers\">Six Rivers National Forest\u003c/a> that runs from the Oregon border to Mendocino County, to get a more remote river experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Betsy Totten, forest staff officer for the national forest, particularly recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers/recreation/smith-river-national-recreation-area-0\">Smith River National Recreation Area\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/smith\">the only major undammed river in California\u003c/a> — for its crystal-clear emerald waters, which are “ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting.” She pointed to the \u003ca href=\"https://redwood-edventures.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/quest-grayfalls.pdf\">Gray Falls Day Use Picnic Area\u003c/a> for the best fishing and \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/JedSmith/SandCG.html\">Sand Camp\u003c/a> for its sandy beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, head to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/07/klamath-river-trip-dam-removal\">Klamath \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/trinity\">Trinity rivers\u003c/a>, which are fast-flowing and best for anyone looking for a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure down rapids, Totten said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And “keep an eye out for black bears, ospreys, and a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and trout,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally,\u003ca href=\"https://smithriveralliance.org/goose-creek/\"> the South Fork of the Smith River at Goose Creek\u003c/a> could be the best bet for families, where clear pools make for a leisurely afternoon float or swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>While the area is generally less crowded than others across the state, Totten said campgrounds at popular lakes and river spots can fill up on the weekends, so securing \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1075\">reservations in advance\u003c/a> may be necessary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047209\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047209\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Mount Shasta emerges through trees in Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047210\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047210\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Horsetail Falls is the largest waterfall in the June Lake Loop in the Eastern Sierra and a popular hiking destination in the summer. Right: Kayakers float on Silver Lake, one of the more remote lakes that make up the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"C\">\u003c/a>Want that Curry Village vibe? Relax in the rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When Caleb Agron first went backpacking near the Siskiyou County town of Etna in Northern California, “it reminded me of what I saw in \u003ca href=\"https://articles.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-wilderness/?doing_wp_cron=1751578829.4512479305267333984375\">Ansel Adams Wilderness\u003c/a>,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An iconic stop along the \u003ca href=\"https://northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/2020/09/16/etna-summit-pct-russian-wilderness/\">Pacific Crest Trail\u003c/a>, the tiny Scott Valley community is the ideal mountain town and jumping-off spot for adventures up north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Situated between the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps and the Russian Wilderness, there is a wealth of trails and lakes to explore within minutes of town, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/taylor-lake-trail\">ranging from short jaunts\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/paynes-lake-trail--2\">moderate outings\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cliff-lake-via-shackelford-creek-trail\">extended weekend trips.\u003c/a> Etna is also a popular spot to begin any fishing, rafting, mountain biking or horseback riding outing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with a population of just under 700 people, the quaint streets of Etna come alive during its \u003ca href=\"https://www.trailsendmusicfest.org/\">annual Trails End Music Festival\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"http://www.etnarodeo.com/\">The Etna Rodeo\u003c/a>, two events that bring in crowds from far and wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Everything is better than you expect it to be,” Agron said — especially the people, who take pride in their friendliness to visitors. Agron and his cousin Stephen Daniel are the outgoing and incoming managers, respectively, of \u003ca href=\"https://etnabluebird.com/\">The Bluebird Inn\u003c/a>, a relatively new bed and breakfast in an old Victorian house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://etnafarmersmarket.org/\">Etna Farmers Market\u003c/a> is on Saturdays all summer, and its downtown area features artisanal eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, like general store-turned-restaurant and distillery \u003ca href=\"https://www.dennybarcompany.com/\">Denny Bar Company\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.farmhousebakery.org/\">Farmhouse Bakery\u003c/a>, whose fresh loaves are known far and wide — plus a hardware and sporting goods store for all your adventure needs. And if you’re ready to relax after a long day on the trails, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/mountain-healing-spa-etna\">there’s even a spa right downtown. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>If you’re planning on going backpacking, the wilderness areas around Etna generally only require \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/wilderness\">self-issued overnight and fire permits\u003c/a>, which are easy to come by. During the rodeo and music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly in the area, but the town of Etna also allows \u003ca href=\"https://discoversiskiyou.com/activities/johnson-joss-memorial-park-etna-city-park/\">free tent camping at its city park. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"D\">\u003c/a>Craving a Tioga Pass alternative? Take a scenic mountain drive up and over Sonora Pass\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047201\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1707px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047201\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg 1707w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-2000x3000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of waiting in hourslong traffic on Highway 120 into Yosemite, consider a leisurely drive over \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sonora-pass-scenic-drive-sonora-to-us-395\">Sonora Pass\u003c/a> instead — and soak in dramatic High Sierra views from the comfort of your car.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not Yosemite, but it’s still pretty freaking spectacular,” said Liz Grans, economic development director for Mono County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amanda Carlson, the county’s economic development coordinator, recommended checking out \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/listing/leavitt-falls-vista/1432/\">Leavitt Falls,\u003c/a> which is \u003ca href=\"https://yosemiteparkphotos.com/high-sierra/sonora-pass-photos/sonora-pass-waterfalls/\">one of many waterfalls flowing near the highway\u003c/a> and is viewable from a parking lot and picnic area just off Highway 108.