Flooding in Joshua Tree National Park has caused damage and left at least one popular trail. According to the National Park Service, the Oasis of Mara trail is now closed.
Park officials announced the closure on Monday.
Recent summer monsoons caused flooding in Joshua Tree and created “severe erosion” along the paved trail. In some parts, the path now has steep drops, making the trail dangerous for visitors.
While the trail is only a half mile long, it remains popular for multiple reasons. First, it’s a paved loop, which makes it accessible for just about any visitor to the park. The path is also located right behind the park’s east entrance, near the town of Twentynine Palms. Many visitors enjoy a walk there to start their Joshua Tree experience.
The trail is closed until repairs can be made. But the area’s history makes the work a little more complex.
“The oasis is culturally and spiritually important to the Maara’yam (Serrano) people, who are represented by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and to and the Chemehuevi people of the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians,” a press release stated. “The oasis was first settled by the Serrano, who called it ‘Maara.’”
The word has a few meanings, including former home and bitter water. In order to work in the area, the NPS will consult with the associated tribes.
Flooding in Joshua Tree
Monsoons are common this time of year in Joshua Tree, and visitors should check the weather forecast before arriving. Small amounts of rain in the desert can quickly turn into flooding in Joshua Tree and other areas.
Along with keeping an eye out for storms, drivers also need to be aware of the dangers of moving water. Cars and people have been swept away in the past, and experts warn visitors never to drive through water in the park.