DEATH VALLEY, CA - After January 25th’s continuing resolution to fund the federal government, the full staff of Death Valley National Park are happy to be back at work serving the American people and welcoming visitors. It will take staff some time to reopen all facilities and provide normal services again.
The 3.4-million-acre park never closed during the shutdown, but some facilities and services were closed due to lack of funding. Some facilities were kept open by donations from Death Valley Natural History Association, The Oasis at Death Valley (owned by Xanterra), and Stovepipe Wells Resort (managed by Ortega National Parks).
“We greatly appreciate the generous contributions of park partners who have provided support during the lapse in appropriations," said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Their efforts contributed significantly to our ability to maintain access and limited services to Death Valley National Park during the shutdown."
While most areas of the park are currently open, some campgrounds won’t open until new staff are trained and water systems are operational, tested, and pass inspections.
Campgrounds:
* Sunset, Stovepipe Wells, and Emigrant are open
* Furnace Creek and Texas Springs are scheduled to open 1/31
* Mesquite will open once water system is safe
* Wildrose will open once flood debris is cleared and water system is safe
* Thorndike and Mahogany Flat are closed for the season due to snow
Ranger-guided walks and talks will resume on with 3 to 5 programs daily on Saturday, February 2.
More information can be found at www.nps.gov/deva.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
