You are here

Home » Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park Also Suffering From Flooding, Rockslides

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park Also Suffering From Flooding, Rockslides

Share

Published Date

September 9, 2013

A series of potent storms Saturday pounded Timpanogos National Monument, blocking roads with rockslides and sending torrents down creeks. Rangers spent Sunday and Monday working to clear the "rock trap" that is designed to keep rocks from falling on a trail leading to the monument's caves. NPS photos.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Utah and Joshua Tree National Park in California, like North Cascades National Park in Washington state, are dealing with flooding and rockslide problems.

Though the timing of the weather-related problems were overlapping at the three parks, different storms were behind the problems.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument remained closed Monday while rangers worked to clear large amounts of rock and debris from the cave trail and the “rock trap,” a rock-fall attenuation fence above the trail.

Anyone having purchased tickets for cave tours today will be refunded or rescheduled at their discretion.

Rangers had hoped to complete clean-up efforts by noon on Monday, but after climbing up to the “rock trap,” a large steel mesh curtain above a set of concrete and steel walls, they found it was full of debris from Saturday afternoon storms and would not effectively stop further rock falls until it was cleaned and reset, a process which will take much of the afternoon.

Currently, State Route 92 in American Fork Canyon is open to traffic, and the monument’s Swinging Bridge Picnic area and visitor center are open.

You can see additional photos of the damage at Timpanogos at the park's Facebook page.

At Joshua Tree, park officials say a portion of the park loop road remains closed due to a storm event that also occurred this past Saturday.

"Significant debris is still blocking portions of the road, and some road damage has occurred. The section from the north entrance, nearest the Oasis Visitor Center to the turn-off to Cottonwood will remain closed until further notice," a park release said. "Queen Valley dirt roads and Keys Ranch Road also remain closed due to flooding and storm damage."

An assessment of the area Sunday revealed additional damage to both Jumbo Rocks Campground and Geology Tour Road. Both are closed for repair. Bell and White Tank campgrounds have been opened to accommodate campers.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Random Walker on September 9, 2013 - 3:28pm.

Seems to me it is the "human" that is suffering. The parks themselves are fine, doing what comes naturally...


Submitted by ecbuck on September 9, 2013 - 5:34pm.

Like


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.