THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
Additional Interagency Hotshot Crews have been ordered and are arriving at the incident. Firefighters’ top priority is the northeast area, where multiple spot fires occurred Thursday afternoon.
Official NPS sourceCrews continue to make good progress in the southern area of the fire, and containment lines are being reinforced. On the west side, the fire continues to slowly back down the slope toward control lines. With wind gust to 20 mph and low relative humidity yesterday, fire activity increased in the northeast area near Bridalveil Creek, and the fire spotted out ahead of itself.
Official NPS sourceThe fire grew 192 acres since yesterday morning, partly from planned backfiring operations. It is 40% contained. Firing operations continue near Glacier Point Road and the Bridalveil Creek Trail. Crews carefully burn dry brush and fallen trees. This adds some acres, but it builds stronger control lines and keeps firefighters safer.
Official NPS sourceThe fire has grown 242 acres since yesterday morning and is now 39% contained. Containment is increasing and is outpacing the fire growth.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has selected Kevin Schluckebier as the next superintendent of Mojave National Preserve. He will begin his new role Oct. 18, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe fire has grown 177 acres since yesterday morning and is now 34% contained. Containment is increasing. The fire’s growth was slowed on Monday, in part due to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity. Warmer and drier weather returns to the region through the remainder of the week.
Official NPS source
Titus Canyon Road, one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular backcountry drives, will close Oct. 2, 2026, as work begins to repair and strengthen the road following extensive flood damage.
Official NPS sourceThe fire has grown 406 acres since yesterday morning and remains 30% contained. Containment is increasing. The fire’s primary growth has been to the north and northeast at a moderated pace.
Official NPS source
Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is scheduled to temporarily close beginning on October 26, 2026, while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by Nov. 18, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe fire has grown 311 acres since yesterday morning and is now 30% contained. The fire continues to move slowly north and northeast into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint, where rocky terrain and natural barriers are helping slow its spread.
Official NPS sourceThe fire grew 240 acres since yesterday morning. Containment has increased to 28%. The fire is moving north and northeast in the old 2017 Empire Fire footprint and is inside the Yosemite Wilderness. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge.
Official NPS source
Redwood National and State Parks will conduct a series of prescribed burns this fall in six areas of the Bald Hills: DA Second Growth, Williams Ridge, Schoolhouse, Wooden Gate, Lower Dolason and South Boundary.
Official NPS sourceThe fire grew 228 acres since yesterday morning. It is 17% contained. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge. No roads, buildings or utilities are under immediate threat.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire increased 194 acres from yesterday. Wildland firefighters made progress connecting handlines to the Bridalveil Creek trail system and 2017 Empire Fire footprint and are continuing to place contingency lines off of Glacier Point Road.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire remained active overnight with most activity being on the north and northeast flanks of the fire.
Official NPS source
Channel Islands National Park will reopen Water Canyon Campground and designated backcountry beach camping areas in the northwest and southwest quadrants of Santa Rosa Island beginning October 14. The southeast quadrant will remain closed to backcountry camping and no permits will be issued for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. The burn area will remain closed to visitors.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire continued to spread at a moderate rate of growth. Last night, the Dome Fire spread further into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint and the spot fire to the east grew. As the fire moves north into the footprint, heavy dead and down fuels will be receptive to spotting. Fire behavior will remain moderate, with spotting behavior being a big challenge in the full suppression efforts of this fire.
Official NPS source
Surplus wood in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is now available to the public by permit.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire was active overnight, spreading 283 acres to the northern edges of the fire and continues to grow into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint. There are three areas of concern that firefighters will prioritize today: a spot fire east of Turner Meadow, a spot fire in Empire Meadows, and isolated hot spots identified last night near the Chilnualna Falls area.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire grew 149 acres overnight, and containment remains at 15%. The Dome Fire continues to move towards the old and existing fire perimeters of the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service reopened a portion of Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground on September 17. The burned area at Lower Springs is closed to public entry by order of the Death Valley National Park superintendent.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire remained active overnight with moderate activity to the north and northwest.
Official NPS sourceMost activity on the Dome fire today was on the west and north flanks.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome Fire remained active overnight with most activity being on the west and north flanks of the fire.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome fire continues to have a moderate rate of spread to the north and northeast as it runs up-slope aligned with terrain and wind.
Official NPS source
Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground is temporarily closed due to a fire that occurred on September 15, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe Dome fire was reported this morning, September 15, 2026, and is currently 100 acres.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service urges commercial truck drivers to use caution when traveling State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park, particularly on the steep descent from Towne Pass. A tractor-trailer caught fire on SR-190 at approximately 7:45 p.m. Sept. 9 after its brakes overheated while descending about 5,000 feet from Towne Pass.
Official NPS sourceA dead big brown bat found outside the Curry Village Showerhouse on May 18, 2026, has tested positive for rabies. No known human contact with the bat has been reported. However, anyone who may have had direct contact with a bat in the Curry Village area on or around May 18 should contact the California Department of Health (CDPH) and a healthcare provider promptly to determine whether treatment is needed.
Official NPS source
Initial assessments indicate that 60% to 80% of Santa Rosa Island's iconic Torrey pines may perish as a result of the largest wildfire in Channel Islands National Park history.
Official NPS sourceMore people are visiting Yosemite National Park this year, but they aren't spending more time waiting. Preliminary results from a new peak-season visitor survey found 96% of visitors rated their recreational experience in Yosemite as good or excellent, while 91% reported waiting less than 15 minutes to enter the park or experiencing no entrance delay at all.
Official NPS source
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia Parks Conservancy will host the 13th annual Dark Sky Festival from Sept. 11-13, 2026. The festival invites visitors to explore astronomy, wildlife science and the human experience of wonder beneath some of California's darkest night skies. It will feature programming throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and, for the first time, in the gateway community of Three Rivers. Expanding to Three Rivers increases opportunities for people from nearby communities and the Central Valley to participate in astronomy and dark-sky science programs.
Official NPS source
U.S. Wildland Fire Service wildland firefighters are responding to the Arrow Creek Fire, which was reported on Aug. 22 at 3:26 p.m.
Official NPS sourceA 68-year-old French visitor died Monday, Aug. 17, after he and a traveling companion became stranded on a remote road in Death Valley National Park.
Official NPS source
Beginning Aug. 27, Channel Islands National Park will open the new Prisoners Harbor Campground on Santa Cruz Island, introducing overnight visitors to a new way to experience the park's largest island.
Official NPS source
There are eight new wildfire starts in Yosemite National Park, all attributed to early morning lightning on August 12, 2026. No site closures or evacuations have been implemented at the time of this update.
