Properties that will close this August include El Capitan County Preserve in Lakeside and Mt. Gower County Preserve in Ramona.

These locations have difficult trails that end in isolated areas. They also offer very limited shade which can lead to dangerous conditions during major heat events. They join two desert parks that are already closed for the summer due to extreme heat: Vallecito and Agua Caliente County Parks. 

Closing parks is always a last resort, however we do it in an effort to reduce heat-related incidents like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“We respect our guests and their ability to make their own decisions when it comes to visiting parks,” said Brian Albright, Director of the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. “However, we also have a responsibility to keep them safe.

“When we close park gates, it’s to reduce health risks and related injuries caused by severe weather events – for guests as well as for our own team members who are called to assist in emergency situations,” he added.

There are more than 2,000 parks in San Diego County so there are plenty of other parks to visit – like Waterfront Park and its new Active recreation Area, San Elijo Lagoon and Nature Center with its recently revitalized trail system and estuary, or the splash pads at Hilton Head and Eastview County Parks. Find the perfect destination on our ‘Find a Park’ map.

There is a benefit to these closures: Without people onsite, staff can complete projects like trail maintenance, brush clearing, painting and fixture installation and the deep cleaning of restrooms, early and late in the day, without interruption.

We’ll continue to work safely to improve your park experience and look forward to welcoming you back to El Capitan and Mt. Gower County Preserves in September.