San Onofre State Beach is bisected by the North-South railroad right-of-way controlled by the North County Transit District.  Park visitors to Trestles Beach have safe access under the tracks at two locations near San Mateo Creek and San Onofre Creek where bridges and trestles elevate the road-bed.  More than 100,000 visitors annually cross over the tracks illegally at a location approximately 1 mile south of the Orange and San Diego County line, (mid-way between the safe access points).  California State Parks seeks to establish an at-grade pedestrian crossing at this location and make significant trail improvements, including an environmentally sensitive raised boardwalk over the marshland.

San Onofre State Beach was created in 1971 through a lease agreement between the State of California and the Department of the Navy.  The beach area at the extreme northern end of the park is known collectively as “Trestles” beach and home to several world class surfing breaks that have been accessed by the public beginning in the 1950’s.  While safe access to the beach exists at two locations at both the north and south ends of this mile and a half long beach, beach visitors routinely trespass on the railroad right of way and tracks throughout this area.  Midway through this zone, an existing dirt pedestrian trail terminates at the railroad right of way, where park visitors cross over the track to access several environmentally damaging pathways that lead through natural preserve marshlands to the beach and surf breaks.

The trails were pre-existing when State Parks acquired the leasehold in 1971.  Use of the trails has expanded significantly, especially in the last ten years.  State Parks and North County Transit, and previously the United States Marine Corps, have been unsuccessful at deterring the public from using this trail and point of access.

During large special events (surfing exhibitions) at these beaches, State Parks requires event promoters to provide shuttle bus access to the beach for park visitors.  Despite this service, spectators continue to utilize the unsafe and damaging access.

State Parks seeks to establish a permanent at-grade railroad crossing at this location.  Additionally, State Parks seeks to make ADA compliant trail improvements to the existing trail, and develop an environmentally sensitive raised boardwalk over the marsh area.  The trail and boardwalk would also provide education and interpretation viewpoints.

State Parks intends to seek direction from the California Public Utilities Commission and North County Transit District regarding permitting and engineering requirements for the rail crossing component of this issue.  State Parks intends to engage all appropriate agencies and entities regarding the desired trail.