What California’s ‘Stay in Mandate’ Means for Outdoor Adventurers

This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a “stay in mandate” for the state as experts believe the current growth of the Coronavirus could overwhelm the state’s medical system. The mandate asks California’s 40 million residents to stay home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise.

“You can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog,” said Governor Newsom.

The unprecedented move left many residents scratching their heads, trying to figure out exactly what they can do while the mandate is in place. But one detail is made clear: outdoor exercise while practicing social distance is alright.

For the many outdoor adventurers in Northern California, this spells business as usual as they can continue to hike to their favorite remote outdoor destinations. For the people who don’t get outdoors as often, this may be their best opportunity to see NorCal’s beautiful wilderness.

As part of the State and National Park’s efforts to keep park officials from too much human interaction, they have closed all indoor areas in parks and waived all incorporated fees. That means all outdoor destinations are free, although donation/fee bins will remain present for anyone feeling like supporting our parks. That being said, all campgrounds have closed and only day trips are encouraged.

Let’s recap: Although everyone should keep their social distance while leaving the house, venturing outdoors is okay during the stay in mandate. There will be no fees incorporated with visiting National and State Parks in the area. Campgrounds are closed, so plan to only do day trips during this time.

We are living in unprecedented times. Everyone must do their part to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus in California. But luckily, we still have the great outdoors.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

One Comment

  1. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

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