Official NPS sourceEffective at 12:01 a.m. local time on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, Yosemite National Park will implement fire restrictions throughout the park below 8,000 feet in elevation. The restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Official NPS source
Effective at 12:01 a.m. local time on Friday, July 31, 2026, Lassen Volcanic National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions. The restrictions apply throughout the park, including all campgrounds within boundaries, and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service announced today that Death Valley National Park will begin an $69.5 million infrastructure project this fall to modernize two critical water systems and a wastewater system. Funded through President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, the three-year project will improve essential infrastructure responsible for providing safe drinking water and reliable wastewater treatment for park visitors, employees, hotels, campgrounds and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
Official NPS source
Jonathan Dille has been selected as superintendent of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. He has served as the park’s acting superintendent since July 2025.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has selected Jacob “Jake” Ohlson as the next superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. He will assume the role in mid-August 2026.
Official NPS source
As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, partners in one of the nation's most successful wildlife restoration efforts are celebrating another productive nesting season for America's national bird—the bald eagle.
Official NPS source
Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on State Route 190 in Death Valley National Park on June 20, 2026. All six occupants escaped without major injuries, but the van and attached trailer were destroyed.
Official NPS sourceJoshua Tree National Park will temporarily close public access to the Covington Flats area from Thursday, July 2, 2026, to Monday, July 6, 2026, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Official NPS source
Channel Islands National Park will reopen Santa Rosa Island for day use beginning July 1, following preliminary assessments of post-fire conditions on the island.
Official NPS source
Joshua Tree National Park has implemented fire restrictions beginning June 15, due to hot, dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger. The restrictions will remain in effect through October 1, 2026, unless park leadership determines otherwise. The restrictions apply throughout the park, including all campgrounds, backcountry sites, and picnic areas.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park has released the Mist Trail Corridor Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment. The project proposes improvements to one of the most heavily visited and iconic trail corridors in the National Park System.
Official NPS source
Santa Rosa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, will remain closed to visitors until at least June 30 following the Santa Rosa Island Fire, a human-caused wildfire that burned less than 40 percent of the island.
Official NPS source
On June 2, 2026, the National Park Service reopened Lower Wildrose Road, which was closed for nearly three years due to extensive flood damage. The narrow, unpaved road is restricted to vehicles shorter than 25 feet. Also known as Trona-Wildrose Road, it provides access to high-elevation areas of Death Valley National Park.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park today announced year-round fishing in Yosemite Valley is now available to expand opportunity for anglers and align with California fishing rules. Seasonal closures that previously restricted winter fishing access have been removed.
Official NPS source
Firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burning in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on May 21 – 22. Visitors who enter the parks through the southern entrance may notice this work taking place between the entrance and Foothills Visitor Center.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park is preparing to welcome visitors for the peak summer season with expanded access across the park, including the reopening of popular trails, climbing areas, and full campground availability.
Official NPS sourceTitus Canyon Road, one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular backcountry drives, has reopened after an initial phase of flood repairs. The road will close again on October 1, 2026, for additional work, including improvements to reduce damage from future flash floods.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service officials formally welcomed Ray McPadden as superintendent of Yosemite National Park during an assumption of responsibility ceremony held in Yosemite Valley Thursday April 23.
Official NPS sourceAfter months of fieldwork and scientific analysis, National Park Service researchers have determined that the coyote that drew international attention in early 2026 after swimming to Alcatraz Island likely started his epic swim from Angel Island State Park
Official NPS sourceFire management staff plan to conduct prescribed burning in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park beginning on April 16. Crews expect to broadcast burn about 92 acres on the valley floor. This work builds on 2025 fuels reduction efforts that treated 261 acres and areas affected by the 2024 Happy Fire.
Official NPS source
Redwood National Park welcomed 1.2 million visitors in 2025. Redwood National and State Parks, including Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks, welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors in 2025
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park welcomed more than 1.32 million visitors to the park in 2025. This was the park’s fourth-highest visitation year, despite extended closures of large sections of the park due to flash flood damage.
Official NPS sourceThe Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will co-host a community open house to discuss ongoing management of grasslands within 17,000 acres of the headlands and Pierce Point areas of Point Reyes National Seashore.
Official NPS source
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service announce the publication of the final commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Official NPS sourceBiologists at Point Reyes National Seashore received results of a presumptive positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dead common murre. Park staff are coordinating closely with wildlife health experts and partner organizations to monitor wildlife health and assess conditions in the park.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is opening public comment on an evaluation of accessibility across Death Valley National Park. The “Accessibility Self‑Evaluation and Transition Plan” includes restrooms, walkways, interpretive exhibits, ranger programs, and other visitor services.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park is pleased to announce the reopening of Salt Creek Boardwalk, three and a half years after it was destroyed by flooding. This wheelchair-accessible trail provides easy access to view Salt Creek Pupfish.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the annual viewing of Horsetail Fall, the natural phenomenon that occurs for a brief window each February when the setting sun can illuminate the waterfall on El Capitan with a striking, firelike glow. The projected viewing period for 2026 is Feb. 10–26, depending on natural conditions.
Official NPS sourceWhiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California will soon be authorized to designate nearly 80 miles of trails for bicycle and e-bike use under a new National Park Service rule that expands responsible recreation access.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has reopened South Badwater Road as of Jan. 31 following months of closures due to extensive flash flood damage.
Official NPS sourceDeath Valley National Park, in partnership with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, will host a special event on Jan. 30 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park is seeking the public’s help to identify the individuals responsible for illegal off-road driving on Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park on Dec. 17. More than five miles of unauthorized vehicle tracks caused significant damage to rare and sensitive desert plants.
Official NPS source
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is seeking public comments on its vision for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School after the devastating megafire of 2018 and subsequent burn scar flooding.
Official NPS sourceThe west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Jan. 12 through 7 a.m., Jan. 17. Park Boulevard will also close to vehicle traffic for six miles from the west entrance to Quail Springs Picnic Area. This closure includes the Maze Loop and Bigfoot Trailhead parking areas. Visitors may not drive to or park at these trailheads during the closure. All other park roads are expected to remain open.
Official NPS source
RICHMOND, Calif. – The National Park Service recently learned of the passing of retired National Park Service ranger Betty Reid Soskin. Betty passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Dec. 21, 2025.
Official NPS source
As many families, friends, and solo adventurists often take time to enjoy their national parks over the holiday break, this year it is particularly important to double check the weather forecast and updated road conditions prior to arriving at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service reopened several flood-damaged roads in Death Valley National Park in recent days. An upcoming storm may cause new road closures.
Official NPS source
Public tours of Scotty’s Castle grounds will be available on select Sundays from January through March 2026. Scotty’s Castle, a historic district in Death Valley National Park, has been closed for 10 years while the National Park Service repairs extensive damage caused by a flash flood and a later fire.
