SHERIFF ISSUES SAFETY REMINDER AS CEDAR CREEK FALLS TRAIL REOPENS

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April 4, 2013 (Ramona) --The San Diego Sheriff's office has issued a safety reminder for hikers planning to visit Cedar Creek Falls, where the long-closed trail from Ramona will be reopened tomorrow and a new permit system will take effect.  Below is the Sheriff's statement:

The west access to Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona will reopen Friday, April 5th with new rules after being closed since July 2011. Hikers are now required to pay for a visitor permit. Only 75 permits for individuals and/or groups of up to five people are available each day by reservation. The permit costs six dollars. To reserve a permit, visit www.recreation.gov. This online permit system will be available starting April 5th.

The permits are not parking passes. There are only 29 parking spots on the trailhead off of Thornbush Road. Cars blocking road and driveway access will be towed at owner's expense. Bringing or drinking alcohol in the area is not allowed. The cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to jumping and diving. Swimming is allowed.Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

U.S. Forest Service Rangers and Sheriff's Deputies will strictly enforce the permit requirements and the ban on alcohol and cliff jumping. They will take appropriate law enforcement actions on violations of local, state and federal laws, which can include a citation up to an arrest and fines.

The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging five‐and‐a‐half‐mile hike with no shade from the sun. It is not for beginners. The return trip is mostly uphill. You will need at least a gallon of water to stay hydrated. Dress appropriately for the hike and know your limits. Leave your dog at home. This trail is not easy on the paws because it's littered with sharp rocks and the surface gets very hot.



The numbers below show the rescues conducted by Sheriff's ASTREA, deputies, Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers and CALFIRE personnel in the Cedar Creek Falls area.

2010 – 30

2011 – 32

2012 – 18


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