News Release

Remnants of Tropical Storm Mario Closed Roads in Death Valley National Park

Superintendent Mike Reynolds reviews damage on the north end of Badwater Road.

NPS/Brian Aillaud

News Release Date: September 19, 2025

Contact: e-mail us

Contact: Abby Wines, 760-786-3221

Contact: Matt Lamar

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The remnants of Tropical Storm Mario brought significant rainfall to Death Valley National Park on the night of September 18. The following roads are closed due to storm damage: Badwater Road, North Highway, West Side Road, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Cottonwood - Marble Roads, Mustard Canyon, and Keane Wonder Mine Road.

Many key travel routes remain open, including CA-190, Daylight Pass, and Dantes View. 

Furnace Creek recorded 0.6 inches of rain—approximately one-quarter of the park’s average annual rainfall. The park’s rocky, steep terrain makes the area especially prone to flash flooding. Water runs off quickly rather than soaking into the ground, creating a slurry of water, mud, and rocks. These flash floods covered roads with debris and eroded road shoulders.

Park staff are actively assessing conditions across the park, and additional closures may be necessary as evaluations continue.

Visitors are urged to exercise caution and check current conditions before traveling. Unpaved roads may be impassible due to mud or erosion. The most up-to-date information on road status and park access can be found at nps.gov/deva.