Learn about current park closures.

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Park Updates

Sometimes we close parks because of rain, to complete maintenance projects or to add a new amenity. Scroll down to see what's open and to view other helpful information.

Temporary Closures 

  • El Monte County Park/Helix Flume Trail Staging Area: The Helix Water District is embarking on an improvement project beginning Dec. 12, 2022. During this time, the Helix Staging Area along with a 1/2-mile section of the western portion of the Flume Trail will be closed to the public. Signs are posted. The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2023. In the interim, visitors can still park at El Monte County Park and hike other parts of the Flume Trail. If you have questions, call the park at 619-443-1474. 
  • El Monte County Park: ​A Boil Water Order for El Monte County Park was issued by the State Water Resource Control Board, Division of Drinking Water on May 22, 2023 and is effective immediately. Drinking fountains are closed. Water spigots and toilets remain open, but there is no drinking water on site. Please plan ahead by bringing your own drinking water. Boil Water Orders go into effect when bacteria is found in the soil around a water source and/or in water that has been influenced by surface water. We work with contractors to treat the water and make any necessary repairs. When the water tests clean, the Order is lifted. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the issue. Boil water orders are preventative measures. Please contact park staff or visit sdparks.org for updates.
  • Lake Morena: LAKE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR BOATING, KAYAKING AND OFF-SHORE FISHING - As of Sept. 19, 2023, shoreline fishing has reopened at the lake. Testing conducted by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department in August 2023 found high levels of cyanobacteria toxins in the water that are caused by blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are a natural part of the ecosystem. However, there are times when this algae “blooms” and grows rapidly under ideal conditions producing toxins. When blue-green algae become a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), water activities are impacted due to public safety concern. Based on the recent lab results from the reservoir water sampling and using guidelines from the California State Water Board, the lake has reopened to shoreline fishing and a “Warning” advisory has been posted. The lake remains closed for all other water-based activities including boating, kayaking and off-shore fishing. The safety of all park guests is a top priority for us so while closures are always a last resort, the lake will remain closed to boating, kayaking and offshore fishing until levels subside. Testing will continue on a weekly basis – please check back for updates. 
  • Lakeside Linkage/Whitaker Estate: Property repairs began in August 2021 and will continue through 2023. During this time, roads may be temporarily closed for resurfacing and other maintenance projects. Trails may also be affected and the end destination of the Whitaker House may not be available. 
  • Santa Ysabel Nature Center: ​A Boil Water Order for Santa Ysabel Nature Center was issued by the State Water Resource Control Board, Division of Drinking Water on March 27, 2023 and is effective immediately. Drinking fountains are closed. Water spigots and toilets remain open, but there is no drinking water on site. Please plan ahead by bringing your own drinking water. Boil Water Orders go into effect when bacteria is found in the soil around a water source and/or in water that has been influenced by surface water. We work with contractors to treat the water and make any necessary repairs. When the water tests clean, the Order is lifted. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the issue. Boil water orders are preventative measures. Please contact park staff or visit sdparks.org for updates.
  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: Several campground improvement projects are underway at this time. Please note that projects may affect some reservations. There will be daytime construction noises, road/area closures, and other possible impacts. We apologize for any possible inconvenience.

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General Updates

Hours: County Parks are open year-round, however, per policy C-7, parking lot gates, park offices and restrooms will be closed on Dec. 25. All sites remain open to foot, horse and bike traffic. In addition, campgrounds remain open and will be in full operation with available parking, restrooms and staffed park offices on Dec. 25. 

County Parks Cool Zones: During major heat events, several of our facilities serve as Cool Zones. All facilities are closed Dec. 25 unless otherwise noted. 

Electronic Bikes: The Department has restricted the use of e-bikes on various bicycle paths and trails at County parks/preserves. Click here to learn more information.

Pesticides: Below is a list of locations that will receive pesticide applications to prevent and control infestations of, and tree mortality as a result of, invasive insects. Signs will be posted in spray areas. Those areas will remain closed while spraying is taking place, and until it is safe to reenter the area. Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect our tree canopy. 

Rodenticides: Rodenticides are a mitigation measure. Certain rodents, namely gophers and ground squirrels, present a risk to park infrastructure and users in developed areas , such as active recreational sites, picnic areas and campgrounds. Tunnels and holes created by rodents can undermine improvements such as sidewalks, trails and pathways, and holes and mounds of dirt created as a result of tunneling activity present a tripping hazard for park users, rendering areas unsafe. The use of rodenticides by County Parks is conducted following all County, State and Federal policies, rules, regulations, laws, labels and administrative procedures. The work is performed by private trained pest control businesses/licensed applicators. Applicators seek to minimize potential exposure to other species. The treatment for gophers is applied underground in their tunnels and the treatment for squirrels uses enclosed bait stations. Both methods minimize the potential for access from other animals. County Parks does not use rodenticides in non-public use areas of parks or in open space areas.