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the apex of the pass, you can spot various peaks, or keep going for a sweeping view of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/west-walker-river/\">West Walker River\u003c/a> and Yosemite to the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047202\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047202\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: A small waterfall flows near Sonora Pass, a scenic drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, on Oct. 10, 2024. Right: Road sign at Sonora Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11640709/how-this-ghost-towns-curse-backfired-on-park-rangers\">Bodie State Historic Park\u003c/a> is a hidden gem of the Eastern Sierra, where nearly 200 buildings of a historic gold and silver mining town — now a ghost town — still stand, including a stamp mill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can walk the streets, and it is just how it was left,” Grans said. “When the gold ran out and people started to leave, and they didn’t have cars, many of them didn’t have horses or carts or anything, so the furniture — their clothing — is all still there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The drive over Sonora Pass from the Bay Area takes a full day, so make sure to plan to stay overnight on the eastern side of the Sierra. Bridgeport is the closest major town to the pass, but Mono City and Lee Vining — which offer easy access to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046670/mono-lake-could-be-losing-its-california-gulls\">biodiverse Mono Lake\u003c/a> — aren’t far away, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"E\">\u003c/a>Want Half Dome without the long hike? Scale Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047196\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047196\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The famous granite ‘crags,’ formed around 160 million years ago, rise up over Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652\">Permits to scale Yosemite’s Half Dome\u003c/a> are notoriously hard to come by — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941829/the-half-dome-lottery-system-was-supposed-to-make-the-hike-safer-this-study-says-it-hasnt\">and the 14-mile round-trip hike is no walk in the park, either. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a similar granite landscape with a more achievable goal, consider \u003ca href=\"https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/castle-crags/castle-dome-and-indian-springs/\">Castle Dome\u003c/a> in Shasta County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454\">Castle Crags State Park.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://castlecragspark.org/the-park\">Formed around 160 million years ago\u003c/a>, the rocks that give the park its iconic “crags” not only feel ancient but are also home to a wide biodiversity of wildlife.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The 5.4-mile round trip is much more manageable than Half Dome, but it’s still quite a trek, climbing 2,000 feet of elevation that brings hikers up and around steep granite cliffs, revealing a full view of Mount Shasta ahead. Most hikers choose to turn around at the base of the dome, but \u003ca href=\"https://californiathroughmylens.com/castle-dome-hike-in-castle-crags-state-park/\">if you’re an experienced climber, you can even attempt the summit itself. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to check out nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/dunsmuir/\">Dunsmuir\u003c/a> along a calm portion of the Sacramento River, with swimming holes and lunch spots aplenty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The state park has 76 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. It costs $8 to enter the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047197\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047197\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The granite crags at Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"F\">\u003c/a>Seeking refuge at a high-altitude alpine lake? Visit picturesque June Lake\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re still hoping to head to the High Sierra but don’t want to fight Yosemite’s crowds, try the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June Lake Loop\u003c/a>, a 15-mile detour off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With four lakes, numerous resorts and tons of trails, you can escape deep into the wilderness or enjoy a luxurious visit to the town of June Lake, often dubbed “the Switzerland of California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/grant-lake/\">Grant Lake,\u003c/a> the biggest of the four, is open to recreational speedboats after 10 a.m., while \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/gull-lake/\">Gull\u003c/a> lakes are more suited to fishing and paddling. The most remote is\u003ca href=\"https://www.silverlakeresort.net/\"> Silver Lake,\u003c/a> where visitors can grab lunch and go out on a kayak to explore the picturesque alpine environment. Hikers and backpackers start their journeys from the loop to access the Inyo National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/parker-lake-trail\">including the scenic 3.5-mile hike to Parker Lake.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047198\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047198\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from above Gull Lake, one of the four lakes that make up the June Lake Loop, where visitors can paddle, fish and swim in the summer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Silver Lake is my favorite,” Carlson said. “We rented kayaks and went out on that very same day; there were only two other human beings on the lake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Down closer to town, popular activities include trout fishing, biking and boating, \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/event/june-lake-autumn-beer-festival/7324/\">plus the annual beer festival every fall, hosted at Gull Lake Park.\u003c/a> As far as accommodations go, visitors can find everything from upscale resorts to more rustic spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>June Lake is not nearly as crowded as nearby Yosemite — or even Mammoth Lakes, which can get extremely busy, especially in the wintertime. Still, be sure to book early for long weekends or peak summer times. If you strike out on finding something in your price range on the loop itself, try Lee Vining or Bridgeport to the north, with even more options to choose from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047205\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047205\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Silver-Lake-August-2017-AV-2-Mono-County-Tourism-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Boats are docked at Silver Lake, a remote lake near June Lake, California, in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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": "coyotes-are-in-pupping-season-in-the-bay-area-heres-how-to-keep-yourself-and-your-dog-safe",
"title": "Coyotes Are in Pupping Season in the Bay Area. Here’s How to Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe",
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"headTitle": "Coyotes Are in Pupping Season in the Bay Area. Here’s How to Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The Presidio Trust announced on Monday that it’s closing parts of its trails to dog walkers due to the start of \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">coyote pupping season\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This annual period in springtime is when hikers and dog walkers should be especially aware of the potential for coyote encounters — and prioritize their safety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/safety/living-with-coyotes\">coyotes are part of the landscape\u003c/a>,” said Dave Mason, a spokesperson for East Bay Regional Parks, and aren’t inherently dangerous to humans, these animals can pose a threat to dogs in particular.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Across the bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042228/learning-to-live-with-san-franciscos-coyotes\">San Francisco’s own coyotes have been back\u003c/a> for several decades after an eradication campaign at the turn of the 20th century. And while \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/coyotes-san-francisco-california.html\">the reasons for their return may elude us\u003c/a>, these coyotes, which have been spotted roaming parks, encountering humans and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12025959/san-francisco-coyotes-now-theyre-in-the-subway-too\">even strolling in a Muni tunnel\u003c/a>, certainly don’t.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/coyotes-san-francisco-california.html\">While the reemergence of coyotes in the city has some residents divided,\u003c/a> their presence across the entire Bay Area has become a reality, both for the coyotes themselves and the people that interact with them in parks, neighborhoods and their backyards. And during the summer months, known as “pupping season,” human-coyote interactions can increase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even though a coyote that’s protecting its young may seem threatening, the animals are unlikely to actually get aggressive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://bayareacoyote.org/\">Many local agencies, researchers and jurisdictions are working together\u003c/a> to manage coyote populations and help educate residents on the animals and their behaviors. Keep reading for what to know about coyotes and safety in the Bay Area, especially for pet owners.