Burney Falls Now Requires Summer Reservations

Bay Area Editor
Last Updated on May 11, 2026

Image Courtesy: wikipedia.org

California’s iconic Burney Falls will be tougher to visit on busy days this summer as California State Parks rolls out a new reservation system for day visitors.

Starting May 15, a day use pass will be required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through September 27 at McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, where crowding, traffic backups and parking snarls have grown as the waterfall’s popularity has surged. The new system will limit passes to 103 per time block between 8 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., plus 35 all day passes. Each pass will cost 10 dollars per vehicle and must be reserved in advance, with no same day bookings allowed.

Park officials say the move aims to protect visitor safety and the fragile landscape while preserving the experience at what is often described as one of California’s most picturesque waterfalls. Campground guests are exempt, and visitors on weekdays outside the peak season will not need reservations. Passes can be booked through the McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park website.

Recent Posts