Soquel Demonstration State Forest to reopen weekdays after closure in May for repairs

Following several months of closures for repairs and forest fuel reduction work at Soquel Demonstration State Forest, state officials announced the forest is reopening for weekday use Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Located and adjacent to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, the 2,700-acre Soquel Demonstration State Forest is managed for sustainable timber production and used for research, educational activities and public recreation. The area is also a fish and wildlife habitat and serves as watershed protection.

The forest was undergoing forest health and fuel reduction treatments, major road repairs and emergency repairs to a permanent bridge. Officials also worked on 4.3 miles of a main road to improve access.

Despite the weekday reopening, officials say visitors to the park will still see some restrictions. Corral Trail and Corral Road will remain closed through winter and reopen in the spring depending on the conditions. No recreational use of the Sulphur Timber Harvesting Plan area will be allowed through the winter season, but it will reopen in the summer. Despite the Sulphur area closure, Hihn’s Mill Road and Sulphur Springs Road are open for access to trails.

Officials advise that visitors read and follow signs along roads and trails, and to watch for weather updates to stay safe while navigating through the park.

“Although road access has improved, response times for fire and medical assistance remain long in this area of the Santa Cruz Mountains,” according to a statement. “Mountain bikers are reminded to ride within your limits and to not ride when soils are saturated.”

The State Forest entrance is located at 29400 Highland Way, 6 miles east of Soquel-San Jose Road (Old San Jose Road) and 10 miles east of Highway 17.

For updates about the forest, visit