Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park are reminded there is an excessive heat warning in effect for the next several days. Rangers recommend bringing plenty of water and sunscreen as well as wearing appropriate clothing and headgear. If you do choose to hike, start early in the morning and finish early. Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed on trails and are particularly vulnerable to extreme desert heat. Due to extremely hot and dry conditions, park management has closed 49 Palms Oasis to visitors. Managing editor Tami Roleff has details…
The popular 49 Palms Canyon Hiking trail from Twentynine Palms into Joshua Tree National Park is closed to everyone except thirsty Bighorn sheep. Because of five years of drought, other water sources for bighorn sheep in that part of Joshua Tree National Park have dried up, leaving the 49 Palms Oasis as the only water source available for thirsty animals. The popular hiking trail is open for the first half mile before signage closes off the route to the oasis. If hikers ignore the signs and continue on, the entire area will be closed to the public. A park spokesman said the trail would remain closed until further notice. In the meantime, the oasis will be open only to sheep.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK CLOSES 49 PALMS CANYON OASIS
