Palomar Mountain State Park will close on Nov.
30 and not reopen again until the spring on April 1.
Last month Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he
would not be closing any of the state parks, but the definition
of “not closing” apparently includes shutting down
access for four months.
Doane Valley Campground, Doane Valley Day Use Area, including
the Doane Pond, Cedar Grove Group Camp will be closed. All trails
in the park are also closed during this time.
According to the State Parks Information Officer Sheryl Watson,
the state parks have always had seasonal closures. “Now
some of the parks are lengthening them,” she told The
Roadrunner.
Nedra Martinez, superintendent for the Cuyamaca and Palomar
State parks, said, “Due to the state budget we are having
to close some of the parks seasonably. We are closing everything
on the Palomar State Park except the Silvercrest parking lot.
Visitors will be able to park at Silvercrest and have a picnic
and hike to Boucher Lookout.”
Those who attempt to hike on closed parts of the park are subject
to being cited by the park ranger who will still be stationed
there, Travis Johnson. He will patrol both the Palomar and Anza
State Parks. The other permanent employee, a maintenance person,
will keep the roads clear and maintain the restroom at the Silvercrest
parking lot. Seasonal staff members will be let go, said Martinez.
The Nate Harrison Grade, which is a county road, will remain
open to through traffic, although parts of it do traverse the
state park.
According to Martinez, gates will prevent motorists from going
to Doane Valley or Boucher Lookout from the grade.
When it snows the only parking in the park will be on Silvercrest.
For more information visit the state park Web site: www.parks.ca.gov
or call 760-765-3020.
