Death Valley National Park Names New Chief Ranger

Death Valley National Park has announced Philip Johnson as its new Chief Ranger, a position that comes at a pivotal moment as the park confronts increasingly extreme weather patterns driven by climate change. Johnson will lead the Visitor and Resource Protection program, which oversees law enforcement, fee collection, emergency medical services, structure fire response, and search and rescue operations across the 3.4-million-acre park.
Although the record-breaking summer of 2024 has passed, its impact lingers. This year, Death Valley officially recorded its hottest meteorological summer (June-August) in history, with an average 24-hour temperature of 104.5°F (40.3°C), breaking previous records set in 2021 and 2018. July alone saw the hottest month ever recorded at the Furnace Creek weather station—and on Earth. Temperatures spiked as high as 129.2°F (54°C) and stayed above 125°F (51.7°C) for nine consecutive days. Even nightfall offered little relief, with temperatures frequently staying above 100°F.
These unprecedented conditions have added extra pressure on Death Valley’s rangers, who responded to numerous heat-related incidents this summer, including two fatalities. Despite the dangers, the park remains a major draw for visitors from around the world, many eager to experience its unique and extreme environment. However, park officials are doubling down on warnings, urging visitors to exercise extreme caution as extreme heat is likely to continue in the years to come.
Johnson’s arrival marks a new chapter for the park’s protection services. Last year, the Visitor and Resource Protection staff responded to 84 requests for assistance, 98 medical emergencies, 17 search and rescue operations, 26 motor vehicle accidents, 16 fire incidents, and 628 law enforcement patrol contacts. The challenges are growing, with heat emergencies placing increasing demands on the team.
“I am looking forward to working with the incredible Death Valley team, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, park partners, and cooperating agencies to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources for future generations,” Johnson said. “Our focus moving forward is to enhance our preventative search and rescue program, upgrade fee collection technology, continue rehabilitating park campgrounds, and increase support for our patrol rangers.”
Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed confidence in Johnson’s leadership, saying, “I’m thrilled to have Philip Johnson at Death Valley permanently. He is a calm and collaborative leader who brings a tremendous breadth of skills and experience. I believe his approachable nature will strengthen our relationships with the many partners that help the park during emergencies.”
Johnson’s experience in the National Park Service includes leadership roles at Yosemite and Devils Postpile National Monument. He is also a two-time recipient of the Department of the Interior Valor Award for exceptional service.
With extreme heat events predicted to become more common, Death Valley National Park continues to urge visitors to take necessary precautions, including staying close to air-conditioned vehicles, drinking plenty of water, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illness. As Johnson and his team work to protect both visitors and the park’s precious resources, Death Valley remains a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change on our natural landscapes.
Johnson, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in geography, will be joined at Death Valley by his wife Janet and their two children, Pearl and Jude.