Some Santa Monica Mountains Trails to Open

Trails on the western side of the Santa Monica Mountains will reopen Tuesday now that the 24,000-acre Springs Fire is no longer a threat.

“We know the public is anxious to return to their neighborhood national park,” said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “We’re working as hard as we can to balance that enthusiasm with visitor safety and protection of our resources.”

Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park will partially re-open, but some trails will remain off-limits and the park will close from sunset to sunrise, according to NPS.

Visitors won’t be able to travel into Sycamore Canyon, but will be able to reach the overlook at the boundary with Point Mugu State Park. That's because of ongoing safety concerns and trail damage.

The Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa trailheads will also re-open, as will the Backbone Trail east of the Point Mugu State Park boundary. Backcountry trails on California State Parks land remain closed. 

Park officials estimate 70 percent of Rancho Sierra Vista’s 1,170 acres burned during the area, though the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and all other structures were protected. 

SEE ALSO: How to Help the Santa Monica Mountains Following Springs Fire

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