These Pass Area Hiking Trails Closed Due To Fire Danger

BANNING, CA — Hiking areas in Banning and across Riverside County closed for the summer on Monday due to the increased fire threat posed by low moisture levels and a forecast of hot weather in the foreseeable future.

The following areas will be closed "until fall, winter, or the area gets a decent amount of rain," a Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson told Patch.

Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, these trails are immediately closed:

• Eagle Canyon/Tin Mine (east of Corona);
• Steel Peak (north of Lake Elsinore);
• Bautista Canyon (southeast of Hemet);
• North Mountain (south of Banning, north of San Jacinto);
• Whitewater Canyon (east of Cabazon).

Additionally, the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet, will only be open daily from sunrise to noon.

Those violating the closures may be subject to a minimum fine of $100 for first-time offenses, according to fire officials.

"Traveling through these areas on public roadways will still be permitted," they said.

Future additional trail closures may be implemented based on weather conditions, fuel moisture and increased fire threat.

Current Banning area weather is warm, clear days, with no rain in the forecast.