Official NPS source
The 100th Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree event is taking place on December 14th at 2 p.m. at the historic General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. The official ceremony will begin at 2:30p.m. This cherished tradition celebrates the Nation’s Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree, which holds a significant place in our nation’s history. December 14th is a free entrance day at Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Official NPS source
Death Valley has experienced record-breaking rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. The wettest fall (Sept-November) measured 2.41 inches, and the wettest November on record measured 1.76 inches of rain. The November rain broke the previous record of 1.70 inches set in 1923.
Official NPS source
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service announce the availability of a proposed commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. A 30-day public review period on the proposed agreement begins on December 2, 2025. Public comments can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website from December 2, 2025, through January 2, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Dec. 3 through 6 p.m., Dec. 5.
Official NPS source
Point Reyes National Seashore is seeking proposals to provide guided horseback rides, horse boarding, and horse camp services at Five Brooks Stables and Five Brooks Horse Camp. The selected concessioner will provide these services over a 10-year term.
Official NPS source
Thanksgiving weekend is typically busy in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, at a time of year when some services and attractions are closed for the winter. Planning will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Official NPS sourceSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are seeking proposals to provide pack station, guided trail rides, and other services from Cedar Grove Pack Station and Grant Grove Stables within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The new concessioner will provide these services over a 10-year term. The existing contract that has been in place since January 1, 2019, concludes on December 31, 2026. The new contract will provide the same services as those offered under the current contract.
Official NPS source
A storm on November 15, 2025, produced 0.6 inches of rain at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. At just over a half of an inch, this is more than a quarter of the annual rainfall for Death Valley.
Official NPS sourceSurplus wood in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is now available to the public by permit. Residential firewood permits are free and must be obtained before wood can be removed. There is a limit of six cords per family per year. Firewood is available on a first-come first-served basis until the supply is gone. This wood is a result of tree mortality, and were trees deemed to be a potential hazard to visitors or property within the parks.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service today announced three recent convictions for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, underscoring the park’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and the enforcement of federal law.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that a record 2,008,962 visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2024 spent $192.5 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $230.9 million.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service report shows that 263 thousand visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2024 spent $17.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24.9 million.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service report shows that more than 2.9 visitors to Joshua Tree National Park in 2024 spent $179 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $214 million.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that 1,440,484 visitors to Death Valley National Park in 2024 spent $146 million in communities near the park.
Official NPS source
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area received the 2025 Excellence in Volunteerism Innovation Award for its Woolsey Fire Recovery Camera Project, a volunteer-driven initiative launched in response to the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The project, led by park scientists and educators, trained over 4,300 volunteers to deploy wildlife cameras and analyze over one million images, documenting the recovery of mammal populations across the park. The effort revealed both common and rare species, contributing valuable data for long-term ecological monitoring. Now in its sixth year, the project continues to engage the public through educational events and partnerships, highlighting the role of community science in post-fire wildlife research.
Official NPS source
The remnants of Tropical Storm Mario brought significant rainfall to Death Valley National Park on the night of September 18, 2025. The following roads are closed due to storm damage: Badwater Road, North Highway, West Side Road, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Cottonwood - Marble Roads, Mustard Canyon, and Keane Wonder Mine Road.
Official NPS sourceDue to decreased fire danger, Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument are no longer under fire prevention orders. The preserve and monument are reverting to their normal fire regulations.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), will begin trail repairs on the southern switchback section of the Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon on Monday, September 29, 2025. The project will require weekday closures (Monday–Thursday) while crews are on-site, with weekend access remaining open. Repairs aim to address storm damage from February 2024 and will later extend to the Discovery Trail. The work is expected to take approximately three months, weather permitting.
Official NPS source
Two small fires are burning in Yosemite and may be visible from various areas.
Official NPS sourceCalifornia State Parks, in cooperation with CAL FIRE, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and other local partners are planning to begin a series of prescribed burns in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park in September and possibly through November.
Official NPS source
The Oasis of Mara trail at Joshua Tree National Park is closed because of damage caused by flooding. Recent summer monsoonal events caused severe erosion of the paved trail and impacted the cultural site. Several sections of the trail have been undercut and others have steep drop-offs, creating unsafe hiking conditions. The trail will be closed until repairs are completed.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park closed out one of its busiest summer seasons in recent years this Labor Day holiday weekend. Visitation through August totaled 2,919,722 visits, an increase of seven percent compared to the same period in 2024 (2,727,496 visitors). With the exception of February when winter storms limited access, Yosemite’s 2025 monthly visitation numbers have outpaced 2024 numbers every month and the park is on track for one of the busiest years on record.
Official NPS sourceLabor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer season and is historically a busy time at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For an enjoyable visit, it is important for visitors to plan ahead and be prepared for congestion in the parks.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has concluded that the South Kelbaker and Kelso-Cima Roads rehabilitation project in Mojave National Preserve will not have significant environmental impacts. The project, which the park anticipates will take three years to complete, includes major rehabilitation and visitor improvements on 42 miles of the main roads.
Official NPS sourceManzanar National Historic Site invites the public to a weekend of special events, as part of the North American Japanese Garden Association’s signature “Gardens for Peace” project.
Official NPS sourceThis fall education season, California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District is thrilled to announce several FREE educational opportunities available for students, focused on the old-growth redwood forests, wild and scenic rivers, rugged coastlines, and the rich culture and history of Native peoples of California's North Coast.
Official NPS source
On Saturday, the 16th of August, an illegal garbage dump was discovered at Walker Road in the Jedediah Smith portion of Redwood National and State Parks. Can you help solve this case?
Official NPS source
National Park Service law enforcement rangers, in cooperation with special agents from the Bureau of Land Management, removed an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Sequoia National Park last week.
Official NPS source
Patrick Pollard, Facility Manager at Redwood National and State Parks, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit, earning top honors for his role in revitalizing the park’s Facility Management program and delivering outstanding results through partnership-driven projects.
Official NPS sourceThe west entrance of Joshua Tree will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic beginning 6 a.m. August 25 through 6 p.m. August 29th. Visitors must enter or exit the park via Twentynine Palms or Cottonwood.
Official NPS source
As the 5th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act approaches, residents and staff at Death Valley National Park are thrilled about an upcoming major overhaul of the park’s largest water and wastewater systems. To celebrate the Act’s anniversary, all National Park Service sites will offer free park entrance on Monday, August 4.
Official NPS sourceBeginning Friday, August 1, businesses can apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for select activities within designated wilderness areas of the parks, including stock and non-stock services, such as guided hiking, backpacking, fishing, and more.
Official NPS source
Just 21 minutes after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, waves were triggered nearly 4,000 miles away in Death Valley National Park. Biologists are not concerned about impacts on the endangered Devils Hole Pupfish.
Official NPS sourceThe Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Swiftwater Dive Rescue Team (SDRT), in coordination with the National Park Service (NPS), located the body of 26-year-old Jomarie Calasanz of La Puente, California on July 24. Tulare County Coroner’s Office confirmed her identity on July 28. She had been missing since May 25.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park celebrated a major milestone today in meeting its long-term infrastructure sustainability goals with the official groundbreaking for the new El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, a transformative $239 million investment funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020.
