Death Valley National Park Re-Opens to Visitors

Date: October 17, 2013

Death Valley, CA—Death Valley National Park re-opens to visitors today. Visitors can access public areas and roads immediately while facilities and other public services are brought back online. Death Valley National Park has been closed since October 1 due to the lapse in Congressional appropriations.

"We are excited and happy to be back at work and welcome visitors to Death Valley National Park," said Superintendent Kathy Billings. "Autumn is just the beginning of a particularly special season to enjoy all that Death Valley has to offer." The park is proud to be a member of the local communities, and contributes more than $50 million to the local economy. "The economic impact of closing this park for 16 days has been extremely tough on our gateway communities, local businesses, neighbors, and park partners, states Superintendent Billings. "We look forward to working with our neighbors and partners on ways to lesson that impact." 

Visitor facilities that have reopened include: Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Texas Springs Campground, Mesquite Springs Campground, Stovepipe Wells Village, Scotty's Castle, and the park's major scenic overlooks, and backcountry and wilderness. 

Due to the shutdown the opening of Furnace Creek Campground and Sunset Campground is being delayed. It is hoped Furnace Creek Campground will be open by Friday, October 25, 2013. It is hoped that Sunset Campground will be open by Monday, October 21, 2013. These are tentative dates; please check the park's web page for updates at www.nps.gov/deva.

The following roads remain closed due to flood damage that occurred prior to the shutdown: 

Badwater Road..................CLOSED from Badwater to south entrance. OPEN to Badwater from Hwy 190.
Big Pine/Death Valley Rd...CLOSED by Inyo County due to flood damage.
Cottonwood Canyon Rd.....IMPASSABLE due to mud.
Emigrant Canyon Road......CLOSED due to flood damage – work is in progress to clear debris.
Greenwater Valley Road....CLOSED by Inyo County due to flood damage.
Harry Wade Road..............CLOSED due to flood damage.
Keane Wonder Road.........CLOSED; road and mining area closed to entry due to mine safety hazards.
Mosaic Canyon Road.........Open; expect flood damage; High-clearance recommended.
Panamint Valley Road........CLOSED by Inyo County due to flood damage.
Saline Valley (North)...........Signed CLOSED by Inyo County; IMPASSABLE due to washouts.
Saline Valley (South)..........Signed CLOSED by Inyo County.
Saline Warm Springs Rd....Washed out from County Road to Warm Springs.
Steel Pass Road.................IMPASSABLE from Warm Springs to Steel Pass.
Titus Canyon Road............Open; expect flood damage; High-clearance recommended.
West Side Road.................CLOSED due to flood damage.
Wildrose Road...................CLOSED due to flood damage.   

WARNING on all backcountry roads: possible flood damage and inaccessibility. Please use caution. 

For more information, please visit: www.nps.gov/deva or call the park at 760-786-3200.   

-NPS-