This 7.4-mile out-and-back rolls over hills dotted with spiky yuccas, ocotillos, and cactus before dropping into the lush Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park.
Home to the largest stand of fan palms in Joshua Tree National Park, the Lost Palms Oasis is a refreshing reward for hikers on this 7.4-mile desert trek. Starting near the southern border of the park at Cottonwood Spring Trailhead, the hike climbs to the southeast through scrub-covered desert. Watch for hummingbirds that dart around the surrounding yuccas, chollas, and ocotillos. (In early summer, red flower clusters adorn the tips of the ocotillo plants.)
Massive boulder piles and rocky gullies become more common as the trail nears Lost Palms Oasis. At mile 2.3, turn right into a wash and follow the sandy trail through a maze-like wall of rocks. Next, descend into a small canyon lined with gullies and gorges and continue hiking southeast. One mile later, turn right onto a short spur trail that leads to bird's-eye views of the green, shaggy-topped fan palms. After 3.5 miles, a short, downward scramble drops down to the oasis, a prime spot for picnicking and bouldering. After relaxing at the oasis, retrace the route back to the trailhead.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Indio, CA, take I-10 E about 25 miles to the Cottonwood Springs Road exit. Follow it north 7 miles to the Cottonwood Visitor Center. Turn right and follow Cottonwood Spring Road just over 1 mile to the parking area and trailhead.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Lost Palms Oasis
Dist: 3.68 mi
Points: 361
Calories: none
Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
LPO001
Location: 33.736916°, -115.810656°
Cottonwood Spring: Once an important water-gathering spot for Cahuilla Indians and prospectors, the spring here now lures birdwatchers hoping to catch glimpses of ravens, slickers, cactus wrens, and hooded orioles.
LPO002
Location: 33.735264°, -115.807595°
Pass the first trail sign and continue southeast.
LPO003
Location: 33.731612°, -115.801445°
Stay straight at 3-way junction. The Mastodon Peak Trail veers to the left.
LPO004
Location: 33.729580°, -115.797002°
Hike past the one mile marker.
LPO005
Location: 33.729434°, -115.795509°
A precariously perched rock can be seen on the left. Continue hiking southeast through a desert landscape of rocks, shrubs, and cacti.
LPO006
Location: 33.722359°, -115.783560°
Pass a "Mile 2" marker, then meander southeast past the surrounding ridges and rock piles.
LPO007
Location: 33.719485°, -115.777788°
Turn right to follow a wash. The sandy trail winds through a craggy, maze-like wall of rocks.
LPO008
Location: 33.719389°, -115.777630°
Follow signs leading out of wash. The trail soon descends into a small canyon lined with gullies and gorges.
LPO009
Location: 33.715487°, -115.768240°
Tricky stretch: When you reach a ridge above a narrow gully, turn right off the ridge and drop onto a rock-bordered path. From here, the trail rolls across a series of hills and gullies.
LPO010
Location: 33.712614°, -115.764978°
There's no camping beyond this day-use sign. Bighorn sheep and other wildlife drink from the springs at night.
LPO011
Location: 33.712573°, -115.764452°
Look down the canyon for a first glimpse of the green, shaggy-topped fan palms. Before scrambling down to the oasis, turn right at 3-way to visit an overlook with bird's-eye views of the palms.
LPO012
Location: 33.712248°, -115.762895°
Take in the scene, then backtrack to Waypoint 11 and turn right. Descend 650 feet to Lost Palms Oasis.
LPO013
Location: 33.712817°, -115.762776°
Lost Palms Oasis: This peaceful oasis contains the largest number of fan palms in the park. When you're ready, turn around and follow the same route back to Cottonwood Spring.
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