Official NPS sourceDue to high fire danger and to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions are currently in effect below 6,000 feet. Additionally, wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in Tamarack Flat Campground.
Official NPS source
Biologists “rescued” the threatened species, after extreme weather and wildfire disrupted native breeding grounds, as part of an emergency effort after the LA wildfires
Official NPS sourceA local missing hiker was found deceased below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park on Sunday, July 13. 36-year-old Drew Hall from Visalia was described as fit and active but was hiking in very rugged terrain. He had separated from his group earlier in the day on Saturday, with plans to meet up later. After not returning within the expected timeframe, family members reported him missing to Sequoia National Park that evening.
Official NPS source
Staff from Redwood National and State Parks, the Yurok Tribe, and the Department of Defense are collaborating this summer to repair, restore and enhance multiple facilities around the park in conjunction with the Air National Guard’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, which provides infrastructure construction training opportunities to Air Force units.
Official NPS sourceDue to increased fire danger, Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument are now under fire prevention orders.
Official NPS sourceFourth of July weekend is anticipated to be another busy weekend at the parks. During the recent four-day Memorial Day weekend, we welcomed over 21,000 visitors. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Below are some considerations to help you prepare for your visit and share space responsibly with fellow park-goers.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park is proud to announce the reopening of the Tuolumne Meadows Campground Aug 1, following the completion of a transformative three-year, $26 million rehabilitation project funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
Official NPS source
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 24, 2025 – As of this afternoon, ignitions are complete on the 2025 Big Stump East Prescribed Burn. In all, approximately 126-acres were completed in the area of the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. Completing this prescribed burn increases the historic Grant Grove’s chance of being defendable during an unwanted wildfire as was demonstrated during both the 2015 Rough Fire and the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Official NPS sourceA 46-year-old man from Death Valley died in a single-vehicle rollover in Death Valley National Park sometime before 5:30am on June 13. The accident occurred on CA-190 just east of North Highway.
Official NPS source
Early morning on June 19, a truck caught fire while descending Towne Pass on California Highway 190 within Death Valley National Park. The tractor trailer was traveling from Battle Mountain, NV, to Long Beach, CA. The tractor was destroyed by the fire. The driver protected the trailer by disconnecting it before the fire could spread. No injuries were reported.
Official NPS source
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 23, 2025 – Following a successful test burn and with concurrence from fire management staff and parks’ leadership, the 2025 Big Stump East Prescribed Burn has started. Ignitions are planned to continue each day through June 24, 2025. The General Grant Tree remains available to visit as normal.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input from June 17 to July 16 on a proposal to rehabilitate and replace employee housing and related infrastructure in the Lodgepole Housing District serving Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Official NPS source
Entrance to Death Valley National Park will be free on June 19, 2025, in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service fire management staff plan to begin prescribed burning ignitions in the Grant Grove area on June 23. The plan includes hand and aerial ignitions of 349 acres over six days at two locations – east of Highway 180, across from the Big Stump parking lot, and west of the General Grant Tree.
Official NPS source
Furnace Creek, a stream in Death Valley National Park, is now flowing further in its natural channel- thanks to a recent California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) project. The agency added three culverts under Highway 190 to increase driver safety by preventing water from ponding on the highway.
Official NPS source
On June 12th at Redwood National and State Parks, 40 people raised their right hands to become the newest citizens of the United States. The applicants came from 18 countries around the world, including Laos, Mexico, Portugal, England, and Vietnam.
Official NPS sourceYosemite National Park will open all 13 park campgrounds this summer, marking the first time since 2019 that all campgrounds have been open. These additional openings will add approximately 500 campsites available to the public for enjoying the park.
Official NPS sourceSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit wood and charcoal fires including wood burning stoves, at 6 a.m. on June 11.
Official NPS source
As fire season begins in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park officials announce that fire crews are prepared to protect the park's natural and cultural resources. Throughout the winter and spring, Yosemite’s fire management teams have actively reduced hazardous fuel loads through prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and pile burning efforts—vital work to minimize the intensity and spread of wildfires.
Official NPS sourceFirefighters continue to make progress on suppression and containment of the Eureka Fire. The fire has burned a total of 214 acres and is at 85% containment. Crews are focused on extinguishing remaining hot spots and on suppression repair, minimizing resource damage to several key species in the footprint area. The weather continues to be favorable with low winds and higher humidity.
Official NPS sourceSearch efforts for 26-year-old Jomarie Calasanz of Los Angeles have transitioned to a limited continuous mode, meaning fewer resources are assigned to the search at this time. Public information is posted in the area and rescue staff will continue to monitor the river. When river conditions improve, possibly in the coming weeks, the team will reevaluate next steps.
Official NPS sourceThe Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park is maintaining at 214 acres and 80% containment as of 6:00pm. Crews will continue suppression work this week. Equipment assigned to the fire tomorrow, June 3rd, includes 4 engines and 1 hand crew.
Official NPS source
On June 5, 2025, the National Park Service announces the addition of seven new sites to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network.
Official NPS source
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 3, 2025 – As of this afternoon, ignitions are complete on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park. In all, approximately 25 acres between the entrance to Sequoia National Park and the Foothills Visitor Center were treated. Completing this prescribed burn increases these places chance of being defendable during an unwanted wildfire as was demonstrated during the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Official NPS sourceThe Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park is maintaining at 214 acres and 75% containment as of 6:00pm. Crews will continue suppression work this week. Equipment assigned to the fire tomorrow, June 3rd, includes 4 engines and 1 hand crew.
Official NPS source
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 1, 2025 – Following a successful test burn and with concurrence from fire management staff and parks’ leadership, the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn has started. Ignitions will continue each day through June 3, 2025
Official NPS sourceThe ongoing response to the Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park had crews working through the night on containment lines. There was a slop over fire on the southeast side of the line early this morning. Crews quickly contained the 4 acres. The fire is at 212 acres and 40% containment as of 9:00am.
Official NPS sourceTwo separate vehicle fires occurred in Death Valley National Park in late May 2025, both of which were extinguished by quick-thinking bystanders using available tools.
Official NPS sourceJoshua Tree National Park staff has been responding to a fire 3 miles Northeast of Eureka Peak in the Covington Flats area of the park.
Official NPS sourceA wildfire in Joshua Tree National Park's Covington Flats area has burned approximately 20 acres as of May 30, 2025, with containment efforts underway by park, BLM, and county fire crews amid gusty conditions.
Official NPS sourceOn May 25, over the holiday weekend, a 26-year-old woman was swept away in the cold, swift and dangerous river in Sequoia National Park. The incident occurred while recreating with friends and family near the river in the foothills area of the park. The search continues, and with a heat advisory beginning today, rivers will be extremely hazardous, and visitors should avoid swimming or getting too close.
