‘Crown Jewel' of California State Parks system will now require reservations

Burney Falls, a dramatic 129-foot waterfall in Shasta County that President Theodore Roosevelt once called "the Eighth Wonder of the World," will require weekend and peak holiday reservations this spring and summer to combat overcrowding, according to California State Parks officials.

The pilot reservation program at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park will start May 15, and run through Sept. 27, affecting visitors on Friday through Sunday and holidays during peak visiting season.

"Burney Falls is a crown jewel of the California State Park System, and we want all visitors to have an enjoyable and memorable experience when visiting this one-of-a-kind destination," State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement. "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."

Under the program, reservations must be purchased in advance through the Burney Falls webpage and will be required for day-use entry. The park will offer 103 parking passes valid between 8 a.m. and noon, an additional 103 passes valid between 1 and 5 p.m., and 35 passes valid for the entire day. The cost will be $10 per vehicle plus a $1 dollar processing fee. Senior and disabled discounts apply if eligible, as well as entry for annual pass holders with a reservation.

Visitors can find more detailed information about vehicle requirements and the rules for campground and cabin reservations at the California State Parks website.

Even though Burney Falls is the second oldest state park in California, its remote location historically shielded the park from many tourists. However, since 2015, annual visitors have roughly doubled, according to California State Parks, increasing concerns over erosion, destruction of sensitive vegetation and tribal land and traffic backups. California State Parks closed all access to the waterfall during the summer 2024 season to rebuild trails damaged by heavy use.

"The annual surge in visitation has resulted in long lines to enter the park and frequently creates unsafe traffic conditions on State Route (SR) 89, which threatens public safety and the park's resources," according to California State Parks, which will evaluate the pilot program for possible adjustments after this season.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 2:13 AM.