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Arecoyotesdangeroustomeormypets\">Are coyotes dangerous to me or my pets?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatshouldIknowabouttheirpuprearingseason\">What should I know about their pup-rearing season?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatdoIdoifIseeacoyote\">What do I do if I see a coyote?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#MyfavoritetrailisclosedforpuppingseasonWhatshouldIdo\">My favorite trail is closed for pupping season. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What’s with all the coyotes in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“They are part of our native ecosystem,” said Phoebe Parker-Shames, wildlife ecologist for The Presidio Trust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyotes naturally control pests, like rats, mice and gophers, and studies have shown that they also \u003ca href=\"https://projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PC_SAB_Coyote-Facts_FINAL_2020_08.pdf\">contribute to bird biodiversity\u003c/a> by keeping feral cats and other small predator populations in check, Parker-Shames said. Plus, they don’t need much to survive: \u003ca href=\"https://discoverwildcare.org/understanding-coyote-denning-behavior/\">all they really need is a small burrow or opening to raise their infants, called a “den,”\u003c/a> and food, which also comes in the form of human trash. And with few natural predators in populated areas, they can actually thrive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046810 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coyotes aren’t taking over the city anytime soon, said Phoebe Parker-Shames, a wildlife ecologist for The Presidio Trust. “We did see an increase when they first reestablished themselves into the city. But at this point in time, it will be and it has been stable.” \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Parker-Shames said \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">the Presidio is working toward human-coyote “coexistence”\u003c/a> so humans and coyotes can share space in the city and beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said that due to their reemergence in San Francisco in particular, there’s a common misconception that coyote populations are out of control or going to “take over the city.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But once juvenile coyotes learn to fend for themselves as early as 10 months old, they tend to separate from their families and find their own territory, so there’s never a huge number of animals occupying the same space at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reality is because coyotes are very territorial animals, it keeps the population stable year over year,” Parker-Shames said. “We did see an increase when they first reestablished themselves into the city. But at this point in time, it will be and it has been stable.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Presidio, Parker-Shames said, coyotes den in the center of the park, near the golf course. “That’s an area that has much less dog activity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are coyotes dangerous to me or \u003ca id=\"Arecoyotesdangeroustomeormypets\">\u003c/a>my pets?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Another point of confusion is the personal risk a coyote poses, Parker-Shames said. The biggest coyotes are only around 30 pounds, so “there’s a pretty good overlap between the largest raccoons and the smaller coyotes,” she said. “These are not fundamentally dangerous animals.”[aside postID=news_12046061 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Tahoe1.jpg']“\u003ca href=\"https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10549\">It’s incredibly rare for people to be hurt by coyotes\u003c/a>,” Parker-Shames said, but they do pose a real threat to dogs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because a coyote’s instinct is to see other canines, usually other coyotes or wolves, as dangerous to them, their pups and their territory. So when a coyote meets a dog, “it’s seeing: ‘This is a threat to myself and to my baby,’” Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why coyotes will often go after dogs, even if they’re afraid of the humans nearby. It’s also why keeping your dog on a leash can be so effective in preventing interactions that could put your dog in danger, both because your presence may deter the coyote and also\u003ca href=\"https://coyoteyipps.com/2019/06/24/please-leash-up-coyotes-are-entitled-to-defend-their-den-areas-here-in-san-francisco/\"> prevent your dog from checking out den sites or engaging with coyotes,\u003c/a> which may be more defensive around their young.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our data indicates that if you’ve got a leash on your dog, you are far, far less likely to have a negative encounter with a coyote,” Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know during coyote \u003ca id=\"WhatshouldIknowabouttheirpuprearingseason\">\u003c/a>pupping season?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Pup-rearing season, when the coyote pups are born and eventually start to get big enough to go out on their own, stretches from springtime to fall, and this is when lots of activity occurs, Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Coyotes are creating dens, having pups, and then the pup is getting bigger and starting to get a little bit more independent and curious and exploring the spaces around them,” Parker-Shames said. “And then eventually, [the pups are] starting to be fully independent and dispersing and trying to find their own territories.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1003px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046819 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1003\" height=\"753\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH.png 1003w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1003px) 100vw, 1003px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Near the main denning area in the Presidio, a few trails are currently closed preemptively during the height of pupping season. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>What hikers and dog walkers should know: Pupping season is also when coyote parents can be more protective of their pups, Mason said. Plus, with kids out of school, more people are out on trails, so sightings can be common.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you notice a coyote trailing you, that’s a behavior known as “escorting,” when the animal “follows at a closer distance than usual to encourage departure from the area,” Mason said. And while the parent may bare its teeth or growl, escorting isn’t typically aggressive — the coyote is usually just making sure you’re heading out of the vicinity of its pups. “The best course of action is to leave the area calmly and without running,” Mason advised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Near the main denning area in the Presidio, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/visit/dogs-in-the-presidio\">a few trails are currently closed preemptively\u003c/a> during the height of pupping season, with some closed only to dogs. On other trails throughout the Bay Area, signage will typically alert visitors to coyote activity in the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What do I do \u003ca id=\"WhatdoIdoifIseeacoyote\">\u003c/a>if I see a coyote?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing is just keep a distance,” Mason said. “It’s best to walk calmly away and leave the area immediately,” — but don’t run.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyotes are more active at dawn or dusk, but they usually observe you from afar, Mason said. So if you want to avoid an interaction, keep your dog leashed and any kids close by — and don’t go off-trail into their natural hiding spots, like brush. Do not ever feed a coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046817\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 964px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046817 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"964\" height=\"721\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH.png 964w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 964px) 100vw, 964px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coyotes are more active at dawn or dusk and will usually observe people from afar, East Bay Regional Parks spokesperson Dave Mason said. He advises staying on trails, keeping dogs leashed and children close — and avoiding off-trail areas where coyotes may be hiding, such as dense brush. