News Release

West Entrance to Close for December 3-5 Construction

Date: December 1, 2025
Contact: JOTR info, 760-367-5500

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.–The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Dec. 3 through 6 p.m., Dec. 5. Park Boulevard will also close to vehicle traffic for six miles from the west entrance to Quail Springs Picnic Area. This closure includes the Maze Loop and Bigfoot trailhead parking areas. Visitors may not drive to or park at these trailheads during the closure. All other park roads are expected to remain open. 

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.

The north entrance station is most accessible for visitors traveling on Highway 62. It is 25 miles east of the west entrance station and adds less than 20 minutes of driving time.

“I’m happy to share that the west entrance project is in its final phase,” said Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers. “We appreciate the patience of our neighbors and visitors during construction and look forward to welcoming visitors at the new entrance booths soon.”

Visitors can access construction updates on our website.

Park rangers encourage visitors to recreate responsibly in their vehicles by observing posted speed limits and driving only on designated roads. Visitors can prepare for their visit by:

• Purchasing an entrance pass ahead of time and being prepared to show their pass at the entrance station

• Downloading the NPS App for trip planning and park alerts

• Checking the park website for current conditions, restrictions, closures, and more