SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — As temperatures hit highs across the county's eastern portion, officials are taking annual precautions to close several popular hiking areas.
Six county parks will be closed throughout August, including El Capitan Preserve near Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center, Mt. Gower Preserve near Ramona, Wilderness Gardens in Pala, Agua Caliente Regional Park in Anza Borrego, and Vallecito County Park near Julian.
Agua Caliente Regional Park and Vallecito County Park are closed all summer until Labor Day weekend.
The closure also gives park staff the chance to perform maintenance and other upgrades and restoration projects.
For hiking and park areas that remain open all summer, county Parks and Recreation officials encourage visitors to always hike with others, leave pets at home on difficult hikes, take plenty of water and food, and dress appropriately for the activity.
