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Palo Corona Permit Conditions

  • Public access to Palo Corona is limited to those with valid permits during daylight hours only.  Only 13 autos per day will be allowed to access via the Highway 1 entrance (west gate) and 8 autos per day will be allowed to access via the Big Sur Land Trust’s South Bank Trail entrance (east gate).
  • An access permit is not required to enter the park via the Rancho Canada unit.
  • All visitors must have the access code and sign in prior to accessing Palo Corona.  The sign-in sheets will be found in a weatherproof box at either entrance.  Trail maps of Palo Corona will also be found in this box.
  • Bicycles are not allowed in Palo Corona but may be parked at the park entrance. Violations of the “no bicycles” provision may result in loss of future access privileges.
  • Due to grazing and sensitive species protection, domestic animals are also not allowed on the west side front ranch portion of Palo Corona, nor is equestrian use.  Violations of the “no domestic animals” or “no equestrian use” provisions may result in loss of future access privileges. Dogs on leash are allowed on the Rancho Canada unit of Palo Corona.
  • Permits will be issued a maximum of 30 days in advance of the requested permit date.
  • Permit applications should be submitted no less than 48 hours in advance of permit date requested.  Applications submitted less than 48 hours in advance will be given consideration, but cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for the requested permit date.
  • A copy of the access permit is to be kept with the permittee at all times when in the park. A copy should also be prominently placed on the dash of the vehicle.
  • Carpooling is strongly encouraged due to parking space limitations.
  • Parking is limited to 13 autos per day via the west entrance and 8 autos per day via the east entrance.  Any vehicle without a properly displayed valid parking permit will be cited and may be towed at the owner’s expense.  Vehicles left in the parking area after the posted closure hour will be cited and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Emergencies should be reported by calling 911.  For District staff, please call (831) 372-3196.
  • Commercial group use will not be licensed or permitted.
  • Permits may be rescinded in the event of inclement weather or hazardous trail conditions.
  • Other strict prohibitions include: NO smoking, campfires, incendiary devices, fireworks, cooking stoves, open flames, firearms, weapons of any kind, or hunting.
  • Permits may be rescinded without notice in the interest of public health and safety or for resource protection purposes.
  • Hiking off trail is prohibited; hikers must stay on existing trail system.
  • Trespassing on private property is subject to prosecution and loss of future access privileges.
  • If trail users encounter obstructions which effectively block trail access, please turn around.  Do not venture off designated trails.  Please inform District staff of any such incidents.
  • Permittee acknowledges reading and understanding of the permit conditions and furthermore acknowledges responsibility for the actions and behavior of others accompanying the permittee.