![]() Vintage NPS Photo Superintendent's Compendium![]() In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Cabrillo National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES OR ACTIVITIES Closure Order – Portion of a Park Area: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5, the follow park areas and facilities may be closed, effective immediately, until further notice, and in accordance with San Diego County and/or California State Public Health Orders pertaining to the COVID-19 response:
Authority: 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1)
Finding: The NPS issues this administrative order for the purposes of maintaining public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. This order is consistent with following County of San Diego and State of California public health directives:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5.4.20-EO-N-60-20.pdf5.4.20-EO-N-60-20.pdf (ca.gov)
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/health-order.html Under standard operating conditions, and in the future as the park opens grounds and/or facilities, the following conditions would apply:(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established: Visiting Hours (September 6 through May 27):
Exceptions as follows for specific park areas:
Visiting hours in the Tidepool Area and Bayside Trail are shorter in duration to ensure a park-wide closure at 5 p.m. The park closure includes all park grounds and extends to all visitors, including pedestrians. Visiting Hours (May 28 through September 5, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays):
Exceptions as follows for specific park areas:
In the summertime between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the upper portions of the park will remain open for extended hours approaching sunset on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Specific closure times to be posted and affiliated with time of sunset. Public Use Limits -- Pursuant to §1.5(d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservations system:
Group sizes are limited to preserve the natural resources – rocky intertidal habitat – on high visitation days, which include weekends and holidays. This group public use limit also assists in maintaining a positive visitor experience for the general public. Groups must make a reservation by obtaining a group tidepool permit. https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
The geographic area around the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is limited. It is a high pedestrian traffic area. There are a few designated parking spaces for disabled visitors to provide them access to see the historic building, but allowing additional vehicles in the area will pose a safety hazard and detract from the visitor experience.
Leaving unknown property unattended in the park area threatens public safety, the environmental and scenic values of the park, the natural and cultural resources of the park and the orderly management of the park. Visitors seeking to leave property unattended within the park must obtain a permit from the Superintendent. Closures:
The purpose and designation of the tidepool park area is for the exploration and learning about the marine environment and the above activities conflict with that purpose. Some of the above activities also pose a threat to the natural resource and to visitor safety.
This closure protects the tidepools flora and fauna from the negative impacts of visitor use and allows the area to recover. The area is used as a control study area for comparison with visitor use areas, and is also an area of scientific research.
This closure is for visitor safety and resource protection. There is no maintained access to the cave, and adjacent cliffs are steep and slippery, especially when wet due to wave action. The cave and cliff areas of the park are prone to landslides and collapse at unpredictable times. Marine mammals may be present and it is illegal to disturb them.
Cabrillo National Monument is an area of exclusive jurisdiction. A California State Marine Protection Act is also in place in park waters, which prohibits fishing for the protection of natural resources.
This closure protects the historic and cultural resources, including the building structures, as well as historic and cultural property on display with staff presence and supervision. The closure assists in keeping visitors safe. Many of the structures are small spaces and visitation is regulated for safety to prevent too many people in a small area at one time.
This closure protects the cultural and natural resources of the park and provides for an appropriate visitor experience.
This closure protects the safety of park visitors.
This closure protects the statue. Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity: Tidepool Exploration Guidelines: The prime consideration is the safety of tidepool organisms; no plant or animal should be disturbed if there is a possibility of injury. As a general principle, only fully ambulatory or free swimming organisms should be handled, such as hermit crabs. Animals actively swimming or moving away from people, or that resist being handled, should not be pursued or picked up. Any organism which is attached to any surface shall not be removed by force however slight. No plants or algae attached to any surface may be removed from that surface. No containers, such as buckets or cups, may be used to hold tidepool organisms. Any organism which is handled or moved from its position must be promptly returned to its original position and orientation after viewing. Organisms such as octopus, that are fragile, easily stressed or sensitive to light and air should not be handled. Conditions and Restrictions on Specific Uses or Activities: Passenger Carrying Busses:
The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
Restricting hikers and pedestrians to the park’s trails and walkways helps protect the fragile habitat and natural resources of the park.
OPDMDs are defined under the ADA as “any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines . . . that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion . . . or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit. 36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING
2.4 Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net (e) The Superintendent may issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon, trap or net for research and certain other circumstances outlined in 36 CFR §2.4 (e) 1-4.
