Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

 

NPS

Updated 5/1/2024 9:40 am

Temporary Lake Closed to Boating

"Lake Manly," the temporary shallow lake at Badwater Basin (formed after storms in August 2023 and February 2024) is shrinking rapidly and is now only a few inches deep. It is a minimum of 1/4 mile away from the road over rough, uneven salt and mud (no trail). Due to the shallow depth of the lake and the damage caused by people dragging watercraft across the salt flats, the lake is closed to all boating (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, pool floats etc.).

We do not know how long the lake will be present, but as of early May, visitors can still see beautiful reflections of the mountains in the water. Visitors are allowed to walk in the water but please do not walk in muddy areas where you will leave footprints.

No Pets Allowed at the Lake

Pets are prohibited on trails and in wilderness areas. This includes being carried/pushed in backpacks, strollers, purses, etc. Please check out our website for great ideas of places to go with your animal adventure buddy!

 

Wildflowers

There are wildflowers blooming in the park. Currently the best places to view wildflowers are Panamint Valley and east of Furnace Creek on CA-127 & NV-373.

Death Valley Road Status

— Open Roads
— Closed Roads
--- Hiking Trails

 

Death Valley Status Map

The map below shows the current status of park roads and road construction. Click on a road segment for more information. Conditions can change quickly, so check back often.

 

 

Superintendent Mike Reynolds demonstrates significant damage on Lower Wildrose Road, caused by flooding on August 20, 2023.

NPS

PAVED ROADS

CLOSED:

• Bonnie Clare Road and Scotty’s Castle due to flood recovery work. Unlikely to open before late 2025. No access permitted. No foot, bicycle, motorcycle, vehicle, etc. use allowed.

UNPAVED/BACKCOUNTRY ROADS

CLOSED:

Note that road closures listed below apply to ALL motorized vehicles, including motorcycles.The roads were completely washed out in places and entry will cause tire tracks and braided roads in wilderness as users try to locate what was once the road. Thank you for your patience as we work to reopen these locations. Bicycles are permitted except on Titus Canyon Rd.

Only major roads are listed for reference below:

• Northern entrance of West Side Road - Due to a deep cut in the road. No estimated reopening date.

• Lower Wildrose Road (aka Trona - Wildrose Road, connects Wildrose to Panamint Valley)- completely impassable due to a 9-foot deep cut across the road. Likely to remain closed until Fall 2025.

• Upper Wildrose Road (above the Wildrose Charcoal kilns) - Seasonal weather closure.

• Saline Valley Road - Due to washouts and debris. No estimated time of reopening. This road is maintained by Inyo County.

• Hunter Mountain - Due to mud. No estimated time of reopening. This road is maintained by Inyo County.

• Darwin Falls - Road is completely gone in many places. It will need either extensive import of road fill (expensive) or "mining" of gravel from the nearby wash (this would require thorough environmental review). Will not be open until Fall 2024 at the earliest. Hikers can park on the shoulder of CA-190 and walk in.

• Salt Creek - Flooding destroyed the boardwalk, restroom and parking area. Will not open before June 2025.

• Titus Canyon Road - Due to flood damage. Bicycle use is prohibited in Titus Canyon for safety reasons. Impassable. Not likely to open before January 2025. Lower Titus Canyon to the Fall Canyon Trailhead is open.

• Cottonwood Canyon Road- Closed final 1.6 miles due to water.

ROADS OUTSIDE THE PARK

• Inyo County: County road conditions.

• Caltrans: California Department of Transportation highway conditions

• Sierra Nevada Passes: CA120 (Tioga Pass), CA108 (Sonora Pass), CA4 (Ebbetts Pass), CA88 (Carson Pass)

• Nevada: Nevada Department of Transportation highway conditions

 

CAMPGROUNDS

OPEN:

• Furnace Creek (first come first served 4/15-10/14, reservation 10/15-4/14)
• Mesquite Spring (first come first served)
• Emigrant (first come first served)
• Wildrose
• Eureka Dunes Primitive
• Saline Valley Primitive
• Homestake Primitive

CLOSED:

• Texas Springs (first come first served)
• Sunset (first come first served)
• Stovepipe Wells (first come first served)
• Thorndike Primitive and Mahogany Flat Primitive - not accessible due to closed roads.

 

 

Lodging, Food & Fuel