Twentynine Palms, California - The Pinto Basin Road is reopened after road crews worked for two days clearing mud, sand, rocks and debris caused by heavy rainfall over the weekend. At this time, all paved roads are open in the park. Box Canyon Rd. from Mecca provides access to Cottonwood Springs off the I-10. Park officials are discouraging visitors from travel on improved dirt roads until they have had time to absorb excess water and road crews have had the opportunity to survey for possible road hazards.

It is advised to check with park staff about conditions.

In addition, the park superintendent has also reopened the 49 Palms Oasis to hikers from the trailhead all the way to the oasis. The oasis had been closed to visitors for several weeks due to drought conditions in order to allow bighorn sheep access to water. Barker Dam, Smith Water Canyon, Cow Camp and other areas in the park have measurable volume thanks to much needed rain over the weekend.