Trail users have one less access point to the Minnewawa Truck Trail and Otay Mountain Wilderness after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the closure of the north access point.
The owners of Pico Point Campground have decided to close their gate which people used to access the trail and wilderness area, according to a BLM press release. The owners made the decision in coordination with the U.S. Border Patrol, which uses the 3.4 mile Minnewawa Truck Trail.
“There are limited turnaround points and only one way in and out, so trail users should plan their route and exercise caution while traveling along the truck trail,” Tim Gilloon, Palm Springs-South Coast field manager said, in the release. “The BLM has placed signs along the route indicating Pio Pico Campground has locked its gate. BLM law enforcement and firefighters will have access to the locked gate for public safety.”
Located in eastern San Diego County, the Otay Mountain Wilderness is an area that covers 16,885 acres, according to the BLM. It is now part of more than 109 million acres included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is also home to 20 different species of plants and animals, and the only place where the Mexican flannel bush exists.
