Alerts & Conditions

Phased Increase in Recreational Access
Updated: Thursday, June 4, 2020

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Salinas Pueblo Missions will open roads, trails, and restrooms beginning on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Services and activities for visitors that remain Not Available are:

• All four Visitor Centers, including the bookstores and the park movie
• Ranger-led tours and programs

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: Due to extreme fire danger, setting, building, maintaining, attending or using fires of any kind, including wood and charcoal campfires within picnic areas, is prohibited beginning at 8:00 am, Monday, June 1, 2020. Stoves fueled by petroleum or Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels are allowed. Additionally, smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle.

Please Recreate Responsibly
Park rangers remain on duty and normal regulations still apply. As services are limited and/or closed to the public, the National Park Service urges visitors to:

• Park only in designated areas.
• Pack out everything you bring in.
• Maintain 6 ft (2 m) social distance from others.
• Stay on marked trails.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or do so with your elbow. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again.
• If you are sick, please stay home to avoid exposing others.