Official NPS sourceFirefighters plan to begin ignitions on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on Sunday, June 1. One to three days of ignitions are planned. This project consists of 29 acres of broadcast prescribed burning and an additional 10 acres of non-fire fuels reduction (using weed whips, chainsaws, etc.).
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park is urging motorcycle riders to think twice before traveling by bike during the hottest months of the year.
Official NPS sourceAs Memorial Day weekend approaches, Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome a high volume of visitors eager to enjoy the natural beauty of one of America’s most iconic destinations. All major popular features — including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and Tioga Road (scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday May 26) — will be open and fully accessible, offering unforgettable experiences to holiday travelers.
Official NPS source
A tractor trailer crash on May 20, 2025 left the driver deceased, damaged a historic structure, and closed CA-190 for 22 hours.
Official NPS source
Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park visitation exceeded a record 2 million visitors in 2024, which means the parks are busier than ever before. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your holiday weekend trip.
Official NPS source
Crystal Cave will reopen for guided tours on May 23 after four years of closure due to consecutive natural disasters in Sequoia National Park. This spectacular marble cave is near the Giant Forest area and is operated by Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official park partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Official NPS source
Beginning May 21, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards will be required to pay entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of five local third-party vendors, including the visitor center nearest each park entrance.
Official NPS source
The birthplace of abolitionist John Brown in Connecticut, the rescue of 14 freedom seekers in California and a monument commemorating 326 people of African descent who sought freedom through the St. Louis, Missouri circuit courts all appear in the latest additions to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The Network has added 31 new entries to its list of sites, interpretive and educational programs and research facilities related to its twice-yearly appraisal of applicants.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park and Federal Highway Administration have reopened Emigrant Canyon Road, a key high-elevation route that is a popular access point for cooler summer recreation. The road suffered heavy damage following a severe flash flood in August 2023. Temporary fixes allowed it to reopen after a few months but left it vulnerable to wear and tear and further flooding.
Official NPS source
A major rehabilitation construction project for Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park began on April 1 this year and is planned to continue through the fall of 2027. Work will happen year-round, although this area of the parks is only open to public vehicle traffic from late May through October annually. Most visitors who come to the parks will not be impacted by this project, as the Mineral King Road turnoff from Highway 198 is located two miles prior to the main entrance of Sequoia National Park.
Official NPS sourceAfter a seasonal winter closure, the Cedar Grove area in Kings Canyon National Park is set to reopen to visitor day use on Friday, April 25, at 7 a.m.
Official NPS source
Following a sudden population decline caused by two recent earthquakes, one of the world’s rarest fish – the Devils Hole pupfish – is on the path to recovery, according to a multi-agency team of biologists.
Official NPS sourceManzanar National Historic Site will host the 56th Manzanar Pilgrimage the weekend of April 25-27. The annual pilgrimage, organized by the Manzanar Committee, is open to the public, including formerly incarcerated people and their families, and helps to ensure the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II is neither forgotten nor repeated.
Official NPS sourceJoshua Tree National Park presents “Brushes, Beats and Beyond,” a student art exhibition featuring work from 11 local elementary schools, created through artist-led workshops in partnership with Groundwork Arts and Morongo Unified School District. On view starting April 9 at the Black Rock Art Gallery and 29 Palms Visitor Center, the exhibition celebrates youth creativity and artistic exploration.
Official NPS sourceMojave National Preserve, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, invites the public to comment on the draft environmental assessment of a project that will address the deteriorating conditions of Kelso-Cima and South Kelbaker roads.
Official NPS sourceVisitor center hours in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will return to 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning Saturday, March 29.
Official NPS source
The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic beginning 6 a.m. Monday April 7 through 6 p.m. Thursday April 10. Visitors must enter or exit the park via Twentynine Palms or Cottonwood using the north entrance station in Twentynine Palms or the Cottonwood entrance at the park’s south boundary.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is seeking information from the public to help identify those responsible for recent vandalism and forced entry into the historic SF-88 Nike Missile Site at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Official NPS source
The Foothills Visitor Center, Kings Canyon Visitor Center, and Giant Forest Museum are now closed on scheduled days each week. Additionally, ranger programs in the parks are cancelled until further notice.
Official NPS source
Park rangers successfully rescued a stranded hiker from a steep and unstable gully in Death Valley National Park on January 15, following a challenging evening operation.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks help identifying the person or people who illegally drove on Eureka Dunes in late December or early January. The vehicles caused significant damage to rare plants that are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Official NPS source
Point Reyes National Seashore has announced a Revised Record of Decision for the General Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement (GMPA) for Point Reyes National Seashore and the north district of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The GMPA provides management guidance for the preservation of natural and cultural resources and the management of infrastructure and visitor use in the planning area. The plan also addresses the management of native tule elk and park lands currently leased for ranching.
Official NPS sourceSAN DIEGO – Cabrillo National Monument invites the public to join Whale Watch Weekend and Intertidal Life Festival on Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. The festival, which began in 1988 as Whale Watch Weekend, celebrates the annual migration of Pacific gray whales past Point Loma and highlights the rich intertidal life in the park's tidepool areas.
Official NPS source
As 2025 begins, consider planning a visit to Death Valley National Park. Fee free days and good star-gazing periods can all be ideal times to plan a visit to the 5,000-square-mile desert park.
Official NPS source
Joshua Tree National Park management is pleased to announce Other Worlds, a new art exhibition by renowned local-area artist Diane Best. For many years, Diane has painted remote, uninhabited, and overlooked corners of the desert. Interested in recording a single incredible moment of converging light and landscape, she felt it important to encourage preservation by showcasing the desert wilderness as it exists.
Official NPS source
Lassen Volcanic National Park is pleased to announce the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Manzanita Lake Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment (plan/EA). The FONSI authorizes implementation of the preferred alternative, which includes management actions and strategies that focus on protection of cultural and natural resources, expand visitor opportunities, enhance connectivity and safety, and increase accessibility of facilities throughout the Manzanita Lake Developed Area.
Official NPS source
The public is invited to participate in a fungus collecting foray on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and to learn more at the 18th Annual Bay Area Mycological Society/Point Reyes National Seashore Fungus Fair on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Official NPS source
National Park Service (NPS) and Beatty firefighters successfully extinguished a trailer fire in Death Valley National Park on December 29, 2024.
Official NPS source
Preservation specialists from the National Park Service are working to protect three historic wooden towers in Saline Valley. Additional work is planned for Tower #1, which was toppled in April 2024.
Official NPS source
The winter holidays often bring heavy traffic to Joshua Tree National Park. Crowded conditions create limited parking, full campgrounds, and lines at park entrances. High traffic is anticipated on most weekends and during the week of Thanksgiving and the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's Day.
