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 center 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 kilometer) 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.
Copyright AP - Associated Press