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re with a dog, your best bet is to immediately get your dog under control on a leash or by picking it up without turning your back on the coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Then make eye contact with a coyote, be big and loud, and then back away with your dog,” Parker-Shames said. This is called “\u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=123886\">hazing,\u003c/a>” and should scare the coyote away. Never let your dog play or chase a coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cats are also at risk of being killed by coyotes, so keeping them indoors can prevent any encounters. Keeping your trash, pet food and fruit from trees contained can help minimize coyote activity in your neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"MyfavoritetrailisclosedforpuppingseasonWhatshouldIdo\">\u003c/a>My favorite trail is closed. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two segments of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Presidio are closed to dogs — on or off-leash — from March 27 to early October. Be sure to abide by the signs and take a different route through the park. (Hikers without dogs can still use these trails.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alternative trails through this area of the park for dog walkers are highlighted in green on the Presidio Trust’s map below. These detours help reduce the risk of encounters with coyotes near their denning sites, where they are the most protective.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12077325\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12077325\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping-160x147.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping-1536x1414.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map of the temporarily closed trails in the Presidio during coyote pupping season. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The goal of the closure is to reduce conflicts between coyotes, dogs and people,” the Presidio Trust said in the announcement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the spring and summer, visitors are also asked to securely throw away their trash and avoid leaving human or pet food outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>If I do have an aggressive encounter with a coyote, how should I report it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Presidio Trust is hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/events/coyote-conversations-free-community-meeting-2\">free community meeting on April 12\u003c/a> from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Crissy Field Center p.m. Experts like Parker-Shames will share information about coyote behavior, safety and their role in local ecosystems.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If an aggressive encounter with a coyote does happen in the Presidio, you can report it to the Presidio Trust at (415) 561-4270 or \u003ca href=\"mailto:coyote@presidiotrust.gov\">coyote@presidiotrust.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To report an aggressive encounter or coyote in need of help in East Bay Regional Parks, contact (510) 881-1833. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042615/animal-rescue-what-to-do-if-you-find-a-sick-or-lost-critter-in-the-bay-area\">If you find a sick or injured coyote elsewhere in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, contact a wildlife hospital like \u003ca href=\"https://discoverwildcare.org/\">WildCare\u003c/a>, which may be able to help.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To report a sighting in San Francisco, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfanimalcare.org/living-with-urban-wildlife/coyote-sightings/\">you can alert Animal Care & Control\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayareacoyote.org/report/\">or fill out this form for a sighting outside of the city\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For any emergencies, call 911.\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>The Presidio Trust announced on Monday that it’s closing parts of its trails to dog walkers due to the start of \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">coyote pupping season\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This annual period in springtime is when hikers and dog walkers should be especially aware of the potential for coyote encounters — and prioritize their safety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/safety/living-with-coyotes\">coyotes are part of the landscape\u003c/a>,” said Dave Mason, a spokesperson for East Bay Regional Parks, and aren’t inherently dangerous to humans, these animals can pose a threat to dogs in particular.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Across the bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042228/learning-to-live-with-san-franciscos-coyotes\">San Francisco’s own coyotes have been back\u003c/a> for several decades after an eradication campaign at the turn of the 20th century. And while \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/coyotes-san-francisco-california.html\">the reasons for their return may elude us\u003c/a>, these coyotes, which have been spotted roaming parks, encountering humans and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12025959/san-francisco-coyotes-now-theyre-in-the-subway-too\">even strolling in a Muni tunnel\u003c/a>, certainly don’t.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/coyotes-san-francisco-california.html\">While the reemergence of coyotes in the city has some residents divided,\u003c/a> their presence across the entire Bay Area has become a reality, both for the coyotes themselves and the people that interact with them in parks, neighborhoods and their backyards. And during the summer months, known as “pupping season,” human-coyote interactions can increase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even though a coyote that’s protecting its young may seem threatening, the animals are unlikely to actually get aggressive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://bayareacoyote.org/\">Many local agencies, researchers and jurisdictions are working together\u003c/a> to manage coyote populations and help educate residents on the animals and their behaviors. Keep reading for what to know about coyotes and safety in the Bay Area, especially for pet owners.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Arecoyotesdangeroustomeormypets\">Are coyotes dangerous to me or my pets?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatshouldIknowabouttheirpuprearingseason\">What should I know about their pup-rearing season?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatdoIdoifIseeacoyote\">What do I do if I see a coyote?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#MyfavoritetrailisclosedforpuppingseasonWhatshouldIdo\">My favorite trail is closed for pupping season. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What’s with all the coyotes in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“They are part of our native ecosystem,” said Phoebe Parker-Shames, wildlife ecologist for The Presidio Trust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyotes naturally control pests, like rats, mice and gophers, and studies have shown that they also \u003ca href=\"https://projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PC_SAB_Coyote-Facts_FINAL_2020_08.pdf\">contribute to bird biodiversity\u003c/a> by keeping feral cats and other small predator populations in check, Parker-Shames said. Plus, they don’t need much to survive: \u003ca href=\"https://discoverwildcare.org/understanding-coyote-denning-behavior/\">all they really need is a small burrow or opening to raise their infants, called a “den,”\u003c/a> and food, which also comes in the form of human trash. And with few natural predators in populated areas, they can actually thrive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046810 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/CoyotePresidioTrust2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coyotes aren’t taking over the city anytime soon, said Phoebe Parker-Shames, a wildlife ecologist for The Presidio Trust. “We did see an increase when they first reestablished themselves into the city. But at this point in time, it will be and it has been stable.” \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Parker-Shames said \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/about/sustainability/coyotes-in-the-presidio\">the Presidio is working toward human-coyote “coexistence”\u003c/a> so humans and coyotes can share space in the city and beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said that due to their reemergence in San Francisco in particular, there’s a common misconception that coyote populations are out of control or going to “take over the city.