With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Joshua Tree closes some trails for the July 4th holiday due to heat
Joshua Tree National Park.
(
David McNew
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
Joshua Tree, like most of California, is dealing with extreme temperatures, meaning visitors to the national park this Independence Day weekend can expect some trail closures and a fire ban.
How hot will it be?: Afternoon temperatures are expected to range between 101 and 118 degrees until early next week.
The National Parks Service recommended that people stay indoors. If you must visit the park, officials said to stay hydrated and take longer, more frequent breaks. Older adults and children are more vulnerable to extreme heat and should be checked on.
Sponsored message
Where are the closures?: The Covington Flats area is closed to the public, according to NPS. The area, including its hiking trails and roads, is expected to reopen July 8.
It’ll be a good idea to check the NPS official app before visiting a trail to get the latest on park updates, according to officials who warn that other third-party hiking apps might not be accurate.
Extra reminders: Fire is banned on park grounds until October. Camp and grill fires are allowed off site with some exceptions. Smoking is not allowed within 10 feet of vegetation and cigarette butts must be disposed of properly. And it goes without saying, fireworks and explosives are not allowed in the park.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
