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Crowds Flocking To Death Valley National Park Despite Government Shutdown

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Published Date

December 25, 2018
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Dec 23, 2018/NPS

Traffic was busy this past Sunday at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park/NPS

Though the government shutdown has affected visitor services across the National Park System, tourists wanting to visit Death Valley National Park don't seem to care as visitation is robust this week.

Part of the reason could be that lodgings in the park are privately operated and remain open in full operation. And most roads and hiking areas in Death Valley National Park remain accessible to the public.

But if you go to Death Valley during the government shutdown, be careful out there, as emergency and rescue services are limited. Two areas in the park, Salt Creek and Natural Bridge, have been closed for resource protection. 

Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the National Park Service is not providing visitor services such as trash collection, restrooms, facility maintenance, or public information. Due to the lack of services, visitors are advised to use extreme caution when entering the park. Visitors are also asked to take trash with them and help keep their park clean.   

The winter holidays are one of the busiest times in Death Valley. Parking lots at popular destinations such as Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater are overflowing with cars. By the end of Sunday, two days into the shutdown, piles of trash surrounded trash cans.

Visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds are not being asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action. Visitors holding campground reservations should be aware that there is no guarantee their reserved campsite will be ready and available should they arrive during a government shutdown.

 

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