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But once juvenile coyotes learn to fend for themselves as early as 10 months old, they tend to separate from their families and find their own territory, so there’s never a huge number of animals occupying the same space at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reality is because coyotes are very territorial animals, it keeps the population stable year over year,” Parker-Shames said. “We did see an increase when they first reestablished themselves into the city. But at this point in time, it will be and it has been stable.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Presidio, Parker-Shames said, coyotes den in the center of the park, near the golf course. “That’s an area that has much less dog activity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are coyotes dangerous to me or \u003ca id=\"Arecoyotesdangeroustomeormypets\">\u003c/a>my pets?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Another point of confusion is the personal risk a coyote poses, Parker-Shames said. The biggest coyotes are only around 30 pounds, so “there’s a pretty good overlap between the largest raccoons and the smaller coyotes,” she said. “These are not fundamentally dangerous animals.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“\u003ca href=\"https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10549\">It’s incredibly rare for people to be hurt by coyotes\u003c/a>,” Parker-Shames said, but they do pose a real threat to dogs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because a coyote’s instinct is to see other canines, usually other coyotes or wolves, as dangerous to them, their pups and their territory. So when a coyote meets a dog, “it’s seeing: ‘This is a threat to myself and to my baby,’” Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why coyotes will often go after dogs, even if they’re afraid of the humans nearby. It’s also why keeping your dog on a leash can be so effective in preventing interactions that could put your dog in danger, both because your presence may deter the coyote and also\u003ca href=\"https://coyoteyipps.com/2019/06/24/please-leash-up-coyotes-are-entitled-to-defend-their-den-areas-here-in-san-francisco/\"> prevent your dog from checking out den sites or engaging with coyotes,\u003c/a> which may be more defensive around their young.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our data indicates that if you’ve got a leash on your dog, you are far, far less likely to have a negative encounter with a coyote,” Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know during coyote \u003ca id=\"WhatshouldIknowabouttheirpuprearingseason\">\u003c/a>pupping season?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Pup-rearing season, when the coyote pups are born and eventually start to get big enough to go out on their own, stretches from springtime to fall, and this is when lots of activity occurs, Parker-Shames said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Coyotes are creating dens, having pups, and then the pup is getting bigger and starting to get a little bit more independent and curious and exploring the spaces around them,” Parker-Shames said. “And then eventually, [the pups are] starting to be fully independent and dispersing and trying to find their own territories.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1003px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046819 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1003\" height=\"753\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH.png 1003w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphamale_InfantryTerraceMay2020DH-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1003px) 100vw, 1003px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Near the main denning area in the Presidio, a few trails are currently closed preemptively during the height of pupping season. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>What hikers and dog walkers should know: Pupping season is also when coyote parents can be more protective of their pups, Mason said. Plus, with kids out of school, more people are out on trails, so sightings can be common.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you notice a coyote trailing you, that’s a behavior known as “escorting,” when the animal “follows at a closer distance than usual to encourage departure from the area,” Mason said. And while the parent may bare its teeth or growl, escorting isn’t typically aggressive — the coyote is usually just making sure you’re heading out of the vicinity of its pups. “The best course of action is to leave the area calmly and without running,” Mason advised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Near the main denning area in the Presidio, \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/visit/dogs-in-the-presidio\">a few trails are currently closed preemptively\u003c/a> during the height of pupping season, with some closed only to dogs. On other trails throughout the Bay Area, signage will typically alert visitors to coyote activity in the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What do I do \u003ca id=\"WhatdoIdoifIseeacoyote\">\u003c/a>if I see a coyote?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“The most important thing is just keep a distance,” Mason said. “It’s best to walk calmly away and leave the area immediately,” — but don’t run.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyotes are more active at dawn or dusk, but they usually observe you from afar, Mason said. So if you want to avoid an interaction, keep your dog leashed and any kids close by — and don’t go off-trail into their natural hiding spots, like brush. Do not ever feed a coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12046817\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 964px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12046817 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"964\" height=\"721\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH.png 964w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/alphafemale_InfantryTerrace_March2020DH-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 964px) 100vw, 964px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coyotes are more active at dawn or dusk and will usually observe people from afar, East Bay Regional Parks spokesperson Dave Mason said. He advises staying on trails, keeping dogs leashed and children close — and avoiding off-trail areas where coyotes may be hiding, such as dense brush. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re with a dog, your best bet is to immediately get your dog under control on a leash or by picking it up without turning your back on the coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Then make eye contact with a coyote, be big and loud, and then back away with your dog,” Parker-Shames said. This is called “\u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=123886\">hazing,\u003c/a>” and should scare the coyote away. Never let your dog play or chase a coyote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cats are also at risk of being killed by coyotes, so keeping them indoors can prevent any encounters. Keeping your trash, pet food and fruit from trees contained can help minimize coyote activity in your neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"MyfavoritetrailisclosedforpuppingseasonWhatshouldIdo\">\u003c/a>My favorite trail is closed. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two segments of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Presidio are closed to dogs — on or off-leash — from March 27 to early October. Be sure to abide by the signs and take a different route through the park. (Hikers without dogs can still use these trails.