Quick Take:
A popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Soquel Demonstration State Forest was shut down in mid-January because of dangerous conditions from the winter storms. It’s set to reopen Tuesday.
The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is set to reopen Tuesday months after it closed because of severe storm damage.
A popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the state forest was shut down in mid-January because of dangerous conditions including downed trees, mudslides and blocked roads and hiking trails.
Cal Fire said Monday that it has made progress on crucial road repairs and removed all major safety hazards within the forest. But it warned visitors that even though the forest is reopening, repair work remains ongoing, with trucks and heavy machinery continuing to work throughout the forest.
The state agency asked visitors not to drive too quickly on main forest roads such as Highland Way and Soquel-San Jose Road, which also are being used by construction vehicles, and to be careful not to block fire lanes and gates when parking.
Cal Fire said it was expecting a surge in crowds to the forest once it reopens and asked visitors to avoid peak hours and to plan to arrive early in the morning.
The forest is a popular destination for mountain bikers, but Cal Fire warned that off-road cyclists could be ticketed if they venture into the forest after dark.
Most mountain bike trails cover at 10 miles and climb over 2,000 feet — and the climb out of any single-track trail is 3-4 miles uphill along Hihn’s Mill Road to the forest main parking area.
Fires and cooking equipment are banned in the forest, including campfires, barbecues and portable gas stoves. Electric bikes, motorcycles, pedal-assist bikes and Segways are also strictly prohibited.
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