Death Valley During Gov Shutdown

So, I've been planning my first Death Valley trip for awhile, and now the gov is shut down

Planning on just a quick 3 day trip, running Titus Canyon and just doing some camping.

Sounds like anything with a gate or lock will be closed.

Should I postpone the trip? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Yosemite didn't do shit last time during the shutdown and had a lot of stuff open still with select things closed. Best bet is to call them

 

Read the news and park updates online. National parks will be remain open, but all visitor centers, bathrooms, facilities are to be closed. Any facility that closes for the night will remain closed for the shutdown (for example historic buildings). Don’t know what it means for campgrounds.

This is different than previous shutdowns. Your mileage may vary.

 

They usually close the offices so don't be surprised if you call nobody is there to answer the phone.

 

There are essentially no federal government services in Death Valley anyway and about the only gates out there exist for private property. Titus Canyon is also a wonderful trail but be prepared for people traveling in the wrong direction (the direction of travel is from east to west).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASdWMRZL5UU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEnmhoAN3e8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzJa-c_PTvE

Be sure to stop in the Ballarat Freedom Zone and spend some time in Briggs Cabin (in Pleasant Canyon/South Park) as well.

 

Hey I saw it said travel is from east to west, is that a common practice or mandatory?? I'm coming from the west so didn't wanna have to circle to the east entrance unless I had to ??

 

So, there is no gate guard but it is "mandatory" to go from east to west. The canyon is extremely narrow in many places and it is very dangerous to go the wrong direction.

 

Thanks for the response.