Reopened California park quickly shuts down again as Memorial Day weekend crowds surge
A popular California hiking spot tried to welcome guests over Memorial Day weekend, but “overwhelming” crowds caused it to shut down again, the county parks department said.
Eaton Canyon Natural Areas and Trails opened up before Memorial Day weekend with several safety precautions, LA County Parks said on Facebook. Days after it reopened, crowds caused it to shut down again.
“Eaton Canyon Natural Areas and Trails are closed for the rest of today and for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, due to overwhelming crowds that were not following the COVID-19 public health requirements,” the county parks and recreation department said.
Eaton Canyon Natural Area covers 198 acres and has hiking trails, equestrian trails and picnic areas.
Several local residents told ABC7 that many people were walking in large groups without masks on, and cars packed the area.
“People getting out of their cars and walking around in very large groups,” Altadena resident Laurie Nouguier told the news outlet. “It was a little concerning.”
Some hikers didn’t expect the trails to be as packed as they were, KTLA reported.
“We came here, we thought no one was going to be here at all,” a hiker told KTLA. “And there were a lot of people without masks and stuff.”
The parks system said officials prepared for the busy weekend by setting several safety precautions, including 15 trail monitors, nature center staff and enforcement by Parks Sheriff Bureau.
“Despite these best efforts by the County, the large number of visitors to Eaton Canyon this weekend have made it evident that many people are not practicing key requirements and recommendations set forth by Public Health and supported by LA County Parks such as wearing face coverings, physical distancing and avoiding crowded areas,” LA County parks said.
This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Reopened California park quickly shuts down again as Memorial Day weekend crowds surge."