hiking trails closed los angeles

Due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding, several hiking trails in the Los Angeles area have been closed until further notice. Closures include popular trails in Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Visitors are advised to check with park authorities before planning any hiking activities.

Current Closures

The following hiking trails in the Los Angeles area are currently closed due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding⁚

• Griffith Park⁚ All trails
• Runyon Canyon⁚ All trails
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area⁚ All trails in the following areas⁚
• Malibu Creek State Park
• Paramount Ranch
• Solstice Canyon
• Will Rogers State Historic Park
• Los Angeles County Parks⁚ All trails in the following areas⁚
• Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
• La Tuna Canyon Park
• Puddingstone Reservoir
• Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

These closures are in effect until further notice. Visitors are advised to check with park authorities before planning any hiking activities.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all trail closures in the Los Angeles area. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the websites of the relevant park authorities.

Reasons for Closures

The recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the Los Angeles area have caused significant damage to hiking trails, making them unsafe for public use. The closures are in place to protect visitors from hazards such as⁚

• Mudslides and debris flows⁚ The heavy rains have saturated the soil, making it more susceptible to mudslides and debris flows. These can block trails, damage infrastructure, and pose a serious safety risk to hikers.
• Flooding⁚ Many trails cross streams and rivers that have swollen due to the heavy rains. Flooding can make trails impassable and can also create strong currents that can sweep hikers away.
• Fallen trees and branches⁚ The high winds and heavy rains have caused trees and branches to fall, creating hazards on trails. These can block trails, damage infrastructure, and pose a risk of injury to hikers.
• Erosion⁚ The heavy rains have also caused erosion on trails, making them more difficult to navigate and increasing the risk of slips and falls.

The closures will remain in effect until park authorities can assess the damage and make repairs. Visitors are advised to check with park authorities before planning any hiking activities.

Please note that even after trails are reopened, there may still be hazards present. Hikers should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.

How to Stay Informed

To stay informed about trail closures in the Los Angeles area, visitors can check the following resources⁚

• Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation website⁚ https://parks.lacounty.gov/
• National Park Service website⁚ https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm
• Angeles National Forest website⁚ https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area website⁚ https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm
• Trail condition hotlines⁚
  • Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation⁚ (323) 882-3000
  • National Park Service⁚ (805) 370-2301
  • Angeles National Forest⁚ (626) 574-5200
  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area⁚ (805) 370-2301

Visitors can also sign up for email alerts from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation to receive updates on trail closures and other park news.

It is important to note that trail conditions can change rapidly, especially during and after storms. Hikers should always check for the latest information before heading out on a hike.

Alternative Hiking Options

While many popular hiking trails in the Los Angeles area are currently closed, there are still several other options available for hikers of all levels.

Here are a few suggestions⁚

• Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area⁚ This park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy to challenging, with stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. https://parks.lacounty.gov/kenneth-hahn-state-recreation-area
• Eaton Canyon Trail⁚ This popular trail is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a challenging hike with beautiful waterfalls and panoramic views. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/eaton-canyon-trail
• Sturtevant Falls Trail⁚ This moderate hike is located in the Angeles National Forest and leads to a beautiful waterfall. https://www.modernhiker.com/hike/sturtevant-falls-trail
• Will Rogers State Historic Park⁚ This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including a loop trail that leads to the top of Inspiration Point, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627
• Griffith Park⁚ While many of the trails in Griffith Park are currently closed, there are still a few shorter trails that remain open, including the Fern Dell Trail and the Bronson Canyon Trail. https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark/trails

Hikers should always check trail conditions before heading out on a hike, especially during and after storms.