Iconic ‘secret’waterfall now limits access as crowds push park to breaking point

The California State Parks system is capping daily vehicle access at Burney Falls as part of a pilot program to reduce overcrowding.(iStock)

The park is now requiring advance booking until Sept.27, and will only allow 241 vehicles per day while the pilot program is in place.

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Burney Falls was previouslyshielded from overtourism“due to its rural location in northeastern California and lack of publicity,” a May 1 California State Parks statement said.

“For generations of visitors, it had the reputation of a small, family-oriented park and one of California’s best-kept secrets.”

“For generations of visitors, it had the reputation of a small, family-oriented park and one of California’s best-kept secrets,” officials said.

“However, over the past decade, and especially with the growth of social media, that secret is now world-famous.”

Social media growth helped turn Burney Falls from a “best-kept secret” into a major draw, according to local officials.(iStock)

Reservations will be required on Fridays through Sundays, and visitors must book day-use reservations in advance, with limited morning, afternoon andfull-day parking slotsavailable for $10 per vehicle.

Same-day reservations will not be permitted, and all visitors, including annual pass holders, are required to reserve ahead.

Burney Falls’ steady year-round flow has helped fuel its rise as a must-see destination despite drought conditions.(iStock)

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California State Parks said the pilot program is intended to “reduce the impacts of overcrowding.”

The program’s goals “are to alleviate the strain on the park’s resources and infrastructure, and to improve visitor safety during the busiest summer days, when large crowds often overwhelm the park and the surrounding area.”

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The program also aims to prevent visitors from being turned away as the park frequently reaches capacity on weekends.

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Armando Quintero, state parks director, described Burney Falls as “a crown jewel of theCalifornia State Park System.”

“We want all visitors to have an enjoyable and memorable experience when visiting this one-of-a-kind destination.”

“We want all visitors to have an enjoyable and memorable experience when visiting thisone-of-a-kind destination,” he said.

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“By allowing visitors to make a reservation in advance, we can help keep crowds manageable and not push the park’s resources past the breaking point.”

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