Legal to create new trails in CA state parks?

Does anyone have experience/issues doing this before? I want to create a small "trail" (clear some brush so access is easier) to a new crag in a CA state park. I've reached out to the state park system, but haven't heard back (mostly I wanted to make sure this wasn't a sensitive habitat, etc). Anyone done this before? This would be a very small trail, not visible unless you were looking for it..

aaron hope wrote:Does anyone have experience/issues doing this before? I want to create a small "trail" (clear some brush so access is easier) to a new crag in a CA state park. I've reached out to the state park system, but haven't heard back (mostly I wanted to make sure this wasn't a sensitive habitat, etc). Anyone done this before? This would be a very small trail, not visible unless you were looking for it..

I have zero experience in the area - but I would operate under the assumption that you can not and should not make a new trail without obtaining the permission of the park systems first.

aaron...... never ask for permission, only forgiveness.

Do you really need to build a trail?????

just hike in, a trail might come after.

Aaron, Always ask for land manager permission where trails are concerned. Hefty fines and or law suits can stem from taking matters into your own hands. Most land managers will look the other way where crag development is concerned but constructing a new trail is another ball-game. The reality of proposing a new trail to a land manager is be prepared to scoop 3000 shovels full of B.S. before you can shovel one scoop of dirt.

food for thought from the Access Fund

outdoorresearch.com/blog/st…

in #1 they write specifically about cutting trails

"1. Disrespecting the climbing environment. When you litter, trample vegetation, leave tick marks, cut trail, improperly dispose of human waste, or stash pads, you are damaging the climbing environment. Every climbing area has a threshold, and it’s only a matter of time before unmitigated impacts cause a landowner to shut it down."

JohnnyG wrote: Every climbing area has a threshold, and it’s only a matter of time before unmitigated impacts cause a landowner to shut it down."

I guess that's what I'm worried about. I'd rather not create a trail, but everytime we hike out there we have to trample over manzanita, both dead and living. Its unavoidable. If we create a single-file line, we can minimize trampling by making sure we are using the same path. If you've ever bushwhacked in CA through manzanita, you know it can be ferocious.

This can't be the first time this has come up in CA in recent times...someone wanting to explore a new crag and having to clear some sort of path to get to it.

I would say the answer is generally "no". And whatever legal way there is to make a trail would be a huge hassle, as mentioned above, studies, meetings, cultural investigations, maybe CEQA, etc. Same in a NF. They don't want people making trails. You can probably walk wherever you want though, and if a trail forms from repeated walking, that is different from building a trail.

I also question putting stuff like this on the internet. Land managers look at these sites.

But hey, maybe I'm wrong. I don't know what park you're talking about and maybe the local scene is cool.

you can use small strips of neon ribbon tied around branches to designate a low visual impact trail. bushwacking is part of the game...you want a trail for convenience my 2 cents. LAck of a trail keeps people away which helps sustain the environment