“Discover Which Hiking Trails in Southern California Are Closed After Recent Fires”
As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the three blazes that have ravaged Southern California, the impact on hiking trails in the affected areas is becoming more apparent. Some trails have been destroyed by the Bridge, Line, and Airport fires, while others remain closed as a precautionary measure.
The Los Angeles Times has compiled a detailed list to provide hikers with information on which trails are open for recreation and which ones have been affected by the recent fires. Volunteer trail crews in L.A. County and beyond are gearing up to assist with recovery efforts in the coming months, and they are actively seeking more volunteers to join their efforts.
Using mapping tools like CalTopo, The Times has cross-referenced fire footprints and forest closure orders with lists of local hiking trails to determine the impact of the blazes on these areas. While some trails are within the burn areas, it does not necessarily mean they have been completely destroyed. Specific conditions of each trail will be assessed in the coming weeks and months to determine when they can safely reopen.
The Bridge fire, which burned almost 55,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains and nearby towns, is now 97% contained. The fire has destroyed homes and buildings in Wrightwood and the Mt. Baldy community. The Angeles National Forest has issued a closure order for federally managed roads, trails, and amenities in the burn area, which is expected to remain in place until December 31, 2025.
The Line fire, allegedly started by arson, has burned over 39,000 acres in San Bernardino County. Several hiking trails are temporarily closed under the San Bernardino National Forest’s closure order, which covers a significant portion of national forest land. The closure extends beyond the fire’s perimeter to prevent additional incidents from occurring.
The Airport fire, which was unintentionally started by workers using heavy machinery, has burned nearly 24,000 acres in Orange County. The Cleveland National Forest has issued a closure order for the Trabuco Ranger District, encompassing a vast area larger than the fire’s footprint. All trails in the district are currently closed to the public.
The Times has provided a comprehensive list of trails affected by each fire, detailing which trails were burned and which ones remain closed due to the forest closure orders. The list includes popular hiking destinations and key information for hikers planning their outdoor adventures in the aftermath of these devastating fires.
For more information on specific trails and areas affected by the fires, readers are encouraged to reach out to Times outdoors reporter Jaclyn Cosgrove for updates and additional details. The recovery efforts in these areas will continue in the coming months, with volunteers playing a crucial role in restoring these beloved hiking trails for future generations to enjoy.