Cleveland, San Bernardino National Forests Close; Trails Open

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms and other sites within the Cleveland and San Bernardino National Forests are now closed to the public until at least April 30 to safeguard against the spread of coronavirus, federal officials announced Thursday.

"USDA Forest Service understands the public’s interest in outdoor recreation, particularly in light of current events," the forest service said. "The Pacific Southwest Region, in response to the recent statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, is joining the cause to aggressively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by closing developed recreation facilities on our National Forests statewide."

Although the forest recreation facilities are shutting down, trails will remain open.

"Hiking and walking outdoors are widely considered beneficial to maintaining one’s health. It is the intent of USDA Forest Service to maintain trail access to the extent practicable," the forest service said.

Officials said social distancing of 6 feet or more should be practiced on the trails.

The Cleveland National Forest closures include:

Trabuco Ranger District:

El Cariso north/south picnic area

Hot Springs trailhead

San Juan loop trailhead

Tenaja trailhead

Trabuco creek picnic area

Wildomar staging area

Maple Springs day use area

Descanso Ranger District:

Agua Dulce

Bear Valley OHV

Corral Canyon

Palomar Ranger District:

Crestline

Henshaw scenic vista

Inaja Memorial

Kica Mik Overlook

Palomar Mtn Interpretive Station

San Luis Rey Picnic Area

Fry Creek Trailhead

Observatory Trailhead

Barker Valley trailhead

Three Sisters Falls

Cedar Creek Falls

The list of San Bernardino National Forest closures was not provided.