DEATH VALLEY, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Park rangers are looking for the off-roaders who recently damaged rare plants found only in Death Valley National Park.
The National Park Service says a white 2021 Toyota Tacoma illegally entered the Eureka Dunes on December 17, 2025, and left more than five miles of tracks across the dunes.
At least two people were in the truck when it was photographed driving on the dunes.
Their driving damaged or destroyed at least 74 plants, including one Shining Milkvetch, a rare species found only on the sand dunes within Death Valley.
Tracks also passed close enough to other rare plants that its weight might have caused root damage.
“Eureka Dunes are a special place meant to be enjoyed on foot only,” Superintendent Mike Reynolds said in a statement. “They are protected from off-road driving by both park regulations and their designation as wilderness. Please help us identify those responsible for damaging these fragile resources. Some of the plants affected grow nowhere else on earth.”
Park officials say the pickup truck had California license plates, an equipment rack in the truck bed, and a black Fox Racing cover on the tailgate.
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip to the National Park Service Tip Line at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, by email at nps_isb@nps.gov, or by calling 888-653-0009.
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