Indian Canyons reopens after desert deluge

After nearly a month the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons finally reopened to the public after the Valentine’s Day storm ripped apart roadways and trees, causing incredible damage to the 6,500 acres of tribal lands.

Park staff faced huge repairs and cleanup efforts including removing mud and debris from roads, resurfacing pavement and repairing clogged culverts.

Tribal lands director Ralph Kato said it was the most flood water he’s seen in his 22 years at the canyons. He said records show flood waters moving at record-breaking speeds, as much as 29,000 gallons of water gushing through the canyons per second.

Director of Public Relations Kate Anderson expressed both excitement and relief for the canyons reopening.

“To be open again after a month closure is such a great thing,” Anderson said. “Our crews have been working diligently every single day to get the canyons back to a point where we could reopen.”

Entry lines and parking lots remained steadily busy all day — some tourists entirely unaware Wednesday was the first day open in almost a month. For other regular visitors to the park the reopening was highly anticipated.

“We know people are coming back, they’re enjoying this beautiful scenery and of course these beautiful ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente people,” Anderson said.

Meanwhile Whitewater Canyon Road leading to the preserve remains closed until county officials can make repairs.