Most of the national forests closed last month in California because of fire danger will reopen at 11:59 p.m. PT on Sept. 15, two days earlier than expected.
Forest-wide closures will remain in effect until midnight on Sept. 22 in the Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland National Forests in Southern California because of continued fire danger, according to the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region.
Six National Forests in Northern California that had been closed in August until Sept. 17 will reopen on Sept. 15.
“We are constantly evaluating weather and fire conditions in California, as well as regional and national firefighting resources available to us so that we can ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters,” Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien said in a Forest Service statement. “Some factors are more favorable now, which is why I decided to end the regional closure order. I want to thank the public and our partners for their patience and understanding during these challenging times.”
Some National Forest lands in California will remain closed under local orders, including Eldorado National Forest in Northern California, which has a forest closure order until Sept. 30.
National Forest fire restrictions remain in effect, but camp stoves are allowed in most forests.
“This widespread closure has a huge impact,” the Pacific Crest Trail Association said in August when the forests were closed. “Hikers and horseback riders may need to think about ending their trips in California for the season. Our hearts go out to our friends, staff, partners, volunteers, donors, and community members who live in places that are impacted by these devastating fires and public lands closures.”
The PCTA halted volunteer activity on the PCT and encouraged hikers to start leaving the trail and getting to the nearest trailhead.
Read more about what the fires mean for recreation in the West and our previous update on the fires in California.