San Diego (CNS)-Starting Sunday, three parks in San Diego County will be closed in August. This is a measure taken every year because of the high temperatures that usually occur during the month.

Park officials announced that the El Capitan Reserve near the lakefront; the Hell Canyon Reserve in the center of the valley; and the Gower Preserve in Ramona and Mount Ramona will be closed.

The county previously closed the Agua Caliente Regional Park and Vallecito County Park in the Anza-Borrego region during the summer to reopen for Labor Day weekend.

On Saturday, a small group of hikers braved the scorching heat to enjoy their last summer hike at El Capitan Preserve.

The hiker Grant Affleck said: “I don’t think anyone will be crazy so hot.” “The largest water bottle-a three-liter-is still used up, so thank you the rangers on the track.”

The closure is not only a preventive measure, but also provides time and space for park staff to perform maintenance in the protected area, such as repairing trails.

“They did a lot of great work in the summer, yes, very good, so if they did more, it would be better,” said avid hiker Mona Oliver.

There are more than 100 other county-level parks and reserves open for you to explore in August. Park staff urge people to always take precautions when going out in the heat.

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