Death Valley alerts

Plan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes.

• Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm. Bonnie Clare Road and Scotty’s Castle are closed for flood-recovery work; no access is permitted, including on foot, and reopening depends on project completion (date unknown).
• Unpaved roads: Westside Road is closed due to October 22 flood damage; Cottonwood Road is closed beyond Roadside Campsite 7 for its final 2.8 miles. Darwin Falls Road is completely gone in many places; repair would require extensive imported fill or gravel from a nearby wash, which requires environmental review, and closure is likely through summer 2027. Hikers may park on the CA-190 shoulder and walk in. Hunter Mountain Road is closed because it is extremely muddy and multiple vehicles have become stuck. Titus Canyon Road is closed for flood-damage repairs, with reopening anticipated in May 2027; hikers and cyclists are also prohibited.
• Unpaved-road closures apply to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles; bicycles are permitted except where specifically prohibited. Washed-out roads can cause tire tracks and braided routes through wilderness if users enter to find the former road. Lower Wildrose Road is washed out and debris-covered in many places after the October 22 storm: vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed, and low-clearance vehicles and street tires are not recommended. Phinney Canyon Road’s final 3 miles are impassable to all vehicles; Harry Wade Road has deep sand about 6 miles south of its junction with Badwater Road.

Check current park road conditions before traveling.

Lower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.

• The fire was contained in the Lower Spring area and destroyed a shed at the volunteer camp-host site, a potential source of hazardous materials.
• Saline Valley Primitive Campground is partially open: the camping area between Lower and Palm Springs is open, but Lower Springs remains closed.

Check current park conditions before traveling to Saline Valley.

Emigrant Campground and the Emigrant Day Use Area restrooms are closed for water-system repairs after flood damage; do not plan to camp at Emigrant or rely on its restrooms.

• The flood damaged the 5-mile-long water pipe and associated system; the damage is substantial and there is no estimated repair date.
• The nearest open restroom is at Stovepipe Wells.

Check current park conditions before visiting Emigrant.