Death Valley National Park remains closed after heavy storm damage tore up roadways throughout the park. However, with the combined work of multiple agencies and employees from around the National Park Service, they now have a reopening date in mind.
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According to a social media post, the national park is working to partially reopen on October 15. The proposed plan would be for the park’s west side and include the entrance through Lone Pine, California, along CA-136, giving visitors access to Penamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells Villages and the Furnace Creek area.
The park closed after Tropical Storm Hilary hit August 19. Over 400 people were trapped inside the park boundaries after flash flooding tore up roadways and was debris over others. NPS crews and road construction teams from the State of California worked to clear a path to give people a way out. Since then, the NPS has sent employees from other parks to help in the process of reopening.
However, for Death Valley’s targeted reopening, they need several things to fall into place. First, park officials say they must avoid further weather complications that could slow work progress. Second, the park must receive all the road materials needed to complete the roads that still need repairs.
In late October, temperatures usually drop enough in the park to increase visitors and kick off the camping season.
Visitors should expect traffic delays in the park as work will be ongoing. So far, there has yet to be an announced timeline for opening the park’s eastern half.
In their release, Death Valley National Park officials say, “On behalf of the staff and partners of Death Valley National Park, we are grateful for your patience and support as we have been working to reopen the park.”
