Protocols & Regulations When Accessing the Preserve
Main Gate and Escobar Gate Access Schedule
(Affiliate keycards will not unlock gates outside these hours without special permission):
Spring (Begin DST - April 30)
6:30am - 7:00pm
Summer (May 1 - August 31)
5:30am - 8:00pm
Fall (Sept 1 - End DST)
6:30am - 7:00pm
Winter (Begin PST - End PST)
7:00am - 5:00pm
Protocols and Regulations
Visitors are responsible for knowing and following all protocols and regulations before visiting Jasper Ridge. These guidelines are designed to protect both visitors and natural resources. By entering Jasper Ridge, users recognize the natural risks associated with outdoor environments and accept responsibility for their own safety.
1. General Protocol And Regulations
1.1 Visitors must be accompanied by a Jasper Ridge staff member or docent unless approved for unsupervised access.
*Staff refers to paid personnel at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, including the Faculty Director.
1.2 All users and visitors who are not current Stanford faculty, staff, registered student, or Jasper Ridge docent and whose activities will not be limited to the Leslie Sun Field Station and associated parking areas must sign a liability waiver form.
Sign a waiver form.
1.3 Entry by anyone under 14-years of age is not permitted without prior approval by the Executive Director.
1.4 For the protection of animals, pets are not allowed, including service animals.
1.5 Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the Preserve.
1.6 Sharing or distributing information that would facilitate unauthorized access.
Including sharing access cards, keys or otherwise distributing identifying information regarding trail locations, sensitive sites, or scientific and operating equipment
1.7 Photos taken while at Jasper Ridge are subject to Stanford University policy.
Commercial use of photos is not considered compatible with Stanford's research and education mission or its non-profit status.
Read about the Stanford University policy
1.8 Visitors must park in the visitor parking lot except when delivering supplies or have accessibility constraints.
1.9 Drivers and cyclists must obey the posted 10 mph speed limit and must yield to pedestrians and wildlife.
1.10 Introduction of any organism or biological material from outside the Preserve's boundaries without specific prior review and approval by the Associate Director for Research is forbidden
- Including flower arrangements, spores, seeds, plants or animals
2. Conditions for Access
2.1 Permission to access Jasper Ridge is allowed after proposed activities are reviewed and approved by staff for consistency with the Preserve’s mission and management plans.
Any other access that has not been approved by staff and is not consistent with policy may be treated as trespass.
2.2 Visitors may enter Jasper Ridge under the following conditions, and must be supervised by Jasper Ridge staff, docents, or other permitted user:
2.5.1 Scheduled class visit
2.5.2 Scheduled docent-led tour
2.5.2 Pre-arranged meetings with staff
2.5.3 Vendors or deliveries coordinated with staff
2.5.4 Participation or attendance in an organized event
2.3 Permission for unsupervised entry is provided only under the following conditions:
2.3.1 Jasper Ridge docents upon completion of BIO/EARTHSYS 105A/B: Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and any required training
2.3.2 Volunteer activity that has been approved by appropriate staff
2.3.3 Research activity that has been reviewed and approved by the Associate Director for Research
2.3.4 Faculty, Stanford University staff, or other officials approved by either the Faculty Director or the Executive Director
2.4 Permitted users are responsible for:
2.4.1 Scheduling their visit or activity with staff in advance for safety and coordination purposes. All docent and volunteer-organized tours, events, and activities must be scheduled on the Jasper Ridge calendar in advance.
2.4.2 Understanding relevant field hazards and must review the health and safety information
2.4.3 Carrying the emergency contact card and a cell phone
2.4.4 Understanding emergency procedures, including the emergency assembly area location (visitor parking lot)
2.4.45 Preventing "tailgate entry" when entering gates. Users are expected to enter/exit beyond the gate zone and wait until the gate closes before continuing. Users must report any unauthorized entry to staff immediately
2.4.6 An access card is assigned to permitted users approved for unsupervised access. Each access card has a unique number and may only be used by the authorized person of record. That approval may be rescinded at any time for activities or behaviors not consistent with Preserve guidelines and protocols. By accepting an access card users acknowledge that entry to Jasper Ridge may be electronically tracked or otherwise monitored.
3. Field Protocols And Safety
3.1 All users in the field must be accompanied by at least one other person or “field buddy” for safety.
3.2 All activities are confined to labeled roads and trails unless approved by staff.
3.3 Field activities are limited to posted hours of operation except with explicit staff approval.
3.4 Collecting specimens is prohibited unless authorized by staff.
3.5 Disturbance of habitat, wildlife and littering are not allowed.
3.6 Users should report trail hazards, obstructions or signs of trespass to staff with photos and GPS if possible.
3.7 Users must clean shoes and gear before entering the Preserve to prevent introduction of outside organisms or biological material.
3.8 Users are responsible for wearing protective clothing and closed-toed shoes, to reduce the risk of physical injury.
3.9 All motorized vehicles must be parked at established parking areas, except for specific alternate authorization from a Jasper Ridge staff member.
3.10 Use of Jasper Ridge electric vehicles requires staff approval and training. Users must sign out vehicles before use.
3.11 Electric vehicles are not available for use for at least 24-72 hours after significant rainfall.
3.12 Jogging on trails for recreational purposes is not allowed.
3.12 Researchers or students accessing field sites by mountain bikes are restricted to roads.
Bikes are not allowed on trails.
Users must always wear helmets.