Bluff collapse at San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas prompts closure of parking lot, staircase

A 30- to 40-foot-wide bluff collapse at San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas on Thursday,March 16, prompted the closure of a nearby parking lot and staircase, officials said.

The cliff failure off South Coast Highway 101, near Birmingham Drive, occurred between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., said Jorge Moreno, a spokesperson for California State Parks, in an email.

No injuries were reported, Moreno said.

The north day-use parking lot near the collapse site was closed Thursday. Officials asked residents to not use the northern staircase to access the beach.

Pictures posted to social media show the beach site roped off and signs warning people of dangerous conditions.

“As a reminder to the public, rockslides and cliff collapses occur without notice,” Moreno said.

He added later: “State Parks encourages all visitors to be mindful of their surroundings when visiting and keep a safe distance from the bluffs.”