CRYSTAL COVE : Fire-Ravaged Park Acreage to Reopen

The phones have been ringing at Crystal Cove State Park in recent weeks with people curious to know when the park will fully reopen after being shut down by October’s devastating fire.

Finally, rangers at the state park can pass out the good news: About 2,400 acres of prime hiking, biking and equestrian trails will be open to the public Sunday.

“It’s been a long six months,” said Michael Eaton, supervising ranger at Crystal Cove. “The park is ready for people to come out and enjoy, as long as they do it responsibly.”

Fire blackened most of the canyons and grasslands in the recessed, western reaches of the park. The 400 acres of coastal park were relatively unscathed by the blaze and have remained open.

Flora in the back areas of the park have taken root, but Eaton urged future park users to be cautious.

“With the vegetation being burnt off, the park is wide open,” he said. “People will be tempted to go off and explore. What happens is new trails are created, which causes erosion gullies,” Eaton said. “And they might be stomping on new plants.”

Most trails have been restored, but Eaton said some may have some rough spots and mountain bikers should be careful.

Three overnight campsites that were destroyed in the fire will not be open. Eaton said park officials are applying for federal grants to replace the facilities, which might reopen in about six months.