Santa Cruz County state parks to close due to heavy rain and wind

Several parks will be shuttered on Tuesday as weather conditions worsen

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Multiple state parks in Santa Cruz County, California will be closed on Tuesday due to expected heavy rain and wind, according to an announcement from the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. The closures will impact Castle Rock, Big Basin, and the campground at New Brighton State Beach, though day-use at New Brighton will remain open. It's unclear when the parks will reopen to the public.

Why it matters

Santa Cruz County is a popular outdoor recreation destination, and the temporary closure of these state parks will impact both local residents and tourists who enjoy hiking, camping, and other activities in the region. Heavy rain and wind can create dangerous conditions, prompting the precautionary measures to protect public safety.

The details

The closures will affect three state parks in Santa Cruz County: Castle Rock, which will see a full closure including the trail camp; Big Basin, which will be fully closed; and New Brighton, where the campground will be closed but day-use areas will remain open. The Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks organization made the announcement about the temporary closures.

  • The parks will be closed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

A non-profit organization that supports and advocates for the state parks in Santa Cruz County.

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What’s next

Updates on when the parks will reopen will be posted by the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks as more information becomes available.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of popular state parks in Santa Cruz County due to heavy rain and wind highlights the need for visitors to stay informed about changing weather conditions and safety advisories when planning outdoor activities in the region.