Joshua Tree: Two Wildlife Crossings Planned Along State Route 62
Two wildlife crossings are being studied along State Route 62 near Joshua Tree, and while nothing changes for your visit, the project says a lot.
By Jocelyn Pion,
Good news for the desert's wildlife, and an interesting sign for anyone planning a trip. Two wildlife crossings are planned along State Route 62, in the Mojave Desert, according to Good Good Good News.
This highway does something unusual. It separates Joshua Tree, to the east, from Sand to Snow National Monument, to the west. That splits the natural corridor in two, and animals trying to cross it end up on the pavement. The crossings are meant to let them move from one range to the other without meeting traffic.
The species involved say a lot about how rich this area is. Mountain lions, bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, and bobcats, according to Good Good Good News. For us, it's confirmation that mountain lions and bighorn sheep really do live in the park's area, even if you're unlikely to spot them yourself.
The funding is coming together. The project has pulled in $5.5 million from the California Wildlife Conservation Board in February 2026, then $512,000 from the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy in May 2026, again according to Good Good Good News. Right now it's in phase 1, with technical studies and environmental permits and a goal of reaching 65% design.
As for the timeline, pack some patience. Wildlife surveys run through April 2027, a second phase of roadkill inventory will go until December 2029, and no construction date has been set yet.
In practical terms, nothing changes for your trip today. No closures, no restrictions to expect on the ground. Before you go, the Joshua Tree park guide gives you the useful landmarks, and if you're touring the region over the long haul, our road trip itinerary through this park might give you some ideas.