Titus Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park will close on October 2nd, 2026, as the National Park Service begins a major project to repair and strengthen the popular backcountry route.
The road has suffered extensive damage from flash flooding in recent years. The upcoming project is expected to continue through May 2027 and will focus on improving drainage, reducing erosion and making the road more resilient to future storms.
Flooding Caused Extensive Damage
Titus Canyon Road was severely damaged by flash flooding in August 2022, with additional flooding causing further damage in 2023. National Park Service crews completed preliminary repairs that included moving large boulders, filling dangerous drop-offs and grading portions of the roadway.
Those temporary repairs allowed the road to reopen this summer, but additional work is now needed to provide more permanent protection against flooding and erosion. The National Park Service says the project is intended to preserve the historic character of Titus Canyon Road while improving reliability and safety for visitors.
Major Road Improvements Planned
Crews will construct rolling dips along sections of the road to help direct stormwater away from the driving surface. Rock material will also be placed at wash crossings and other locations where flowing water can erode or undermine the road.
One of the more significant portions of the project will take place near Red Pass. Crews will stabilize an eroding section of roadway where steep drop-offs and rockfall hazards have developed.
The work will include removing loose rock and excavating portions of the slope above the road. These improvements are expected to increase stability while also widening the roadway in the affected area.
Titus Canyon Road Closure Expected Through Spring
The closure is scheduled to remain in place while construction continues through May 2027. Visitors planning trips to Death Valley National Park should be aware that Titus Canyon Road will not be available during the project.
The road is one of the park’s most popular backcountry drives and provides access through the rugged Titus Canyon landscape. The National Park Service says the improvements are intended to reduce future flood damage while maintaining access to the area for years to come.
More information about flooding in Death Valley is available from the National Park Service.