36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS
Cabrillo National Monument issues permits for specimen collection under certain conditions. Please see the park’s website www.nps.gov/cabr for permit information or contact the Natural Resources Management and Science Division. 36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE (a) Camping is not permitted at Cabrillo National Monument. 36 CFR §2.12 – AUDIO DISTURBANCES (a)(1) Prohibits the playing of audio devices or use of generators in a manner that exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. 36 CFR §2.13 – FIRES (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in the following areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:Receptacles Allowed:
36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE (a)(2) Using park refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.15 – PETS (a)(1) Possessing pets or comfort animals in public buildings and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.(a)(5) Failing to comply with pet excrement disposal conditions is prohibited 36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY (a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means is prohibited, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. 36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS AND SIMILAR DEVICES Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING (a) The following portions of the park, buildings, structures and/or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
In compliance with Executive Order 1358, smoking is banned in federal buildings, and for the enjoyment and health of all park visitors, smoking is not allowed anywhere outside on the grounds of Cabrillo National Monument, including parking lots and trails. This closure is also in effect due to sensitive and dry vegetation, which presents increased risk of fire. 36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY (a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited.
36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES (b) Recreation fees and/or permits, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following areas and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:Entrance Fee Areas: Entrance fees are collected at an entrance station located on Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Fees are collected 7 days a week. Daily hours of operation are currently 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance passes are not needed for visitors entering the park at times the entrance station is closed. 36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52. 36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES (a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials (including fireworks) is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. 36 CFR §2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS (a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §2.51 -- DEMONSTRATIONS (b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.
![]() 36 CFR §2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS (b)(1) Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated areas as available under §2.51 36 CFR §2.52 -- SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51
(b)(1) The sale or distribution activity by 25 persons or fewer may be conducted without a permit within designated areas provided they do not violate any permit conditions outlined in 2.52(e).
36 CFR §2.60 – LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE (a) Livestock are generally prohibited in any park area. They are only permitted in park areas pursuant to the exceptions provided for in §2.60(a) and only pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license, permit, or lease. 36 CFR §2.61 – RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS (a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract. 36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION (a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited. 36 CFR §3.3 – VESSEL PERMITS Permits are required for the use of a vessel pursuant to §1.5 and §1.7, Public Use Limits. 36 CFR §3.8 – BOATING OPERATIONS (a)(2) Launching or operating a vessel is prohibited. This includes surfboards, kayaks, jet skis, and other personal watercraft. 36 CFR §3.9 – PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)
Cabrillo National Monument is not a designated park. Personal Watercraft are prohibited under §3.9 and §1.5 36 CFR §3.14 REMOVING A SUNKEN, GROUNDED, OR DISABLED VESSEL
(b) the owners or authorized salvager of a sunken, grounded, or disabled vessel must remove the vessel, all component parts and equipment, and all associated cargo thereof in accordance with procedures established by the Superintendent as designated in 36 CFR §3.14. 36 CFR §3.16 – SWIMMING AND WADING Swimming or wading is not permitted at Cabrillo National Monument under §1.5. 36 CFR §3.18 – SCUBA AND SNORKELING (a) Snorkeling and underwater diving is not allowed at Cabrillo National Monument under §1.5. 36 CFR §3.19 – USE OF SUBMERSIBLES The use of manned or unmanned submersibles may only occur in accordance with a permit issued by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §4.11 – VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS (a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
Due to the stability of the underlying coastal bluff there is a six-ton limit on each of these parking areas. 36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS (a), (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES The use of a bicycle, electric bikes (e-bikes), or OPDMDs (other power-driven mobility devices) is prohibited except on park roads open to public vehicles during park hours as specified above in §1.5. Bicycles riding together may not impede traffic.
36 CFR §5.1 – ADVERTISEMENTS Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §5.3 – BUSINESS OPERATIONS Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited. 36 CFR §5.4 – COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLES (a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks. See §5.4(a) for more information. 36 CFR §5.5 – COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY (a) Before any motion picture may be filmed or any television production or sound track may be made by any person other than bona fide newsreel or news television personnel, written permission must first be obtained from the Superintendent. 36 CFR §5.6 – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.7 – CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States. 36 CFR §5.10 – EATING, DRINKING, OR LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS (a) In certain parks, establishments offering food, drink, or lodging for sale on privately owned lands may only be operated with a permit from the Superintendent. See §5.10 for more information. Mask Mandate![]() 10D CABR-VRP) 1. All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants. • None – (No areas have been designated for this section.) Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement. Authority: 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Cabrillo National Monument, including park visitors, government employees, concession employees, park residents and stakeholders.
This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis, and the order will be modified or rescinded when conditions warrant. ![]() |
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Last updated: February 8, 2021