Three local parks to close due to heat this month

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The County of San Diego is closing three parks in August as the summer temperatures rise.

The public will not be able to access El Capitan Preserve near Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center and Mt. Gower Preserve in Ramona for the entire month.

In May, the county also closed two other parks located in or near Anza Borrego desert, Agua Caliente Regional Park and Vallecito County Park. Both will reopen Labor Day weekend.

The Department of Parks and Recreation staff will use the closures to conduct maintenance such as trail restoration.

The County of San Diego provided safety tips for hiking during the summer months:

• Choose hikes that are appropriate for your skills and physical condition. Go with the safest option trail if heat may be an issue for part of the hike.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after hiking.
• Check weather forecasts and be familiar with the terrain for your trail.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Don’t just rely on your cell phone because it can lose reception in remote areas.
• Hike with others, never alone.
• Bring a backpack or bag with food and water, extra sunscreen to reapply and a flashlight, first aid kit, multipurpose tool or knife and a whistle.
• Park rangers recommend carrying one liter, about one quart, for every 2 to 3 miles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need—and even more water on longer or strenuous trails.
• Non-perishable items like dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, peanut butter, canned tuna, whole grain crackers and jerky are a perfect, healthy snack. They provide fuel to boost your energy levels and to make up for lost calories.
• Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
• Dress in layers of breathable, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that you can take on and off, based on the temperature and can prevent sunburn.
• Good boots provide grip in rocky and slippery areas, but they also provide a thick layer of protection from the hot earth.
• Follow posted safety rules.
• Print out a map of the trail to bring along to stay on track. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause disorientation or heat stroke.
• Leave your dog or dogs at home. Dogs get overheated easily.