Area set to reopen after lengthy closure
After about 10 months of closures due to damaging winter storms late last year, Soquel Demonstration State Forest is set to reopen today.
Officials say critical road repairs and clearance of roadway hazards were recently completed at the popular regional destination, which allowed for the reestablishment of emergency access to the 2,681-acre forest.
According to a Cal Fire release, trucks and heavy equipment will continue to be used throughout the area as recovery work continues and, for everyone's safety, the public is advised to give workers plenty of space on main roads. Officials have also asked that motorists watch their speed on Highland Way and Soquel-San Jose Road as traffic levels increase on roads that are still under construction in several places.
“Everyone is excited that the forest is reopening, and crowds are expected, so please respect each other on the trails,” wrote Cal Fire in the release. “If possible, avoid the most crowded times and arrive earlier in the morning to help ease congestion.”
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, a nonprofit that has been building and maintaining trails at parks in the region for decades, said in an email to the Sentinel that it hosted 35 volunteer trail work events during the recovery process equating to more than 700 hours of restoration efforts. Additionally, the community raised more than $160,000 in donations for trail recovery needs.
“Open spaces are precious here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and we're proud to have supported Cal Fire's effort to restore and reopen trails in Soquel Demonstration State Forest,” wrote a trail stewardship spokesperson in the email. “We know just how special (Soquel Demonstration) access is to the outdoor community, and throughout the year we've provided ways for the community to uplift their favorite trails in a time of need.”
Crews from the nonprofit will be in the forest today to complete any final trail cleanups and it plans to host a couple of volunteer “dig days” this fall. Interested community members can visit santacruztrails.org to learn more.
For mountain bicyclists looking for thrills at the park's widely acclaimed trails, Cal Fire underscored the importance of reserving plenty of time to get out before dusk, bringing drinking water and snacks and that riding with others is always a good idea.
The entrance to the forest is at 29400 Highland Way and the park will be open from dawn to dusk for day use only, according to Cal Fire's website. No camping is permitted.
Additionally, riders are advised:
• Any trail ride from the parking area covers at least 10 miles
and more than 2,000 feet of climbing.
• Riders can be ticketed for being in the forest after dark.
• The climb out from the end
of any single-track trail is 3 to 4 miles uphill along Hihn's Mill Road to the parking area.
• There is no drinking water at
the park.
• Be attentive and ride within your limits to avoid injuries, as the park is very remote and help can take a long time to arrive.
• Double check that equipment is in good shape and be sure to carry tools and parts that may be needed for repairs.
• Pack your trash, bury your waste, leave no trace.
• Know and follow park rules or risk citation.
• No fires of any kind, including campfires, barbecues or portable gas stoves.
• No electric or pedalassist bicycles, motorcycles or Segways are allowed.