5 San Diego County Parks To Close In August Due To Heat

SAN DIEGO, CA — Five San Diego County parks will be closed in August due to expected hot weather, county officials announced.

El Capitan Preserve in Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center and Mt. Gower County Preserve in Ramona will be closed Aug. 1-31. Agua Caliente and Vallecito county parks near Anza Borrego are closed all summer and reopen Labor Day weekend.

The closures give staff an opportunity to conduct maintenance including trail restoration, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Work is usually conducted in the early morning or evening when the weather is cooler.

Officials recommended the following safety tips for hikers during the summer:

• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
• Hike with others, never alone.
• Leave your dog at home for difficult hikes. Even "easy" hikes may be too much for your dog when the air or ground are too hot.
• Take plenty of water to stay hydrated. Rangers recommend one liter (about a quart) for every 2 to 3 miles.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Take breaks in shade, if possible.
• Take a fully charged cell phone, map and/or GPS device.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, ventilated clothing.
• Bring a warm jacket if you plan to stay out after dusk.
• Wear sturdy shoes with traction for slippery rocks.
• Follow all posted safety rules.
• Bring ample food, sunscreen to reapply, a flashlight, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool and a whistle.
• Know your limitations. Choose trails that match your level of physical fitness and areas where you are not going to get lost.