DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Titus Canyon Road, a popular backcountry route within Death Valley National Park, is scheduled to close on October 2 as the National Park Service begins substantial repair work. The project aims to strengthen the road and improve its resilience after extensive damage from flash flooding in August 2022 and additional flooding in 2023. Work on the road is expected to continue through May 2027.
The closure will allow crews to address vulnerabilities and improve infrastructure along the historic drive. Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed the National Park Service's pleasure "to begin work to improve Titus Canyon Road." He noted that the improvements would help protect the road from future storm damage, preserve its historic character, and provide reliable access to this special place.
Titus Canyon Road experienced severe damage from flash flooding in August 2022, with additional flooding occurring in 2023. Following these events, National Park Service crews completed preliminary repairs, which included moving boulders, filling drop-offs, and grading the roadway. These initial efforts allowed the road to temporarily reopen earlier this summer.
The upcoming extensive work will focus on improving drainage, reducing erosion, and fortifying sections particularly susceptible to storm damage. Plans include the construction of rolling dips, designed to direct stormwater away from the roadway, thereby mitigating future erosion. Additionally, crews will place rock material at wash crossings and other locations where flowing water has the potential to undermine the road’s structure.
A key part of the project will address an eroding section of roadway near Red Pass. This area currently presents steep drop-offs and rockfall hazards. To improve stability and safety, crews will remove loose rock and excavate portions of the slope above the road. This work also aims to widen the roadway in this precarious section.
The comprehensive repair effort is designed to achieve multiple objectives for Titus Canyon Road. These include making the road more resilient to future storm events, enhancing overall safety for visitors, and significantly reducing damage caused by flooding. The National Park Service emphasizes the importance of these improvements in maintaining access to a special place within Death Valley National Park while safeguarding its natural and historic integrity.
The National Park Service, established in 1916, is tasked with preserving America’s natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. The work on Titus Canyon Road aligns with this mission by ensuring continued access to one of Death Valley's treasured backcountry experiences.
