2 More Santa Cruz County State Parks Open To Cars

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Parking lots at Big Basin Redwoods and Castle Rock state parks reopened Friday to the public under new restrictions.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, founded in 1902, is home to massive redwoods estimated to be as old as 1,000 to 1,800 years old. Castle Rock State Park offers expansive vistas and 34 miles of trails winding through oaks, pines and redwoods, according to the state parks website.

Bay Area News Group first reported the news.

Weeks ago, all 280 state parks and beaches closed their parking lots to dissuade non-local visitors from coming. Now, as some counties move further into the reopening process, state parks, too, are lifting their limits. So far parking lots have reopened at 144 sites.

Twenty-seven state parks reopened their lots last month, including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park.

Visitors can check online to see whether parks are open to visitors, if parking lots are open and whether new guidelines are in effect.

Parking will be reduced to 150 spots from 300 spots at Big Basin, Bay Area News Group reported. At Castle Rock, the Kirkwood lot will be open.

At both parks: masks are required for entry; restrooms will be partially reopened; campgrounds are closed; picnic tables and gathering spots are closed; and special events and tours are canceled.

See a full list of guidelines on the state parks website.