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Marin County Opens Up Some Parks & Trails Starting May 18

Local parks and trails might allow vehicles, but 10 major parks & coastal areas still off limits to cars for now
By - posted 5/18/2020 No Comment

Thank you SF Gate for letting us know that Marin County has loosened some restrictions on park access starting this week

Previously the county had a wide ban on parking at parks and trailheads. Starting May 18th, except for a few high-traffic parks and areas (like Muir Woods, Point Reyes and beaches which remain closed to vehicles), cities and towns will now be able to choose which parks and trails are open to vehicle access. Visitors are strongly encouraged to verify the status of individual locations before venturing out. Visitors must also continue social distancing. 

Read the full press release. 

Popular locations that draw crowds from across the Bay Area will remain off-limits to vehicles for the time being

Marin County now leaves it to local jurisdictions to allow, limit or prohibit motorized access to those areas as appropriate. Please note there is no list yet (that we are aware of) of which areas have loosened restrictions yet. Visitors are directed to check for updates at marincountyparks.org. But there is a list of sites were car access is still banned (with the exception of disabled vehicles)

No Loosening of Restrictions Yet at Following Areas

Residents who can access those locations by foot, on a bike, and without any sort of motorized assistance are welcome to responsibly visit them. Owners of vehicles parked near those facilities who do not have a disabled placard clearly displayed are considered in violation of sheltering orders and are susceptible to a parking fine

Facilities that remain closed to motorized access, except for those with state-issued disabled vehicle placards on display, are:

  • Point Reyes National Seashore – no cars allowed yet
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area (including Muir Woods National Monument)
  • Mount Tamalpais State Park
  • Tomales Bay State Park
  • Samuel P Taylor State Park
  • Chicken Ranch Beach (along Tomales Bay)
  • Miller Park (along Tomales Bay)
  • White House Pool Park in Point Reyes Station
  • Bolinas Lagoon Open Space Preserve (including Bolinas County Park)
  • all Marin Municipal Water District lands
  • all beaches or inlets along the Pacific Ocean.

For more about the gradual reopening of Marin County during the pandemic, check www.MarinRecovers.com