Official NPS source
Emigrant Canyon Road will close starting January 6 for road repairs. There will be no road access to Wildrose until early March 2025.
Official NPS source
A new temporary exhibit titled “How We Love Our Parks: Volunteer Photographers of Golden Gate National Recreation Area” at Fort Point showcases the park’s Volunteers-In-Parks Photographers. These talented photographers each have unique insight into the landscapes, history, people, and stories of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This exhibit showcases just a few of over 100,000 images taken by our volunteers.
Official NPS sourceLassen National Park Highway is closed to through traffic for the winter/spring snow season. The park remains open throughout the winter/spring snow season and can be a wonderful time to visit for well-prepared visitors.
Official NPS sourceThe 99th Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree event is taking place on December 8th at 2 p.m. at the historic Grant Tree in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. The official ceremony will begin at 2:30p.m. This cherished tradition celebrates the Nation’s Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree, which holds a significant place in our nation’s history. December 8th is a free entrance day at Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Official NPS source
Devils Hole in was shaken by an earthquake that happened 500 miles away. This impacted the only habitat of an endangered species of fish.
Official NPS sourceStarting today Cholla Cactus Garden and 49 Palms Oasis Trail will be temporarily closed until March 2025
Official NPS source
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Point Reyes National Seashore is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Tomales Point Area Plan and environmental assessment, which analyzed three alternatives and was released last spring for public review and comment. The National Park Service selected alternative includes removal of the tule elk enclosure fence and all temporary water systems installed during the most recent drought.
Official NPS source
Fire restrictions have been lifted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Changes in weather patterns and recent precipitation have reduced the risk of unwanted human-caused fires. Even with restrictions lifted, visitors must still follow the parks’ year-round regulations concerning fire.
Official NPS source
A tractor-trailer carrying 44,000 pounds of dried chickpeas burned up in Death Valley National Park on November 21, 2024.
Official NPS source
Visitors to Sequoia National Park, as well as park employees, will benefit from an upgraded water distribution system in the Lodgepole Campground area, thanks to a recently completed $11 million rehabilitation project.
Official NPS source
Mojave National Preserve will implement increased fees for developed campgrounds starting January 1, 2025, utilizing the Recreation.gov online reservation system.
Official NPS sourceCabrillo National Monument will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 28th, and Wednesday, December 25th, in observance of the holidays. During these closures, all park facilities, buildings, and access to park grounds will not be available.
Official NPS sourceFire danger has been consistently "low" over the past several days and there is more precipitation in the forecast. Seasonal firefighters have started to depart and Helicopter-551 has been released for the season. With these changes, Yosemite Fire managers have declared the Fire Season over as of November 15, 2024.
Official NPS sourceJoshua Tree National Park will increase fees for all reservations on recreation.gov including campgrounds and tours starting December 1, 2024. There will be an expanded amenity fee increase starting on January 1, 2025. First Come First Serve campgrounds will increase from $15 to $25 per night January 1, 2025.
Official NPS sourceLassen Volcanic National Park plans to hand ignite burn piles as cool and wet weather begin to dominate the forecast. The park will take advantage of the changing weather conditions to complete the final phase of fuels reduction projects throughout the park when enough precipitation has fallen to prevent flames from spreading beyond pile areas.
Official NPS source
In celebration of Veterans Day, Death Valley National Park will offer free entrance to all visitors on Monday, November 11.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Patrick Malone as program manager of Region 6, 7 and 8 National Trails Office. In this role, Malone will administer the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail, California National Historic Trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, Pony Express National Historic Trail, Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.
Official NPS source
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.— On Wednesday morning, 50 immigrants became United States citizens during a ceremony at King Gillette Ranch hosted by Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), a unit of the National Park Service, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Official NPS source
In commemoration of the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American students and activists, a tipi was installed on October 26 through a partnership between the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and several former occupiers and their descendants.
Official NPS source
KELSO, Calif. – Cima Road to reopen November 6th 2024 at 10 a.m.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is opening a public comment period to discuss future ideas as part of a planning effort for the Petroglyph Point area of Lava Beds National Monument. The public comment period will be open from October 24, 2024, through November 24, 2024.
Official NPS source
Whiskeytown fire management staff are planning a 225-acre prescribed burn for Saturday, October 26.
Official NPS sourceStarting October 28, Devils Postpile National Monument will no longer offer public services during the 2024 season. No public programs, parking, water, or bathroom facilities will be available within the National Monument until road access is restored for the 2025 season.
Official NPS source
SAN FRANCISCO – On Monday, November 4, 2024, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park will temporarily suspend the $15 entrance fee to access the historic ships on Hyde Street Pier. The last day for public visitation to Balclutha will be Sunday, November 3.
Official NPS source
In honor of the Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday, César E. Chávez National Monument will display altars throughout the Visitor Center through mid November and will host a set of special events on November 2nd.
Official NPS source
KELSO, Calif. – Over 500 utility poles spanning 15 miles removed and 5 miles of fencing installed will help protect the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), an iconic and beloved reptile.
Official NPS sourceThe visitor center at Manzanar National Historic Site will be closed Monday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 8 due to lack of water for fire protection.
Official NPS sourceTWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.– Joshua Tree National Park staff will be performing construction on paved roads throughout the park starting on Monday, October 28. This work is expected to last through Monday, November 11 and requires temporary road closures for successful project completion and public safety.
Official NPS source
Whiskeytown, CA - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is delighted to invite the public to the following ranger-led interpretive programs scheduled for this month and next...
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park welcomes a new Chief Ranger. Philip Johnson will lead the Visitor and Resource Protection program, which includes law enforcement, fee collection, emergency medical services, structure fire response, and search and rescue in the 3,400,000-acre park.
Official NPS source
Eleven burros died in near Owls Hole Spring in Death Valley National Park. The cause of death is under investigation, but the National Park Service (NPS) suspects a harmful algae bloom was to blame.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park experienced the hottest meteorological summer (June-August) on record, with an average 24-hour temperature of 104.5°F (40.3°C). This surpasses the previous record of 104.2°F (40.1°C), set in 2021 and 2018.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service completed the environmental review of plans to replace Salt Creek Boardwalk, which was destroyed by a flash flood.
Official NPS source
A Death Valley National Park resort employee was rescued on August 13, 2024 after becoming severely dehydrated while hiking Panamint Butte.
Official NPS source
A soft drink delivery truck burned to the ground on CA-190 near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park on August 15, 2024.
Official NPS source
A fire destroyed a travel trailer in Death Valley National Park on August 11, 2024.
Official NPS source
A man died of heat exposure at Natural Bridge Trailhead on August 1, 2024.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park repaired three water system breaks during July 2024, which was the park’s hottest month on record. Fortunately, the Great American Outdoors Act will provide approximately $62 million next year to complete critical upgrades to the park's largest water and wastewater infrastructure systems, which are in the Furnace Creek area.
