Rising wildfire danger across Southern California has prompted sweeping park closures in the Santa Monica Mountains. Multiple agencies are restricting public access as strong Santa Ana winds, hot temperatures, and dry air drastically increase the likelihood of fires. The restrictions run from Thursday through Saturday. They are intended to reduce potential ignition sources and limit the number of people who might need evacuation during a fast-moving emergency.
Regional officials announced that these closures mark the first major test of a newly established coordinated protocol. This protocol involves four primary land-management bodies: California State Parks, the National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). The framework was designed following severe fire events in recent years to streamline decisions and minimize public confusion across the shared landscape.
Coordinated Protocol Tested by First Santa Ana Winds
Under the new interagency agreement, whenever the National Weather Service issues a red-flag warning for the region, participating agencies coordinate closures across their public lands. The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued red-flag warnings for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The forecast predicted northeast to east winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts reaching 50 to 70 mph, alongside relative humidity levels plummeting between 8% and 20%.
Dash Stolarz, a spokesperson for the MRCA, noted that the protocol adjustments stem directly from lessons learned following the 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires. Given the erratic nature of seasonal Santa Ana winds, officials emphasize controlling every variable possible. This includes enhanced communication and unified closures.
“The Santa Monica Mountains are one landscape, even though they are managed by several different agencies,” said Jody Lyle, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “A coordinated approach is important because it reduces confusion for visitors and it protects people and resources during high fire danger.”
Specific Park Closures and Public Advisory
The closures affect a wide array of trails, backcountry areas, visitor centers, and parking lots. While public roads, certain developed overlooks, and beaches may remain accessible depending on local conditions, visitors are strongly urged to postpone activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking.
The MRCA scheduled closures at 22 specific parks from Thursday through Saturday, including:
- Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon
- Escondido Canyon Park
- Top of Topanga Overlook
- Summit Valley
- Ed D. Edelman Park
- Red Rock Canyon Park
- Temescal Canyon Park
- Franklin Canyon Park
- Mulholland Corridor Overlooks
- Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
- Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park
- Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
- East and Rice Canyons
- Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
- Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park
Additionally, California State Parks and National Park Service properties facing likely or confirmed closures include Malibu Creek State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, Point Mugu State Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, and specific sectors of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area such as Cheeseboro and Palo Comado canyons.
State Parks officials reminded the public that not every closed area will be physically gated or posted with new signs. Travelers are advised to check official agency websites-including www.mrca.ca.gov and the National Park Service portal-for real-time updates before heading toward the mountains during extreme fire weather.
