News Release

Joshua Tree National Park Accessible to Public During Government Shutdown

Date: January 22, 2018
Contact: George Land, 760-367-5507

During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials at Joshua Tree National Park, will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Joshua Tree National Park, including public information, restrooms, trash collection, facilities and roads maintenance. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. All park programs have been canceled, including tours at Keys Ranch.

The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds, including maintenance, janitorial, bathrooms, showers, check-in/check-out, and reservations. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action. Visitors holding campground reservations should be aware that there is no guarantee their reserved campsite will be ready and available should they arrive during a government shutdown.