Say Goodbye: California State Parks

By Don Nadeau, on July 22, 2009, in Travel

In my opinion, California has long had a state park system as good or better than any.

Not only have extensive areas been preserved (though not nearly enough for the ever growing population), California state park management has emphasized keeping its parks as natural as possible.

That means that the so-called enhancements you’ll find in state parks such as in Kentucky are missing. You don’t come to California parks to golf, to place your tent on a lawn similar to home, to gaze at landscaped gardens, or to relax in deluxe lodges with flat screen televisions.

You come to California state parks to enjoy nature at its most natural and in some cases to appreciate and better understand history.

Major closures eminent

Now, this may end. With the state budget crisis, up to 80% of the parks may close. A lower estimate this week still shows that some 30 parks may close.

If so, you and I will be denied legal access, and park employees will not be on hand to monitor illegal camping fires and trash, marijuana grows, off-road vehicle usage, and other activities that may severely and perhaps irretrievably damage these precious environments.

National parks in the state such as Yosemite and Sequoia are already overwhelmed with visitors.

What a shame.

More than ever, this is the time to visit these threatened state parks and to support them if you can.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

As an example, every park in Humboldt County, in the heart of the redwood area, has faced closure during the budget negotiations. This includes Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which contains some 10% of the remaining coastal redwoods.

Humboldt Redwoods, which hosts the famous “Avenue of the Giants,” is stunningly beautiful. With little or no rain, it remains perfect for camping and hiking until possibly November (or at least October). Don’t miss the easy Drury-Chaney Trail in the north section of park, most of which is wheelchair accessible.

If Humboldt Redwoods State Park campsites are full, try nearby Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, also scenic. Motels closest to these parks fill up fast, but you’ll likely find something in Eureka readily accessible by freeway.

Although its redwoods are less impressive, if you can’t get up to Humboldt, try Big Basin Redwoods State Park, close to Santa Cruz and around 90 minutes from San Francisco. Unlike Muir Woods National Monument nearer to San Francisco, you won’t feel pressed in by crowds.

More of my favorite parks

Other parks on the closure list worth noting:

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is equal to Humboldt in beauty. Its Stout Grove Trail is one of my favorite short hikes.
• Nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has the sublime Newton Drury Scenic Drive, one of most beautiful in the U.S.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park preserves a wonderful portion of Big Sur coastline. Its beachside waterfall remains accessible in spite of some trail closures. You can appreciate the highlights of this park in less than an hour
• Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County offers wonderful views of the Bay Area. On clear days, you can see as far as the Sierras.
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park sits in the Sierras above Gold Rush-era Columbia State Historic Park, also set to close.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a very special environment near Indio, works best in late fall, winter, and spring due to extreme summer heat. Sad that access might not last that long, however.
• Awesome state beaches that may close include Malibu Lagoon State Beach, more commonly known as Surfrider Beach, one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, nearby Leo Carrillo State Park, Carmel River State Beach, a little gem, and Carpinteria State Beach perfect for small children.
• Although Hearst Castle will probably remain open, special places like Will Rogers State Historical Park are set to close.

  By the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the highest paid and most popular actor in America. This historic park, very close to Santa Monica, captures the flavor of the lifestyle of this unpretenous celebrity and of Southern California during his time. Be sure to take the easy trail to Inspiration Point. On clear days, you’ll see Catalina Island. Stay on the path to avoid rattlesnakes.

As yet, a final list and dates of closure are not known.

Visit as many of the places on the possible closure list as you can. You won’t be sorry. And, if they stay open, all the better!