NPS / Robert Zuniga Joshua Tree National Park has completed the construction of its new entrance station on the border of the park in the community of Joshua Tree, replacing the old entrance station. The new entrance is built less than one half mile south of the current one and further inside the park. The station includes two inbound lanes, one outbound lane, and one bypass lane in each direction. The project was funded by fee dollars collected at park entrance stations. Construction of this $5 million capital improvement project has been awarded to L&J Building Co. LLC based out of Missouri. West Entrance Construction Updates2/4/2026 - The new West Entrance construction is complete! The park had an opening ceremony with park staff, partners and stakeholders. Exiting vehicles may turn around at Quail Springs Picnic Area. Entering vehicles may turn around at the current west entrance station, but this is not advised due to an expected backup of traffic. Visitors may enter or exit the park using the north entrance station in Twentynine Palms or the Cottonwood entrance at the park’s south boundary. Park staff will place signs along Highway 62, along Park Boulevard, and within the park alerting visitors to this temporary change in traffic pattern. Exiting vehicles may turn around at Quail Springs Picnic Area and entering vehicles may turn around at the current west entrance station; however, this is not advised due to an expected backup of traffic. All other park roads are expected to remain open.
Park staff will place signs along Highway 62, along Park Boulevard, and within the park alerting visitors to this temporary change in traffic pattern. Exiting vehicles may turn around at Quail Springs Picnic Area and entering vehicles may turn around at the current west entrance station; however, this is not advised due to an expected backup of traffic. This closure is necessary for crews to prepare the area for paving as the new entrance station is constructed. Crews will be cutting into the road to run utilities to the new entrance station location and to adjust the grade of the road. All other park roads are expected to remain open. 3/5/25 - The bypass lane is currently being constructed. Frequently Asked Questions
The new entrance will be able to better serve the Park’s growing visitation and improve local access for residents living in the adjacent neighborhoods. There has been a dramatic 194% increase in vehicle traffic at West Entrance over the last 10 years. In 2023, 515,603 vehicles passed through the entrance, which is approximately 1.2 million visitors. This project will improve the visitor experience and local community experience by reducing wait times at West Entrance and the length of entry lines along Park Boulevard.
This project was funded by Joshua Tree National Park fee dollars to meet visitor needs and improve the visitor experience. The construction will not cause an increase in fees.
Public Scoping for this project occurred 8/18 - 9/17/21. Public Scoping is the first phase of a formal planning process in which the public is engaged. The park notified the public of the proposed action and a range of alternatives, and the public was invited to comment. This allows the public an opportunity to provide information regarding concerns and to provide additional information that they believed should be considered during the planning process. Public comment period on the Draft Environmental Assessment occurred 2/09 - 3/11/22. After public scoping, the park developed a Draft Environmental Assessment, on which the public commented. The Finding of No Significant Impact was signed by the Regional Director on 3/25/2022.
More information can be found on the NPS Park Planning website using project ID 83105
B-roll of the groundbreaking ceremony is avaliable upon request by emailing jotr_public_affairs@nps.gov.
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Last updated: March 19, 2026