Park rangers at California’s Death Valley National Park are worried about copycats. No, these aren’t an indigenous species in the park, but rather, visitors who may want to go off-road there. Recently, three vehicles went off-road in the park and got stuck. Their drivers also got stuck—with citations for mandatory court appearances.
Off-road drives can leave damage that lasts years
“Vehicles driving off roads can damage fragile ecosystems and damage archeological sites,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “They also impact the experience of other park visitors. People want to take photographs of the park’s beautiful landscapes without car tracks in the picture, which can last for many years.”
Three days before Christmas, two men in a fancy rental car got stuck on a salt flat near Badwater Basin. The Porsche SUV went off-road and got bogged down 200 yards from the road. Concerned about possible damage from an extrication effort, staff was told they’d need to monitor the tow-out. But the Porsche pair paid no heed, and without park staff on hand, hired a pickup driver to pull the Porsche. Problem? Pickup promptly plunged into the mud. Despite persistent poking and prodding, it was to no avail.
The would-be rescuer’s truck stayed stuck until two days later, when a professional tow company yanked the truck loose. The Porsche people dug holes and laid down traction assist items, and got themselves out of the muck.
And yet another yo-yo off-roads
Two days after Christmas, another “high-end” SUV pulled another off-road stunt. This time, another male of the species drove his BMW over a parking lot curb at the Mesquite Sand Dunes. What could be more fun than off-roading in the dunes? It was fun for about a half-mile, where it became, “Sand 1, BMW 0.” The fancy SUV stayed stuck until getting a tow out the next night.
Apparently, some folks can’t learn from the lessons of others. While rangers were on standby in the parking lot, waiting for the tow truck, they were approached by others. They had a question: How could they drive out on the sand dunes, too?
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You just can’t fix stupid!!
That’s the truth! They should be able to confiscate the vehicles and also give a hefty fine with some jail time. Only way some people learn.
Exactly !!
This isn’t a state crime but a federal crime!
I believe that drivers who violate off road travel laws should pay restitution for damage repair and a fine of many thousands and jail time. This behavior is at least part of the reason for road closures in the Moab utah area.
Jail time removes the violator’s ability to make money to pay the fine. Just sayin’.
And costs us Tax Payers money to incarcerate them.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Oh my! Were both the SUVs rentals and the renters required to leave their brains as collateral?
My understanding is that vehicle rental companies have rules on how and where their vehicles are used. I suspect that there might be evidence on the vehicle when turned in that could result in a financial penalty; let’s hope so. When I was a high school senior, young but not really foolish, for spring break I went to Death Valley with a boyfriend traveling in my recently acquired car. We traveled all the roads that we could find, never off-road, camped various places, left no litter, and thoroughly enjoyed the very alien landscape.
They should impound the vehicles, for keeps, and hefty fines.
Ban them from any State or National parks.
Maybe they will get the hint then?
If they were raised in the country they would know better. I blame the car company commercials that show that their cars will drive anywhere and at any speed. .