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alternative trails through this area of the park for dog walkers are highlighted in green on the Presidio Trust’s map below. These detours help reduce the risk of encounters with coyotes near their denning sites, where they are the most protective.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12077325\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12077325\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping-160x147.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/presidio_closure_pupping-1536x1414.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map of the temporarily closed trails in the Presidio during coyote pupping season. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Presidio Trust)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The goal of the closure is to reduce conflicts between coyotes, dogs and people,” the Presidio Trust said in the announcement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the spring and summer, visitors are also asked to securely throw away their trash and avoid leaving human or pet food outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>If I do have an aggressive encounter with a coyote, how should I report it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Presidio Trust is hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/events/coyote-conversations-free-community-meeting-2\">free community meeting on April 12\u003c/a> from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Crissy Field Center p.m. Experts like Parker-Shames will share information about coyote behavior, safety and their role in local ecosystems.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If an aggressive encounter with a coyote does happen in the Presidio, you can report it to the Presidio Trust at (415) 561-4270 or \u003ca href=\"mailto:coyote@presidiotrust.gov\">coyote@presidiotrust.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To report an aggressive encounter or coyote in need of help in East Bay Regional Parks, contact (510) 881-1833. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12042615/animal-rescue-what-to-do-if-you-find-a-sick-or-lost-critter-in-the-bay-area\">If you find a sick or injured coyote elsewhere in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, contact a wildlife hospital like \u003ca href=\"https://discoverwildcare.org/\">WildCare\u003c/a>, which may be able to help.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To report a sighting in San Francisco, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfanimalcare.org/living-with-urban-wildlife/coyote-sightings/\">you can alert Animal Care & Control\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayareacoyote.org/report/\">or fill out this form for a sighting outside of the city\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For any emergencies, call 911.\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": "yosemite-national-park-no-reservations-2026-glacier-arches-timed-entry",
"title": "Yosemite Won't Require Car Reservations in 2026. Park Advocates Are Worried",
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"headTitle": "Yosemite Won’t Require Car Reservations in 2026. Park Advocates Are Worried | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Advocates and tourism workers say they’re alarmed at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/yosemite-national-park\">Yosemite National Park\u003c/a>‘s plans to scrap timed vehicle entry reservations in 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPS vehicle reservation systems at \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utahs-national-parks/arches-national-park-ditches-reservation-system-open-to-visitors-at-all-times\">Arches National Park in Utah\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://dailymontanan.com/briefs/glacier-confirms-its-dropping-ticketed-entry/\">Glacier National Park in Montana\u003c/a> were also withdrawn in 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a Feb. 18 press release, National Park Service spokesperson Scott Gediman wrote that the Yosemite decision “follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But operators within the park and advocates have expressed concern that the Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, is downplaying the likelihood of overcrowding during the summer months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They also worry that, in addition to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">new fees being collected from international visitors\u003c/a>, wait times to get into the park and damage to its natural environment could increase dramatically this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062223\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12062223 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tour guide William Fontana points visitors to climbers on El Capitan during a tour of the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I really don’t know what this looks like,” said Elisabeth Barton, founding member and CEO of tour company Echo Adventure Cooperative, which operates guided tours in and around Yosemite and Stanislaus National Forest. “I’m nervous because this is where I work and I play and I live, and the idea of it being run ragged just breaks my heart.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response to concerns about traffic and congestion, Yosemite Superintendent Ray McPadden\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-national-park-reservation-21338944.php\"> told the \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a> that “[h]aving the park being full is not a bad thing, it’s not a crisis.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s always been high demand for Yosemite,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Pretty problematic’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While it was discussed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the system was first \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11823478/yosemite-open-to-public-again-starting-thursday\">implemented in 2020\u003c/a> in response to the pandemic and after record visitation to the park in 2019 to limit overcrowding at the park. After a \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/yosemite-national-park-public-comment-crowds/3267489/\">pause in 2023,\u003c/a> the program continued through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations have previously been made through \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, the federal government’s booking system for making reservations on national park land, including camping slots. The “\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745\">Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry\u003c/a>” page is still live, but informs visitors that reservations will not be in place for 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062211\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12062211 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors look at a welcome at the entrance to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 27, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910047/yosemite-and-other-ca-national-parks-underfunded-understaffed-this-summer\">staffing already down\u003c/a> at the park, the decision to remove timed vehicle reservations has the potential to overwhelm park staff and cause damage, warned Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada program manager for advocacy group the National Parks Conservation Association.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rose also expressed concern about the possibility of hours-long wait times to enter the park, which could ultimately result in would-be visitors being turned away due to a lack of parking.