Beginning this Saturday, timed entry reservations will be required for entrance to the Eaton Canyon Natural Area and access to the trail system, which were closed after being overrun with visitors on Memorial Day weekend.
“Reservations will help keep the Eaton Canyon trails from becoming overcrowded and allow enough space for trail users to maintain physical distancing of six feet, in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions,” according to a Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation statement. “In May, an overwhelming influx of visitors not adhering to the requirements for face coverings and physical distancing forced the closure of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area.”
Timed entry reservations will be available for three-hour increments: 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and 2-5 p.m. Each time slot is being limited to 85 reservations to prevent overcrowding.
To make a free reservation, visit the LA County Parks online registration website at reservations.lacounty.gov. Visitors will need to log in or create a free account on the website in order to complete the timed entry reservation.
Reservations must be made the day before a visit. No same-day reservations will be allowed.
Each reservation will allow entry for one vehicle or up to four people walking in and should be limited to members of the same household to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to county parks officials.
The main entrance to Eaton Canyon Natural Area, located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive, will be the only point of entry open at this time. Trail visitors will need to show proof of their reservation — either on a mobile device or printout — and photo identification at the entrance. No entry or waiting at the entrance will be permitted without a reservation.
Trail visitors must adhere to the follow the requirements when visiting Eaton Canyon Natural Area and all natural areas and trails within Los Angeles County:
— The use of coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, barbecues or chairs is not allowed.
— Passive recreation (lounging, picnics, sunbathing, etc.) is being restricted. Only active recreation (hiking, walking, running, etc.) will be allowed. Limit your time to under 10 minutes at destination spots.
— No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Masks that cover nose, mouth and chin are required in buildings, parking lots, trailheads, when passing people on the trails and at destination spots. Visitors may be asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
— Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. Bring drinking water, soap/sanitizer, and pack out all trash.
For the complete list of COVID-19 guidelines, visit the LA County Parks website at parks.lacounty.gov/covid-19.