Death Valley National Park

Overview

Death Valley National Park remains open but has experienced significant challenges from repeated flash flooding events throughout 2024-2025. The park received 0.6 inches of rain in mid-November 2025—over a quarter of its annual rainfall in one day—causing extensive road damage. Several roads that had just reopened after late-summer flood repairs were immediately closed again. As of late December 2025, major roads like North Highway, Artists Drive, Ubehebe Crater Road, and several others have recently reopened after intensive repair work by NPS crews from multiple parks. However, some roads remain closed including Titus Canyon Road, Scotty's Castle Road, Badwater Road (entire length), West Side Road, and others. Emigrant Canyon Road is closed for major flood-protection construction through early March 2025, cutting off access to Wildrose areas, Charcoal Kilns, and Telescope Peak Trail. Heavy rainfall was predicted for late December which could cause new closures. Main travel routes like CA-190, CA-178, Daylight Pass, and Dante's View remain accessible. The park's steep rocky terrain creates dangerous flash flood conditions with fast-moving debris flows. Visitors should check nps.gov/deva for real-time road status before traveling and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Despite the flooding challenges, most key attractions remain accessible and the park's winter season offers excellent temperatures for exploration.