Joshua Tree sees crowds despite government shutdown

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – The gates of Joshua Tree National Park have remained open despite the partial federal government shutdown and crowds of visitors have been rolling in without having to pay $30 per vehicle.

The visitor centre and restrooms are closed and services including trash collection have been disrupted.

But the Los Angeles Times reports rangers are still patrolling the 1,235-square-mile (3,199-square kilometre) desert park, which has seen winter visitation soar in recent years.

Ranger Dylan Moe says it’s a little disorderly but rangers haven’t seen any blatant disregard for law and order.

Joshua Tree sprawls over parts of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts northeast of Palm Springs.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/