Extreme heat shuts down popular hiking trails

SAN DIEGO -- The triple-digit heat has forced the closure of two popular hiking trails in the Cleveland National Forest.

The Three Sisters Falls trail along with the Cedar Creek Falls trail have been temporarily shut down by federal officials until the heat wave passes.

“Been up to 106 today and we were feeling it going up the hill,” said Madeline Radunski a hiker.

All over the East County the sweltering conditions worried rescuers.

“We had a big jump in temperature here in Pine Valley up to 104 and on top of that we had an increase in wind which was over 20 to 30 mph. It’s heating up,” said Capt. Tom Piranio from Cal Fire.

Heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat-related injuries have been top of mind for fire crews as the heat wave presses into the weekend. Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls will remain closed through Monday, July 9.

A good little alternative hike is Green Valley Falls where cool water runs through a canyon and hikers can cool down if needed.