[aside postID=news_12074453 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SJ-with-Trans-Flag-in-Background-Photographer-Miya-Tsudome.jpg']“The park experience that you’re gonna get at Yosemite this summer is something that nobody should have to face,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rose said he’s most worried about the Fourth of July, which is also free to enter this year as part of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">Trump administration’s changes to fee-free days\u003c/a> — which included removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of days on which visitors can enter the park for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So, having it free, having no reservation system in place, having seen what it can be like on Fourth of July in the past? We know it’s gonna be pretty problematic this year,” Rose said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a statement, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla echoed advocates’ concerns, calling the Yosemite decision “shortsighted.” Padilla also urged Congress to pass \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4451/text\">a bill he introduced\u003c/a> last year to review reservation systems across all federal lands to make improvements in transparency, usability and fairness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With our national park system already strained by Donald Trump’s funding and staffing cuts, this decision will limit outdoor recreation opportunities, degrade the Park’s natural resources, and strain local businesses that rely on a steady stream of Park visitors,” Padilla said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The view from Yosemite\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the release, the park’s analysis “found that most weekdays maintained available parking, stable traffic flow and visitation levels within the park’s operational capacity,” NPS’s Gediman said. “These findings indicate that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for 2026.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But tour guide Barton contested the NPS’s claims that crowds ever truly subside during the summer, even on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062225\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12062225\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors stand at Tunnel View overlook in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is no such thing as a weekday or a weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/11337-interior-cancels-successful-reservation-systems-at-arches-and-yosemite\">National Parks Conservation Association\u003c/a>, visitation to Yosemite increased by more than 30% between 2000 and 2019. And from 2020 to 2024, Rose said staff “fine-tuned” a visitor access management system — one he said was embraced by the public, staff and surrounding communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Rose said he’s concerned how data from Yosemite’s 2025 season, when the park was still using vehicle reservations, has been used to justify removing such reservations in 2026. KQED has reached out to NPS for more specifics on the 2025 reservation system.[aside postID=news_12074158 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/GettyImages-2206235259.jpg']“It’s ignoring the decades of work that was put into creating the reservation system,” Rose said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NPS did not respond to inquiries about the analysis that led to their decision to eliminate reservations. But in the news release announcing the end of the reservation program, Yosemite’s McPadden said that “[w]e are committed to visitor access, safety, and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the coming season,” McPadden said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The release also noted the park plans to continue strategies that “proved effective” during the 2025 season, like real-time traffic monitoring, active parking management, added staffing during peak periods, improved visitor information and promoting visitation during off-days and outside of Yosemite Valley, where the park tends to be the busiest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Park advocates say Yosemite scrapping timed tickets could mean overcrowding and long wait times this summer — and even damage to the park.",
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"title": "Yosemite Won't Require Car Reservations in 2026. Park Advocates Are Worried | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Advocates and tourism workers say they’re alarmed at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/yosemite-national-park\">Yosemite National Park\u003c/a>‘s plans to scrap timed vehicle entry reservations in 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NPS vehicle reservation systems at \u003ca href=\"https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utahs-national-parks/arches-national-park-ditches-reservation-system-open-to-visitors-at-all-times\">Arches National Park in Utah\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://dailymontanan.com/briefs/glacier-confirms-its-dropping-ticketed-entry/\">Glacier National Park in Montana\u003c/a> were also withdrawn in 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a Feb. 18 press release, National Park Service spokesperson Scott Gediman wrote that the Yosemite decision “follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But operators within the park and advocates have expressed concern that the Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, is downplaying the likelihood of overcrowding during the summer months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They also worry that, in addition to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">new fees being collected from international visitors\u003c/a>, wait times to get into the park and damage to its natural environment could increase dramatically this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062223\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12062223 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-93-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tour guide William Fontana points visitors to climbers on El Capitan during a tour of the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I really don’t know what this looks like,” said Elisabeth Barton, founding member and CEO of tour company Echo Adventure Cooperative, which operates guided tours in and around Yosemite and Stanislaus National Forest. “I’m nervous because this is where I work and I play and I live, and the idea of it being run ragged just breaks my heart.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response to concerns about traffic and congestion, Yosemite Superintendent Ray McPadden\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-national-park-reservation-21338944.php\"> told the \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a> that “[h]aving the park being full is not a bad thing, it’s not a crisis.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s always been high demand for Yosemite,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Pretty problematic’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While it was discussed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the system was first \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11823478/yosemite-open-to-public-again-starting-thursday\">implemented in 2020\u003c/a> in response to the pandemic and after record visitation to the park in 2019 to limit overcrowding at the park. After a \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/yosemite-national-park-public-comment-crowds/3267489/\">pause in 2023,\u003c/a> the program continued through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations have previously been made through \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, the federal government’s booking system for making reservations on national park land, including camping slots. The “\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745\">Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry\u003c/a>” page is still live, but informs visitors that reservations will not be in place for 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062211\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12062211 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251027-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-18-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors look at a welcome at the entrance to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 27, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910047/yosemite-and-other-ca-national-parks-underfunded-understaffed-this-summer\">staffing already down\u003c/a> at the park, the decision to remove timed vehicle reservations has the potential to overwhelm park staff and cause damage, warned Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada program manager for advocacy group the National Parks Conservation Association.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rose also expressed concern about the possibility of hours-long wait times to enter the park, which could ultimately result in would-be visitors being turned away due to a lack of parking.