This article poignantly reflects on the loss of beloved hiking trails in the Eaton and Palisades fires while acknowledging the greater tragedy of human lives lost. It highlights the enduring spirit of nature, offering glimpses of hope amidst the devastation. The author provides details about the trails affected, emphasizes the importance of safety and air quality concerns, and urges readers to support each other during this challenging time.
To some, lamenting the loss of hiking trails in the Eaton and Palisades fires might seem trivial. After all, thousands have lost their homes, and as of Wednesday afternoon, 28 lives were claimed by the flames. But I believe in embracing the full spectrum of our experiences. Our public lands are more than just recreational spaces; they are our playgrounds, spiritual sanctuaries, teachers, and companions. In the face of collective trauma, mourning all our losses, big and small, is essential.
The Times has been diligently documenting the devastation. Reporters are working to tell the stories of the beloved parents, grandparents, and neighbors who perished in the fires. My colleagues recently mapped the areas in Altadena and Pacific Palisades where homes and businesses were destroyed. This past week, my focus has been on assessing the impact on the outdoor community. I spent countless hours studying maps, marveling at the resilience of nature while simultaneously grieving the loss of cherished trails. In total, the two fires scorched at least 54 trails. I know many of you share my heartbreak, recognizing your favorite trails on these lists. It's a stark reminder that numerous locations I've recommended since starting this newsletter in July may now be covered in ash. Yet, there are glimmers of hope amidst the devastation. Two days after the Eaton fire ignited, I watched live as firefighters valiantly defended the Mt. Wilson Observatory. Miraculously, they succeeded, saving the telescopes, the Cosmic Cafe, and the very essence of this scientific landmark. Once we can return to the Mt. Wilson Trail, which suffered burns in the Eaton fire, we will still be greeted by a place that has advanced our understanding of the universe (and provided some truly delicious sandwiches). Other seemingly unscathed havens include the actual falls and surrounding area at Millard Canyon. While the first half-mile of the trail leading there appears to have burned, the falls themselves remain a testament to nature's enduring spirit. Millard Creek, my personal sanctuary for quick escapes into the woods, has also largely survived the flames. According to my analysis, the trail leading to Dawn Mine seems to have escaped significant damage. To compile the list of burned trails, I relied on mapping software CalTopo, cross-referencing burn areas with local trail maps. (The fire miraculously spared Switzer Falls, a fact I recently shared with a deeply relieved friend who feared the Eaton fire had penetrated much deeper into Angeles National Forest than it actually did.) When I began researching the path of the Palisades fire, I was anxious about the fate of the Backbone Trail, a route I had eagerly planned to explore more extensively this year. The first seven miles, starting at the Will Rogers trailhead, appear to have been consumed by the flames. However, the next 8.7-mile segment northwest of Temescal Peak, running west past Eagle Rock and Musch Trail Camp, seems to have remained untouched. Near Saddle Peak, the trail weaves through and alongside the fire's western flank, with sections running directly within its path. But westward from near Piuma Road, the trail is unscathed. In total, at least 48 miles of the 67-mile route were spared from the Palisades fire's reach. This means there's still a vast expanse of wildlands waiting to be explored once the Santa Monica Mountains reopen. The Palisades fire also skirted Malibu Creek State Park. Although we know certain areas burned, the extent of the damage remains unclear. Some details have emerged: Eaton Canyon falls continue to flow, while Inspiration Point northeast of Echo Mountain was reportedly destroyed. In the Santa Monica Mountains, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority has reported that its firefighters successfully protected infrastructure at its San Vicente Mountain Park during the Palisades fire and at Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve during the Kenneth fire. And although trails burned in the area, the agency's fire crew managed to safeguard most structures at Temescal Gateway Park from destruction. Not everything is lost. It will take time—probably an agonizingly long time for those of us eager to return to the outdoors—for our beloved places ravaged by these fires to recover. But recover they will. Please prioritize your well-being and support your neighbors in the coming weeks so that you too can heal. The full lists of trails affected by both the Eaton and Palisades fires are available here and here. Given the burned areas and ongoing air quality concerns, you might be wondering: Where can one go? This is a daunting question right now. The National Weather Service extended its red flag warning on Tuesday until this evening, indicating an elevated risk of fire. Much of L.A.'s public lands remain closed due to this warning and the ongoing fires. As of Wednesday afternoon, Angeles National Forest is closed through Friday. Twelve L.A. County parks are closed because of the fires, including Eaton Canyon, Loma Alta Park, and the L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Several parks and public lands remain closed within the Santa Monica Mountains. Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, both impacted by the fire, remain closed to the public
HIKING TRAILS WILDFIRE CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST RECOVERY CONSERVATION SAFETY
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