***Update to the original post*** The closures have now been lifted. Pinto Basin Road and the South Entrance are open for vehicle traffic. Cottonwood campground is open for campers. The Cottonwood visitor center resumes normal business hours on August 10. . . . . . ⛔️Road Closure Alert⛔️ On August 8th, Joshua Tree received heavy monsoon rainfall in the southern portion of the park. Due to flood damage to the roads, the following are temporarily closed: -Pinto Basin Road between the South Entrance (Cottonwood) and Turkey Flats -Cottonwood Visitor Center and Campground Park staff have evacuated all visitors from the southern portion of the park, and will keep the South Entrance and portions of Pinto Basin Road closed until further notice. All facilities and roadways in the northern portion of the park will remain open for visitors to use. Those enjoying their trips into the park should drive cautiously and keep an eye out for debris and wildlife like tortoises grabbing a drink from puddles in the road. 🐢 Our road crews are working hard to assess the situation and clear the roads, but there are more storms in the forecast for the next few days that could potentially affect progress. Up-to-date closure information can be found on our website. https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm Remember, although the desert is a dry climate, flash floods during monsoon season can quickly turn deadly. Always check the weather forecast before entering the park. If you encounter flash flooding on the road, turn around and don't drown! ⚠️ Video by: NPS/Alex Snay