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“The park experience that you’re gonna get at Yosemite this summer is something that nobody should have to face,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rose said he’s most worried about the Fourth of July, which is also free to enter this year as part of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737/yosemite-national-park-new-fees-international-tourists-foreigners-annual-pass-2026\">Trump administration’s changes to fee-free days\u003c/a> — which included removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of days on which visitors can enter the park for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So, having it free, having no reservation system in place, having seen what it can be like on Fourth of July in the past? We know it’s gonna be pretty problematic this year,” Rose said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a statement, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla echoed advocates’ concerns, calling the Yosemite decision “shortsighted.” Padilla also urged Congress to pass \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4451/text\">a bill he introduced\u003c/a> last year to review reservation systems across all federal lands to make improvements in transparency, usability and fairness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With our national park system already strained by Donald Trump’s funding and staffing cuts, this decision will limit outdoor recreation opportunities, degrade the Park’s natural resources, and strain local businesses that rely on a steady stream of Park visitors,” Padilla said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The view from Yosemite\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the release, the park’s analysis “found that most weekdays maintained available parking, stable traffic flow and visitation levels within the park’s operational capacity,” NPS’s Gediman said. “These findings indicate that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for 2026.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But tour guide Barton contested the NPS’s claims that crowds ever truly subside during the summer, even on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12062225\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12062225\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251028-YOSEMITESHUTDOWN-114-BL_QED-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors stand at Tunnel View overlook in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Oct. 28, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is no such thing as a weekday or a weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npca.org/articles/11337-interior-cancels-successful-reservation-systems-at-arches-and-yosemite\">National Parks Conservation Association\u003c/a>, visitation to Yosemite increased by more than 30% between 2000 and 2019. And from 2020 to 2024, Rose said staff “fine-tuned” a visitor access management system — one he said was embraced by the public, staff and surrounding communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Rose said he’s concerned how data from Yosemite’s 2025 season, when the park was still using vehicle reservations, has been used to justify removing such reservations in 2026. KQED has reached out to NPS for more specifics on the 2025 reservation system.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“It’s ignoring the decades of work that was put into creating the reservation system,” Rose said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NPS did not respond to inquiries about the analysis that led to their decision to eliminate reservations. But in the news release announcing the end of the reservation program, Yosemite’s McPadden said that “[w]e are committed to visitor access, safety, and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the coming season,” McPadden said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The release also noted the park plans to continue strategies that “proved effective” during the 2025 season, like real-time traffic monitoring, active parking management, added staffing during peak periods, improved visitor information and promoting visitation during off-days and outside of Yosemite Valley, where the park tends to be the busiest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "winter-cabins-to-rent-near-san-francisco-bay-area-tahoe-mendocino-sonoma",
"title": "How to Do a Cozy Winter Cabin Getaway Near the Bay Area — on a Budget",
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"headTitle": "How to Do a Cozy Winter Cabin Getaway Near the Bay Area — on a Budget | KQED",
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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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"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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"slug": "where-to-see-newts-rain-weather-bay-area-hikes",
"title": "Winter Rains Bring the Newts — and Here’s Where to See Them in the Bay Area",
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"headTitle": "Winter Rains Bring the Newts — and Here’s Where to See Them in the Bay Area | KQED",
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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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"excerpt": "Want to spot some newts? Here are the Bay Area trails where your chances are highest after the rain.",
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"title": "Winter Rains Bring the Newts — and Here’s Where to See Them in the Bay Area | KQED",
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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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"slug": "california-state-parks-are-free-this-mlk-day",
"title": "California State Parks Are Free This MLK Day",
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"headTitle": "California State Parks Are Free This MLK Day | KQED",
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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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"excerpt": "Gavin Newsom welcomed visitors back outdoors on Monday after President Donald Trump cut the holiday from a list of fee-free days at national parks. ",
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"title": "California State Parks Are Free This MLK Day | KQED",
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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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"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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"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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"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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"headTitle": "Which Bay Area Landmarks Are Closed by the Government Shutdown — and Where Can You Go Instead? | KQED",
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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",
"description": "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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"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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"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
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"meta": {
"site": "radio",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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}
},
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
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"id": "here-and-now",
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
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},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
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"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
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},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
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"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
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}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
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},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
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