Public Restroom Facilities:  As a convenience for our customers, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and recreation operates multiple restrooms at parks and park facilities. This spreadsheet below relays that information, including park name, location and hours of operation: Public Restroom Facilities.

Showers: In conjunction with the County’s water-conservation measures, coin-operated shower fixtures have been installed at the following campgrounds: Agua Caliente, Vallecito, Dos Picos, William Heise, Guajome Regional, Potrero and Lake Morena. Fixtures take quarters and cost 50 cents for 4 minutes of shower time. Quarters are available at the Ranger stations. The showers at Sweewtater Summit are different in that they take tokens - not quarters - but the rate is the same, with four tokens per dollar. Tokens are available at the Ranger Station. 

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Park Updates and Planned Closures

Adams County Park: Starting August 23, 2023, construction will begin to improve the playground equipment and surrounding area, upgrade the restroom facilities, construct a new host site, and improve the pool access ramp.  During construction, the park, pool, and tennis courts will remain open and accessible however the areas under construction will be closed until completion in early 2024.  There will be daytime construction noises, pathway/area closures, and other possible impacts.  Portable restrooms will be made available while the permanent restrooms are closed.  We apologize for any possible inconvenience.

Cole Grade County Park:  Starting in Fall 2023, the park and field will undergo construction to improve the accessibility to the restroom and replace the drinking fountains. During construction, there will be daytime construction noises, pathway/area closures, and other possible impacts.  The restroom and the fields will remain open during this time.  Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024.  We apologize for any possible inconvenience.

Lakeside River Trail: The Lakeside River Park organization is making improvements to the Lakeside River Trail. While equipment is on site, and crews are working, the trail may be limited to pedestrian traffic. Safety is a priority at County Parks - please obey all posted signs.

Lindo Lake County Park: 

  • Lindo Lake is the only natural lake in the County, and with that comes complications – things like limited well water, stormwater runoff, and prolonged drought. Two water quality control measures have already been implemented to filter run-off that enters the lake from the west and south sides: One is a bio-swale and underground sediment retention basin and the other is a modular wetland system that filters the water before it enters the lake. We are also being proactive by spraying a non-toxic solution on the water in the west basin that is designed to alleviate odors associated with naturally decomposing vegetation. If you see a ranger in a boat, that is likely what they’re working on. These efforts are part of a long-term restoration project at Lindo Lake. Over the next few years, we will be dredging the east and west basin, adding water, installing a temporary then permanent aeration system and water movement system, and completing additional run-off control measures. These changes will increase water depth, curb algae growth, and improve the health and safety of the lake and its inhabitants.
  • Cultural Monitoring: The soil that is being dredged from the basins as part of the long-term revitalization project is not native and does not have a potential to contain prehistoric resources. Staff routinely check the soil to document its contents and ensure additional monitoring is not needed.  
  • Toxins from algae are present in the water of Lindo Lake. Per County Ordinance 41.132, swimming, bathing and boating are prohibited. For your safety, and for the safety of your pets, please do not let pets go into or drink the water, eat fish from the water, or use water for drinking or cooking. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information, call 858-966-1330.

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: Several construction projects to improve the park entrance and campground upper loop are in progress and scheduled for completion in December 2023. During this time, there may be daytime construction noise, road/area closures and in some cases, campsite closures – but the park will otherwise remain open. Current campers with reservations that are in the construction zone will be contacted by our Reservation Team to discuss options. For more information, contact the Reservation Team at 858-565-3600.  

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: We recently completed work on the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail, thanks to a collaborative effort between the County of San Diego, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Sweetwater Authority. This portion of the trail (approximately 1.3 miles) was rerouted to protect sensitive habitats while maintaining access and recreation opportunities. Please obey all posted signs so we can continue to keep this trail open for your enjoyment. For more information, please call the park at (619) 472-7572.

Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch: Improving the County’s 350+ mile trail system is a priority for the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation, and efforts to expand trail access are balanced by efforts to preserve sensitive habitats and culturally significant areas. Over the years, a number of unauthorized trails have appeared in Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve. These trails negatively affect these areas and can cause harm to plants, animals and other resources. You may notice signs and other barricades blocking access to these unauthorized trails. Please stay on trail and only in authorized areas as we work to protect this urban oasis.

Valley Center Park:  Improvements to the play structure and surrounding areas, addition of exercise equipment, the addition of accessibility stalls in the parking lot and upgrades to the restroom facilities will begin in September 2023 and be completed early 2024.  During this time there will be daytime construction noises, pathway/area closures, and other possible impacts.  Portable restrooms will be made available while the permanent restrooms are closed.  The park will remain open during construction and only the areas under construction will be closed to the public.  We apologize for any possible inconvenience.

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