Cottonwood Spring Oasis [Suggest Edits]

Description

Cottonwood Spring is a desert oasis and once was a long standing center for goods processing in the Joshua Tree area— mortars and ollas used by the Cahuilla Indians for centuries can be found in the area. There are massive fan palms towering 30 ft. high, and the oasis is located only a short hike from some of the mines.

Several hikes originate here; in years of heavy rain (rare as they may be now), you can see the amphibians of Cottonwood Wash with the potential for goats. The area boasts some of the best views in the park on the Mastadon Peak Loop or you can head to the similarly great watering hole Lost Palms Oasis.

You'll need to stay on trails as the spring has been poisoned from the years of mining and still attracts swarms of bees.

For more information on the history of Cottonwood Spring, click here.

Short Walk: The oasis is located just past the Cottonwood Spring Ranger Station on Cottonwood Spring RD or south of the campground on Mastadon Loop. Like most spots in the park, don't run your cars AC as this will attract bees.

Gem Type: Other