This past weekend, Joshua Tree National Park experienced heavy rains and flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary. Park staff began assessing the park early Monday morning.
Road crews found large amounts of sand and debris on roadways and have begun clearing the roads.
At this time, Joshua Tree National Park will be open for day use only as of Tuesday, August 22nd. All visitor centers and paved roads will be open. All dirt roads and campgrounds will remain closed until further assessment can be done.
For the most up-to-date information about current road conditions in Joshua Tree National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
With the replenishing rains tortoises may be out and about on roadways! As you start to head back into the park tomorrow, watch the roads carefully, drive slowly, and always brake for tortoises! To help a tortoise off the road, remember to move them low and slow and in the direction they are going. Only move a tortoise if it is safe to do so.
To learn more about rain events and storms in the park, check out the new podcast episode on monsoons! Where Two Deserts Meet (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
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