Areas of Point Reyes National Seashore Closed Due to ‘Unprecedented Visitation’

As California residents look for ways to practice social distance amidst the “stay-in-place” mandate, outdoor destinations in Northern California are getting inundated with visitors. With its proximity to the heavily populated regions of the Bay Area, Point Reyes National Seashore received ‘unprecedented visitation’ on Saturday, forcing officials to close popular areas of the park.

Following guidelines for the CDC, park officials closed all indoor portions of Point Reyes last week. Then, after Governor Gavin Newsom announced a statewide “stay-in-place” mandate to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, residents flocked to outdoor destinations looking for some semblance of sanity.

On Saturday, Point Reyes parking lots filled quickly, forcing officials to assist with crowds and putting them at risk during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Parking is full at most park beaches and trailheads. Visitors are reminded that regulations will be enforced. Please respect park wildlife, and staff as well as CDC guidelines regarding COVID19.

— Point Reyes NPS (@PointReyesNPS) March 21, 2020

Saturday night, they made the difficult decision to close popular areas of the park to keep staff safe.

Parking is full at most park beaches and trailheads. Visitors are reminded that regulations will be enforced. Please respect park wildlife, and staff as well as CDC guidelines regarding COVID19.

— Point Reyes NPS (@PointReyesNPS) March 21, 2020

In addition to listed gate closures, access will be limited at the following areas in Pt. Reyes NS – At Palomarin Trailhead beyond Commonweal entrance, Pierce Point Road, Lighthouse and Chimney Rock parking. @maringov @MarinSheriff #StayLocal (bp)

— Point Reyes NPS (@PointReyesNPS) March 22, 2020

We can’t say we didn’t see this coming. When you give residents only one option to leave their house (socially distancing in the great outdoors), they’re going to flock to that opportunity.

Will this be the new trend? Will growing crowds force State and National Park officials to close their doors? Let’s hope not.