Parks

If you plan to venture into San Mateo County Parks during or after wet weather, please stay safe and protect the environment by following these tips:

• Check San Mateo County Parks advisories before visiting the park to keep current with park and trail conditions. During heavy wind and rain, parks are often closed in part or entirely for visitor safety. Please respect park and trail closures.
• Avoid hiking on dirt trails that are saturated with water and where you may have to step off trail. Stepping off trail causes trail rutting and erosion that can also impact plants and animals dependent on the area’s ecosystems.
• Paved trails with standing water can hide hazards, including sink holes or large divots that can cause tripping. Using trails under these conditions also contributes to further damage of the trail.
• Be cautious near large trees during high winds and following a storm. Rangers have seen large and even healthy looking trees fall when soil becomes super-saturated after years of drought.
• Coastal bluffs may seem like safe places to take in a beautiful ocean view during storms, but please stay away from the edge. Heavy weather can cause bluffs to give away and fall onto the beach below.

Reporting Damage

We appreciate helpful park visitors who report downed trees, washed out areas, and other storm damage. If you wish to report damage please leave a message at our main line (650) 363-4020 or send an email to ParksandRecreation@smcgov.org. Staff will not be able to return your call unless they need further information.