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Public Comment Sought On Proposal To Build Trail System To Three Sisters Falls, Eagle Peak

Three Sisters Falls near Descanso is pictured in this undated photo.
10News
Three Sisters Falls near Descanso is pictured in this undated photo.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday that they're seeking public comment on a proposal to build a trail system to Three Sisters Falls and the summit of Eagle Peak in San Diego's East County mountains.

The 3.9-mile hike to Three Sisters Falls, near Descanso, is described on hiking websites as difficult but fun, with occasional rock scrambling, rope climbs and a payoff of waterfalls and a pool at the end. The 4 1/2-mile Eagle Peak hike provides some of the best vistas in the region.

However, 24 hiker rescues have occurred in just the last two weeks from injuries or heat-related issues, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

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More than 400 hikers on weekends and holidays access the falls via a network of user-created trails that cross steep, rugged terrain, prompting concerns regarding the safety and accessibility, according to the agency.

"It is important that we provide safe access on a well-designed trail and protection of resources in a sustainable manner," said District Ranger Chris Dowling. "With resources being heavily impacted, and injuries to hikers rising, this comes at a pivotal time."

Dowling said the plans are also designed to deal with problems regarding parking and waste.

A draft environmental assessment suggests either building a trail system, closing the current trail or taking no action.

Documents on the proposals are available here.

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Comments emailed to comments-cleveland@fs.fed.us will be accepted through July 5.

Corrected: March 29, 2024 at 5:36 AM PDT
This post has been updated to reflect the extended comment period.