Summary
Reopening of Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park will reopen on Tuesday after temporarily closing due to Tropical Storm Hilary. The national park will welcome daytime visitors again, with all visitor centers and paved roads ready to accommodate travelers, according to the National Park Service. However, dirt roads and campgrounds remain closed as assessments continue.
Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary
Recently, Tropical Storm Hilary unleashed heavy rains and flooding in California, disrupting travel along the West Coast. Consequently, Joshua Tree National Park experienced significant rainfall, prompting park staff to begin assessments early the following Monday. The National Park Service reported that road crews found large amounts of sand and debris on roadways and have since begun the clearance process.
Status of Death Valley National Park
While Joshua Tree prepares to reopen, Death Valley National Park will remain closed. This incredibly hot location received a year’s worth of rain in just one day. According to the National Park Service, a gauge at Furnace Creek recorded 2.2 inches of rain, exceeding the previous one-day record of 1.7 inches set in August 2022. The full extent of damage and the timeline for reopening the park are currently unclear.
Approximately 400 residents, travelers, and staff are sheltering in Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs until road conditions improve. The rain occurred in two bursts, creating hazardous conditions that have complicated recovery efforts.
Historical Context of Park Closures
This situation is not unprecedented, as national parks have faced closures due to extreme weather events before. For example, just last July, the Giant Forest in California’s Sequoia National Park faced a delayed reopening following extensive snow clearance and road repairs. Similarly, Yosemite National Park temporarily closed earlier this year to deal with up to 15 feet of snowfall.
Last year also saw Yellowstone National Park close temporarily due to severe flooding that damaged numerous roads. While the majority of the park eventually reopened weeks later, the impacts of natural disasters on national parks remain a significant concern for park services.