Official NPS source
July, 2024 was the hottest month ever recorded in Death Valley
Official NPS source
A car caught on fire at Dantes View in Death Valley National Park on Sunday, July 21, 2024. No one was hurt, but the vehicle was destroyed.
Official NPS source
A man was rescued after suffering full-thickness burns on his feet at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Official NPS sourceIn unrelated incidents, two people died in Death Valley National Park on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Official NPS source
Bystanders helped rescue a woman suffering from heat illness in Death Valley National Park on July 18.
Official NPS source
Multiple agencies responded to a truck fire on CA-190 in Death Valley National Park on Monday, July 15. The driver was uninjured, but the stake-bed truck was destroyed in the fire.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park reached at least 125°F (51.7°C) for nine consecutive days, July 4-12, 2024. This was followed by a multiday power outage in part of the park during temperatures above 120°F.
Official NPS source
A small airplane made a successful emergency landing on a road in Death Valley National Park on July 2, 2024. There were no injuries.
Official NPS sourceA group of six motorcyclists experienced heat illness while traveling in extreme temperatures. One motorcyclist died, another was hospitalized, and four others were treated for heat illness.
Official NPS source
Entrance to Death Valley National Park will be free on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
Official NPS source
Rigoberto “RJ” Avina died in a vehicle crash in Death Valley National Park on May 26. Avina had worked for the National Park Service for nearly 3 years but was not on duty at the time of the accident.
Official NPS source
Safe and reliable water is essential in Death Valley National Park, often one of the hottest places on Earth. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund is providing approximately $62 million to complete critical upgrades to the park's water and wastewater infrastructure.
Official NPS source
Park rangers and law enforcement officers successfully rescued a woman May 10 after she left her tour group and spent a night out on a steep, loose ridge near Artists Drive.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are one step closer to replacing Salt Creek Boardwalk. The agencies have funding to replace the boardwalk which was destroyed by a flash flood. The public has an opportunity to comment on the project before it proceeds.
Official NPS sourceA man died in Death Valley National Park on May 19, 2024 after suffering an apparent medical event while driving Artists Drive.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service seeks information about recent damage to a historic salt tram tower in Saline Valley. It appears the 113-year-old tower was pulled over while a person used a winch to extract their vehicle out of deep mud. The damage happened sometime between April 1 and April 24, 2024.
Official NPS source
A tractor trailer carrying hazardous waste caught on fire in Death Valley National Park on April 26. Park rangers extinguished the fire before it reached the truck’s trailer, preventing a potential release of waste into the park.
Official NPS source
Agency biologists are excited to report increased numbers of one of the world’s rarest fishes. Scientists counted 191 Devils Hole pupfish, which is the most fish observed during annual spring season counts in 25 years. This is good news for the critically endangered fish living in Death Valley National Park.
Official NPS source
A 66-year-old man from Gig Harbor, Washington died while hiking with his wife in Death Valley National Park on April 5. The man was about one mile up Mosaic Canyon Trail when he appears to have suffered an acute medical event.
Official NPS source
After eight months of intense work, National Park Service (NPS) employees in Death Valley National Park are celebrating the end of the emergency phase of flood repairs. Emergency repairs were done on several utilities and 1,323 miles of roads inside the park. Steel Pass and Wildrose Charcoal Kilns opened recently.
Official NPS source
A wooden wagon and three housing units were damaged or destroyed in two separate fires at a privately-owned resort within Death Valley National Park.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) recently completed repairs after they were severely damaged and reopened the dirt roads in the “Nevada Triangle” of Death Valley National Park. The newly open roads are in the triangular shaped part of the park that runs into the state of Nevada, near Beatty, NV. These roads have been closed since August after they were damaged by flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary.
Official NPS source
Backcountry/Wilderness permits for popular road-side camping areas and backpacking routes will soon be available to reserve in advance online.
Official NPS source
While a superbloom is not expected throughout Death Valley this year, some locations in the park such as Panamint Valley are blanketed with dense concentrations of bright wildflowers. One of the showiest flowers is desert gold, which has created brilliant patches of yellow blooms. Other wildflower hotspots include Ubehebe Crater and Dantes View. The park’s website has more information on wildflowers.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park will increase fees for developed campgrounds starting on May 1, 2024. Extensive public engagement followed by NPS review led to the determination that the park’s proposed updated campground fees were comparable to fees charged by similar nearby campgrounds.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park has reopened 382 additional miles of roads damaged in August 2023 by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. For over six months, teams have been working on environmental and archeological assessments, emergency repairs and other clean-up to get damaged areas open for the public to visit. This is in addition to the 195 miles of roads that reopened on March 9.
Official NPS source
The NPS recently reopened 195 miles of roads in Death Valley National Park. Emigrant Canyon, West Side, Ibex, Saratoga, and Owlshead Roads had been closed since they were damaged by flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary.
Official NPS source
The temporary opportunity to kayak on Lake Manly has ended. An intense windstorm spread and evaporated the lake. It is no longer physically possible to boat in the lake.
Official NPS source
About 1.1 million people visited Death Valley National Park in 2023. Here’s a snapshot of the work behind the scenes that made those visits possible.
Official NPS source
The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival will return Friday March 1 through Sunday March 3.
Official NPS source
A temporary lake provided a rare opportunity to kayak in Death Valley during February 2024.
Official NPS source
An atmospheric river caused a temporary setback in Death Valley National Park’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Hilary. Most of the park’s primary roads have reopened. The rain enhanced the scenic temporary lake at Badwater Basin.
Official NPS source
Two flood-damaged roads are reopening in Death Valley National Park: Keane Wonder Mine Road and Big Pine – Death Valley Road.
Official NPS source
A semi-truck hauling bottled water caught on fire within Death Valley National Park on January 10.
Official NPS source
Entrance to Death Valley National Park will be free on Monday, January 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park will reopen Beatty Cutoff Road and Mesquite Spring Campground on Friday, January 12. These are the latest steps in the park’s recovery from massive flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary in August.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public comments on a proposed project to rehabilitate the water and wastewater systems in Furnace Creek and Cow Creek within Death Valley National Park. The NPS has funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to rehabilitate the park’s two largest water and wastewater systems.
Official NPS source
Three vehicles illegally drove off road and got stuck in Death Valley National Park recently. The vehicles needed to be towed and the drivers were cited with mandatory court appearances.
Official NPS source
A coyote was struck by a car and killed on Christmas Day in Death Valley National Park. The coyote had been begging for food along Badwater Road near Golden Canyon for the preceding months.
Official NPS source
A 65-hour power outage in Death Valley National Park ended at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 26. The power outage impacted park visitors and 450 residents during the busy Christmas weekend.
Official NPS source
On Saturday, Death Valley National Park will reopen 95 miles of flood-damaged roads. Pockets of wildflowers and cool temperatures make this an ideal time to visit the park.
