SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - County officials announced this week six San Diego parks will be closed due to extreme heat.
The county's closures will begin and last through August and affect El Capitan Preserve near Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center, Mt. Gower Preserve near Ramona and Wilderness Gardens in Pala.
The closures are in addition those at Agua Caliente Regional Park and Vallecito County Park near Julian, which will last all summer.
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Officials remind locals to be smart when hiking and enjoying area trails. They recommend letting others know where and when you'll be hiking, hiking with others, wearing appropriate clothing, and taking plenty of water along.
The county's announcement comes the same month a dog died on Cowles Mountain, due to heat exhaustion. Officials also remind hikers to leave their pets at home, even if it seems like an easy hike.
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When hiking, some quick suggestions before heading out include:
- Pack healthy snacks.
- Wear sun protection.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Choose you hiking location wisely.
- Map your route.
