Crystal Cove reopens areas closed by ashy air

Crystal Cove State Park, which closed its inland area this week because of sooty air, reopened to the public Saturday morning.

One of 16 California parks to close this week, the park reopened the gates to its backcountry trails at 6 a.m. Saturday after the Orange County Fire Authority declared the area safe again.

Crystal Cove had set its wilderness area off-limits during the wildfires, although the beaches remained open.

Park Officer Alexis Jones said Crystal Cove got a sizable turnout Saturday as many residents ventured from outside of town.

“Saturday and Sunday are traditionally our busier days, and I’ve noticed today we’ve gotten a lot of visitors from other areas,” Jones said.

Crystal Cove, which extends along the coastline between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, covers more than 2,000 miles of undeveloped wilderness.

— Michael Miller