If you are planning on traveling through Joshua Tree National Park this weekend – Pinto Basin road has reopened after heavy monsoon rains that caused some flooding on the southside of the park.
Although the road is open – there still may be dirt and debris present from last week’s storm.. With more possible rain forecasted for the weekend.
All paved roads and park facilities are open – but dirt roads like the Geology Tour road from the northern gate and Berdoo Canyon and Big Horn pass complex are closed – when heading out on dirt roads in the park or anywhere in the hi desert, check conditions and be prepared for sudden monsoon downpours.
Also, keep an eye on the road for tortoises – the water brings them out and they can be mistaken for rocks. Don’t pick em up – you can alert a park ranger or you can help them out by hanging back and keeping an eye on them until they’ve made their way to safety.
And if those monsoons start and the the rain begins to run on the roads – turn around, don’t drown. It can take as little as 6 inches of running water to push a car off the road.
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