Red Flag Warning Area Closures
The following areas will be closed from Tuesday, November 5 through 7 a.m. on Thursday, November 7:
- Lower La Honda Creek Preserve: Grasshopper Loop, Harrington Creek and Folger Ranch Loop trails.
- Russian Ridge Preserve: Mindego Hill area.
- Cloverdale Ranch Preserve: Wilbur's Watch Trail.
- Water Wheel Creek Permit Parking Area on Monte Bello Road in Monte Bello Preserve.
- Model airplane field at Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve.
During this time, stoves may not be used at the Black Mountain backpack camp in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and the barbeques at Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve may not be used.
Additional trails or preserves may be closed at any time as conditions change. Please check this page before planning a visit.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Cruz Mountains from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5 through 7 a.m. on Thursday, November 7. This means weather conditions exist that could result in extreme fire behavior. Warm temperatures, low humidity, strong winds and low fuel moisture factors are evaluated to determine when Red Flag conditions occur.
The low impact recreational uses allowed by Midpen in our preserves generally pose extremely low potential for fire ignitions. However, when Red Flag Warnings are designated by the National Weather Service (NWS), some preserves may be closed for visitor and regional safety.
Preserves and trails within the Coastside Protection Area are always closed during Red Flag Warnings. These areas include:
- Lower La Honda Creek Preserve: Grasshopper Loop, Harrington Creek and Folger Ranch Loop trails.
- Russian Ridge Preserve: Mindego Hill area.
- Cloverdale Ranch Preserve: Wilbur's Watch Trail.
- Water Wheel Creek Permit Parking Area on Monte Bello Road in Monte Bello Preserve.
- Model airplane field at Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve.
During this time, stoves may not be used at the Black Mountain backpack camp in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and the barbeques at Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve may not be used. Additional areas may be closed as deemed necessary.
Keep fires from starting
- Do not drive vehicles off-road.
- Do not light open flames outdoors including in barbecues and fire pits. Smoking and fires are always prohibited in Midpen preserves.
- Do not mow or use other power tools outdoors.
- Report any conditions that appear to be a risk of starting a fire by calling 911 immediately.
Keep yourself and your pets healthy and safe
Consider safer alternatives to outdoor activities during extreme heat or fire danger.
Avoid heat-related illnesses. Fire department staff who respond to medical emergencies are not available to respond fires.
Stay hydrated and seek shelter from the heat; Do not overexert yourself or your pets.