LA Hiking Trails Are Open Again. Don't Mess It Up.

This weekend will be a second test to see if L.A. hikers can follow safety guidelines. Most trails in Los Angeles are open today after being closed in late March because people were crowding paths, not wearing masks, nor following physical distancing guidelines.

Rangers will be managing crowds and taking notes about how Angelenos do this weekend. Failures could be reported to the mayor.

“Rangers will be checking for masks, for example, and if people aren’t wearing masks, they might close trails again,” said Casey Schreiner, founder of Modern Hiker.

Not everything will be back to normal, either. Griffith Park trails are open today, for example, but traffic will be restricted. Meanwhile the ever-popular Runyon Canyon remains closed.

If you do go out, remember to stay six feet away from people and wear a face covering. And be ready to try nearby alternatives if you find a trail is too crowded. Mayor Garcetti had some more tips on doing this right yesterday.

Alternatively, Schreiner suggests making peace with not going hiking right now. “If you’re concerned about the heat and you're concerned about the crowds, remember you don’t need to go hiking this weekend,” he said.

For his part, Schreiner says he plans to stay home and head out to the trails midweek when — hopefully — they're less crowded.

SEE WHAT THE TRAILS LOOKED LIKE TODAY:

• Here's What LA's Hiking Trails Look Like Right Now

Listen to the full story from KPCC's Take Two below:

MORE ABOUT HIKING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PANDEMIC:

• Mayor Garcetti Urges Angelenos To Use Caution on Newly Opened Hiking Trails This Weekend

• Orange County Gets Green Light To Reopen Most Beaches. Here's What You Need To Know

• LA Trails And Golf Courses Can Reopen Saturday, Retailers Can Start Curbside Service Friday

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