Death Valley National Park is asking the public for help in identifying those responsible for illegally driving off-road on Eureka Dunes on December 17th, 2025. According to the National Park Service, more than 5 miles of unauthorized vehicle tracks were found that significantly damaged rare and sensitive desert plants.
“Eureka Dunes are a special place meant to be enjoyed on foot. They are protected from off-road driving by both park regulations and their designation as wilderness. Please help us identify those responsible for damaging these fragile resources. Some of the plants affected grow nowhere else on earth.” – Superintendent Mike Reynolds.
At least 74 plants were damaged or destroyed in the incident, including one rare Shining Milkvetch, a species found only on the sand dunes of Death Valley. Vehicle tracks passed close enough to several other rare plants that it’s possible the weight of the truck may have caused underground root damage.
The vehicle involved appears to have been a white 2021 Toyota Tacoma with California license plates, an equipment rack in the truck bed, and a black Fox Racing® cover on the tailgate. At least two people were in the truck when it was photographed driving on the dunes.
Those with information about the incident are asked to report it anonymously to the National Park Service Tip Line at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, by email at nps_isb@nps.gov, or by calling 888-653-0009.
