Anyone who walks in Lighthouse Field during the rainy season knows that there are places where the path is likely to be underwater after recent rains. In January of 2024, State Parks has nearly completed weatherizing and accessibility upgrades to the main pathways. The map above, which can currently be found posted at the Pelton/Laguna path entrance, shows the extents of the program.
Low lying sections of paths have been given gravel surfaces and raised above the vernal pools that typically form once the ground becomes saturated with rainwater. The photo below, looking south toward West Cliff Drive (the lighthouse is out-of-frame to the left) shows one such raised path section, with a vernal pool beyond. In past years, this would have been one of those muddy spots.
In addition to the pathway improvements, path entrances from Pelton Street and from West Cliff Drive have been given concrete curb-cut-style entrances to improve accessibility. One curious omission - which one hopes will soon be corrected - is where the new path paving should connect with the paved area in front of the Steamer Lane Supply food concession. There's a gap of about 20 feet between the two, which is currently a large mud puddle.
