NPS seeks visitor responsible for damaging Death Valley structure

Caroline Bleakley

Updated: May 15, 2024 / 08:59 AM CDT

The Saline Valley Salt Tram tower in Death Valley prior to being damaged. (Credit: NPS)

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The 113-year-old piece of Death Valley history was damaged last month, and National Park officials are asking for the public’s help finding the person responsible.

Officials say it appears a driver went off road in Saline Valley between April 1 and 24 and used an old salt tram tower to help pull the vehicle free from mud. Photos show the structure left toppled and resting on its side.

*The National Park Service said the Saline Valley Salt Tram tower in Death Valley was damaged after someone used it as an anchor to pull out a vehicle stuck in the mud. (Credit: NPS)*

The Saline Valley Salt Company built the 13-mile aerial tram to transport salt from Saline Valley to Owens Valley in 1911. The tramway, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, climbed more than 7,000 feet at steep vertical grades.

“I have hiked along sections of this tramway, and am amazed by the tenacity it took to build,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “I hope the person responsible for this damage will contact us so we can discuss restitution.”

Park rangers found vehicle tracks near Tram Tower 1 near the Saline Valley lakebed. Rangers believe someone used the tower as an anchor to pull the vehicle out of the mud.

Before this damage, the National Park Service had a project planned to stabilize the tram towers. It is not known yet if that money can be used to repair the tower.

Park rangers ask that anyone with information on this incident, contact the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009 or go to this link.