DEATH VALLEY (KTNV) — Death Valley National Park officials have reopened the south entrance to the park.
The park has been dealing with cleanup in the aftermath of the Hilary storm system, which hit the area in August. Severe flash floods hit the area and rangers said they received 2.2 inches of rain in one day, which was the park's rainiest day on record. However, they add mountain areas around the park could have received more than six inches of rain.
RELATED LINK: Channel 13 gets tour of storm damage at Death Valley National Park
The Beatty entrance to the park reopened on Nov. 1, as well as Mud Canyon Road and Daylight Pass, which connects the park to NV-374 and Beatty.
On Monday, Death Valley officials said the southeast entrance is now open. Badwater Road provides direct access from Shoshone, California to the temporary lake at Badwater Basin.
Rangers said only emergency repairs have been completed so drivers should use extra caution due to loose gravel. The park's main hikes, campgrounds, and lodging are open via CA-190, Badwater Road, Dantes View Road, and Daylight Pass. However, many of the park's secondary roads and backcountry areas remain closed.
Inyo County graded Greenwater Valley Road. The adjoining Deadman Pass and Gold Valley Roads are opened but have not been maintained. Rangers said conditions on Gold Valley Road may be challenging even for vehicles for 4X4 high clearance.
Death Valley officials also announced that roadside camping is now available along Echo Canyon Road, Hole In The Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, Marble Canyon Road, and Greenwater Valley Road, which is also known as Furnace Creek Wash Road. While camping permits are free, they are also mandatory. They can be picked up at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, same day only.
National Park Service officials are continuing to repair flood damage. You can check the latest conditions here.
