[USDA Forest Service] – Officials signed a new Closure Order which reopened the section of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Sand Fire burn area. This new order reopens approximately 15 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail to hikers and pedestrians. Order NO. 05-01-17-04 was signed on April 28, 2017 for public safety and resource protection. [Read it here & see map.]

“The closure is needed to provide for public safety and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Fire,” said Forest Supervisor Jeffrey Vail. Vegetative recovery has been hampered by landslides and debris flows within the burned area. The recent heavy rains have caused additional damage to Forest roads and trails in the area. “Hazards have been mitigated on the Pacific Crest Trail, in large part due to dedicated volunteers. As a result of these actions, I have decided to allow access to the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sand Fire burn area,” said Vail.

While the Pacific Crest Trail is now open, the remainder of the Sand Fire burn area surrounding the sixteen foot wide trail corridor is still closed. In the burn area, camping is only permitted at the North Fork Station. Dispersed camping is not allowed within the burn area closure. The burn closure and camping restrictions extend from Mt. Gleason/Messenger Flats to Soledad Canyon Road. “We are pleased to reopen this trail section that has been closed since last summer. The public is reminded to exercise caution when recreating in the great outdoors,” said Jamahl Butler, Acting District Ranger for the Los Angeles River Ranger District.