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.
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The following park areas are closed:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve: The I-5 East Trail and Pole Road Trail will be closed during a multi-year, phased construction project. For more information, call the park at 760-634-3026.
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, contact John Holder at 858-966-1362.
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.
Vallecito County Park: The water system at Vallecito County Park is currently under restrictions. All water-related facilities (sinks, showers, toilets, etc.) are functioning, however, you should not drink the water unless it is boiled. We recommend bringing your own drinking water. Staff are working on the issue. For more information, call the park at 760-765-1188.
Woodhaven Park: Woodhaven Park is an 8-acre park located in Rancho San Diego that offers a 6-acre lawn area surrounded by landscaping with benches and tables. We are currently working on projects to reduce reliance on potable water, cut operational costs and expand recreational services. The irrigation system will be converted from municipal water to well water (reducing annual water usage by approximately 1.8 million gallons or 30%). Other upgrades include replacing some of the turf grass with drought-tolerant landscaping, and building an ADA-compliant walking path and outdoor fitness stations. Construction began late May 2020 and is scheduled for completion in October. For more information, contact Judy Tjiong-Pietrzak, Park Project Manager, at 858-966-1340 or Judy.Tjiong-Pietrzak@sdcounty.ca.gov.
