This question has been asked more frequently by park visitors recently, and for good reason. Over the past year, the park’s trail crew has been installing gates along specific trails throughout the park (Olive Orchard, Lake, Rancho Road, etc). The gates are not meant to close trails permanently, but are used to limit public access to trails when they are being maintained, either with heavy equipment or by the park’s trail crew, or to close trails during wet weather. The ability to effectively close trails during maintenance activities is essential to promoting safety for park visitors and park employees. Maintenance activities can vary from one piece of heavy equipment, like a road grader or bull dozer, to a whole crew of workers brushing a trail. Being able to close the trail allows work to be carried out safely and efficiently. Wet weather closures are integral to the management of the trail system at the park. Due to the local geology, the park is split into two main soil types. Trails that are predominately clay-based are closed during wet weather. Clay-based trails are nearly impassable when wet, even with small amounts of rain.  Of paramount concern is public safety. If a rider wrecks and is in need of medical attention, wet or muddy trail conditions can significantly delay or even endanger the first responders. Additionally, riding on muddy trails damages the tread surface which causes the trail to hold water for a longer duration in ruts and low spots.

Scott Soares

Environmental Scientist

California State Parks

San Andreas District