Official NPS source
On December 12, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that 60 additional miles of backcountry roads in the southern end of Death Valley National Park are now open.
Official NPS source
Portions of Eureka Valley and Saline Valley opened on November 30. These are the most recent portions of Death Valley National Park to reopen after every road in the park was damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary in August.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park continues to repair and reopen flood-damaged roads. Roadside camping is now available along Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, Marble Canyon Road, and Greenwater Valley Road (aka Furnace Creek Wash Road). The free, mandatory camping permits are available at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, same day only.
Official NPS source
Two men were rescued by helicopter after they illegally drove on a closed road in Death Valley National Park. The National Park Service closed Titus Canyon Road temporarily due to hazardous conditions caused by flood damage.
Official NPS source
The southeast entrance to Death Valley National Park is now open. Badwater Road provides direct access from Shoshone, CA to the temporary lake at Badwater Basin.
Official NPS source
Entrance to Death Valley National Park will be free on Veterans Day. A temporary shallow lake at Badwater Basin and an astronomy program make this an ideal time to visit.
Official NPS source
A tractor trailer carrying beehives rolled over on CA-190 in Death Valley National Park on November 5, 2023. The driver and several emergency responders got stung by bees.
Official NPS source
A motorcycle hit a van that braked suddenly to avoid running over a tarantula.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will reopen Mud Canyon Road and Daylight Pass on November 1, 2023. Daylight Pass connects Death Valley National Park to NV-374 and Beatty, NV. Only emergency repairs have been completed, so drivers need to use caution.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park will partially reopen on Sunday, October 15. Visitors will be able enter the park via CA-190 from the west via Lone Pine or from the east via Death Valley Junction. All other park entrances will remain closed.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments by October 25 on proposed fee changes for backcountry permits and campgrounds in Death Valley National Park. The NPS proposes to increase nightly campsite fees by $4 to $8. Some backcountry permits would become reservable in advance on Recreation.gov with a fee.
Official NPS source
Caltrans and the National Park Service (NPS) announced that parts of State Route 190 (CA-190) and Death Valley National Park are tentatively scheduled to reopen on October 15. The only access into the park will be from the west via Lone Pine, CA.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park remains closed, with no estimated reopening date. Crews are working to clear and repair roads.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park is still closed due to major flash flood damage. The park had its rainiest day ever on August 20, receiving more rain than it normally does in an entire year.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park remains closed after the remnants of Hurricane Hilary delivered a year's worth of rain in one day.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park closes due to flooding from Hurricane Hilary.
Official NPS sourceDeath Valley National Park will partially close in anticipation of heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Hilary. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from Saturday, August 19 at 11:00 am and until Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 am.
Official NPS source
The NPS will use $1,600,000 from the Inflation Reduction Act to help preserve historic mining structures at Skidoo and Gem Mill in Death Valley National Park.
Official NPS sourceA tractor trailer’s brakes caught on fire—twice--while descending CA-190 eastbound from Towne Pass on August 10 in the evening. The truck was saved from a complete loss to fire by a report from an off-duty National Park Service (NPS) employee and the response by Death Valley National Park’s rangers with a fire engine.
Official NPS source
Two people got lost driving in Death Valley National Park on July 4, 2023, resulting in one of them being transported to a hospital for heat illness. The two men got their vehicle stuck in the salt flat after driving illegally almost a mile off road. Two Star Towing removed their vehicle from the salt flat on July 27, carefully using a skid steer to minimize additional off-road damage.
Official NPS source
Entrance fees will be waived on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Death Valley National Park and all other National Park Service sites. This is the third anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which is making a huge difference in the protection and enjoyment of national parks and other public lands.
Official NPS sourceA 26-year-old man from Costa Mesa, CA died in a single-vehicle rollover July 22, 2023 on CA-190 between Emigrant Junction and Stovepipe Wells.
Official NPS source
A man died at a trailhead in Death Valley National Park on Tuesday afternoon as temperatures soared to 121°F.
Official NPS source
A tractor trailer crashed in Death Valley National Park on July 17, 2023 releasing emulsified asphalt.
Official NPS source
National Park Service officials are investigating the death of five burros that were discovered shot and killed in Death Valley National Park
Official NPS source
Friends of the Inyo, Death Valley National Park, the Bureau of Land Management, and other conservation organizations will kick off the Latino Conservation Week celebration with an event on July 15 in Bishop, CA. “Naturaleza, Conectividad y Crédito” (“Nature, Connectivity and Credit”) is a free, bilingual event to share the best ways to access and enjoy public lands.
Official NPS sourceA 65-year-old man from the San Diego, CA area was found dead in his vehicle in Death Valley National Park on the morning of July 3, 2023. Extreme heat appears to have caused his death.
Official NPS source
Join us at a job fair in the Eastern Sierra to learn about exciting interagency career opportunities.
Official NPS source
Badwater Road reopened on May 25 after NPS employees moved dirt and rocks off the road and filled in unsafe drop-offs on road edges. “Turn around, don’t drown” during flash floods.
Official NPS source
Firefighters from the National Park Service and Southern Inyo Fire Protection District responded to a truck fire on Highway 190 just outside the east boundary of Death Valley National Park on May 17.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to rehabilitate the water and wastewater systems at Furnace Creek and Cow Creek in 2024. The NPS is seeking public feedback on this project proposal.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) and partners recently removed trash and dangerous chemicals left behind from an illegal marijuana grow site operation in Jail Canyon in Death Valley National Park. Jail Canyon has reopened to public visitation now that the safety closure has been lifted.
Official NPS sourceA 73-year-old man from Las Vegas, NV died in a motorcycle crash in Death Valley National Park around 10:50 am on May 6, 2023.
Official NPS sourceA woman was bitten by a bat with rabies and a coyote was struck by a car recently. Park rangers are reminding the public not to touch, handle, or feed wildlife.
Official NPS source
Death Valley National Park will join national park sites around the country in kicking off National Park Week with free entrance to the park on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Official NPS source
The NPS will only accept credit or debit card payments for camping and entrance fees in Death Valley National Park starting June 1, 2023. This will save $40,000 in cash-handling expenses, which will be redirected to benefit the visiting public.
Official NPS source
Park rangers were dispatched to Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park around 2:30 am on the morning of March 24, 2023 to look for a woman reported missing by her companions. The woman returned around 8:20 am after hiking to a road and hitchhiking.
Official NPS source
This Veteran’s Day join the National Park Service (NPS), the Colonel Charles Young Foundation and the Sequoia Parks Conservancy for a fun event commemorating the legacy of Colonel Charles Young. The portion of State Highway 198 from Salt Creek Road to the Sequoia National Park Entrance in Tulare County has been renamed “Colonel Charles Young Memorial Highway” through state legislation, with new signs in the process of being installed.
Official NPS source