Some Big Sur beaches and trails are reopening this weekend. Here’s where to go
Los Padres National Forest is laying out the welcome mat — for locals only.
Starting Saturday, Los Padres National Forest will reopen the day-use sites at Sand Dollar, Willow Creek and Pfeiffer beaches in Big Sur to provide additional outdoor recreation spots for nearby residents. They were previously closed to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Agency spokesman Andrew Madsen said the reopening order was signed Friday.
Everybody is encouraged to maintain social distancing and not gather with people who are not part of their household.
The trail to Willow Creek and Jade Cove will be open, but coastal campgrounds, other trails and trailheads will remain closed until June 1 — as will South Coast Ridge Road, Plaskett Ridge Road, North Coast Ridge Road and Los Burros (Willow Creek) Road.
“We don’t want to make this a destination for people outside the area,” at least not yet, Madsen said.
He said the agency will reconsider the options in a couple of weeks.
Hikers also are encouraged to access the Ventana backcountry using the east side of the Monterey Ranger District, areas that are less densely used, Madsen said.
For instance, he said, “Go to the Indian, Milpitas, China Camp areas.”
“It’s quite understandable that people will want to go outside this weekend and breathe in some good coastal air,” Madsen said. “The weather is beautiful; it feels like summer has arrived.”
In April, Los Padres National Forest closed several popular trails and roads along Highway 1 up to Big Sur after rangers determined visitors were not practicing social distancing related to COVID-19.
The Los Padres National Forest ordered the temporary closures in the Monterey Ranger District effective April 16.
