CABAZON, Calif. (AP) — Vast wildfires have created lengthy gaps in Southern California sections of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, which hikers must bypass via shuttles or alternate routes to avoid dangerous conditions.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported Monday long-distance “thru-hikers” must be shuttled by van around the closures or risk incurring $2,500 fines.
About 14 miles of the trail approaching the mountain town of Idyllwild are closed three years after a blaze scorched more than the 27,000 acres. Two sections are closed in the San Bernardino National Forest following wildfires.
The U.S. Forest Service says danger in burned areas can come from slippery ash, unstable trees, loose rocks and flash floods.
Each year, thousands trek sections of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada.
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