The national parks and preserves have had their share of storm and flood damage this season, with crews contending with both regular monsoon weather, as well as unprecedented amounts of rainfall in parts of Death Valley.
In Joshua Tree National Park – Cottonwood Campground is temporarily closed due to flash flood damage, along with Big Horn Pass road and the Geology tour road from the North gate to Berdoo Canyon.
In Death Valley National Park, where rainfall in areas like Furnace Creek has exceeded any in recorded history – Highway 190 has reopened through the park, but many unimproved and paved roads remain closed.
The Mojave National Preserve has reopened Cima, Kelso-Cima, South Kelbaker, Morning Star, Ivanpah, Essex, Black Canyon and Lanfair roads. Roads that remain closed in the preserve are North Kelbaker and Zzyzx road – which both still have significant road damage. The Hole-in-the-wall visitor center has also reopened with normal hours.
Always check road conditions before heading out into the desert, and during monsoon season be prepared for sudden rainfall and floods.
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