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Lost Palms Oasis

FEATURED
Intermediate
  4.2 ( 21 )
FEATURED
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  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
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Trail

7.3 mile 11.8 kilometer out and back
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 1,012' 308 m
Descent: -1,011' -308 m
High: 3,446' 1,050 m
Low: 3,000' 914 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 5% (3°)
Max Grade: 23% (13°)

Dogs

No Dogs
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Trail shared by Thomas Birch

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“A great out-and-back route to the Lost Palms Oasis.”

— Thomas Birch
GPX File

Features Views · Wildlife

Overview

This is an outstanding out-and-back hike through the Colorado Desert in southern Joshua Tree National Park. Known for the beautiful palm trees at the Cottonwood Spring and Lost Palms Oasis, the Lost Palms Oasis has the largest stand of these trees in the park.

Description

The trailhead is located at Cottonwood Spring. After the palms at the springs, the trail climbs toward the southeast through scrub desert. The boulder piles and rocky gullies become more common as the trail continues toward Lost Palms Oasis. At 3.3 miles, there is a spur trail that leads to the right to an overlook with birds-eye views of the green palms. Enjoy a picnic in the cool shade of the palms at the oasis and return by the same trail to Cottonwood Spring.

Flora & Fauna

Palm trees at the springs and oases. Yuccas, cholla cactus, and ocotillos in the desert. Desert bighorn sheep.

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Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Joshua Tree National Park

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Check-Ins

May 29, 2019
Camille Rohrlich
3h 05m
Apr 10, 2019
Rachel Acosta
stunning hike. views to the salton sea. wildflowers on full display. the oasis was worth the effort.
Feb 26, 2019
Andy Chaffin
7mi
Feb 4, 2019
Andrew B
Jan 8, 2019
Kevin Wu
Jan 7, 2019
Lenny Draheim
Dec 28, 2018
Aga Szyman
Dec 25, 2018
Vivek SF
Really great hike. Trail can be hard to follow in places as the rain washes away tracks so it’s easy to stray off trail and not know it! Lots of fu…
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Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 21 votes

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#566

Overall
  4.2 from 21 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Featured Hike Rankings

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#100

in California

#566

Overall
49 Views Last Month
3,907 Since Jan 25, 2016
Intermediate
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Photos

Lost palms are not lost any more. We have found them!
Lost palms are not lost any more. We have found…
 3
Beginning of the Trail
Beginning of the Trail
 4
The Lost Palms Oasis
The Lost Palms Oasis
 3
Descending into Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree.
Descending into Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree.
 2
Lost Palms Oasis Trail / Cottonwood Spring
Lost Palms Oasis Trail / Cottonwood Spring
 2
Lost Palms Oasis Trail / Cottonwood Spring
Lost Palms Oasis Trail / Cottonwood Spring
 2

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