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Starting today, August 7, 2023, the Forty-nine Palms Trail and Oasis will be closed to the public until October 1. This is to ensure that the bighorn sheep in the area have access to surface water without disturbance, as the park is currently experiencing drought conditions. The closure will remain in effect until enough rainfall increases water availability. The park's wildlife biologists will be monitoring the situation closely.

If you plan to hike in the park, please know that other trails are still available, but extreme caution is advised. All hikes are recommended to begin at or before sunrise and end by 10 am or begin after 5 pm to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Temperatures in exposed areas of the park can reach over 120°F (49°C) in the shade, leading to serious health risks like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and even death.

For more information on visiting Joshua Tree National Park during the summer heat, please visit the following website: Visiting in Summer - Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Source Pam Price