The National Park Service has put forth a proposal to repair sections of South Eureka Valley Road and improve the Eureka Dunes backcountry campground in Death Valley National Park. The unpaved road and surrounding infrastructure were damaged during recent flooding events, including storms associated with Hurricane Hilary in 2023. Temporary repairs allowed the road to reopen, but some sections remain narrow and unstable.
The proposed project would improve visitor safety, restore the road corridor, and help protect sensitive desert resources near Eureka Dunes.
At approximately 680 feet tall, Eureka Dunes are the tallest sand dunes in California and are designated as a National Natural Landmark. The area supports several rare plant species that can be harmed by off-road vehicle use. Flood damage and deep sand deposits along the road have led some drivers to bypass difficult sections, creating unauthorized vehicle tracks outside the roadway.
To address these issues, the National Park Service is considering actions that include:
- Adding aggregate to soft road sections
- Regrading portions of the roadway to improve drainage
- Installing berms to discourage off-road driving
- Repairing deep sand areas that trap vehicles
- Installing informational signage
The proposal also includes potential improvements to the Eureka Dunes backcountry campground, including rehabilitating flood-damaged and
visitor-caused overuse, and reconfiguring the current developed area to separate day and overnight use areas, with clearer delineations to prevent
disturbances. The changes would enhance recreational opportunities and reduce visitor impacts on sensitive natural and cultural resources.
The public can review the proposal and provide comments at: parkplanning.nps.gov/EurekaPlanning
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