Summer Heat Prompts Closure Of 2 Popular San Diego Hiking Areas

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two popular hiking areas in the San Diego County are closed to the public for the rest of August due to extreme heat and a high number of heat-related rescues, officials announced Monday.

The Cleveland National Forest has closed the San Diego River Gorge and Three Sisters hiking areas for the month.

The forest recorded 11 heat-related medical rescues and an additional 18 heat-related public assists between July 1 and Aug. 4 in and around the San Diego River Gorge Trail and Three Sisters-Cha'chaany Hamuk Trailhead.

The closures include popular destinations such as Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls. Both trails are challenging because hikers encounter the steepest portion on the return trip, when temperatures can be at their highest and hikers may have depleted their water supplies.

Forest officials said the closures are intended to protect visitors and preserve personnel and helicopter resources for potential wildfires. Helicopters used for search-and-rescue operations may otherwise be unavailable to respond to wildfires.

The Cleveland National Forest will reassess the closures as temperatures decrease. The areas will reopen when officials determine they are safe for public recreation.