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Lost Palms Oasis

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (25) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
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“A great out-and-back route to the Lost Palms Oasis. ”

Thomas Birch
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Map Key

7.3

Miles

11.8

KM

Out and Back

3,446' 1,050 m

High

3,000' 914 m

Low

1,012' 308 m

Up

1,011' 308 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Joshua Tree National Park

Shared By:

Thomas Birch
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 25 votes

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#475

Overall
  4.3 from 25 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
64%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#83

in California

#475

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Photos

Lost palms are not lost any more. We have found them!
Mar 6, 2017 near Coachella, CA
Beginning of the Trail
Mar 29, 2018 near Indio, CA
The Lost Palms Oasis
Mar 29, 2018 near Coachella, CA
Looking down on Lost Palms Oasis from above.
Mar 16, 2018 near Coachella, CA
Descending into Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree.
Jan 26, 2016 near Coachella, CA
Lost Palms Oasis Trail / Cottonwood Spring
Jan 26, 2016 near Indio, CA

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All Clear 47 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 8, 2020
Danielle F
2h 40m
Mar 8, 2020
Michelle F
Jan 7, 2020
Percival Xu
Dec 24, 2019
Gretchen Kreutz
2h 45m
Dec 1, 2019
Christine Anderson
Back in the dark, moonlight was amazing with the yucca! 7.9mi — 2h 45m
Nov 23, 2019
Brynna cadman
Beautiful e
Oct 20, 2019
Samo Beroe
7.3mi — 13h 30m
Oct 6, 2019
Sam Veatch
5h 00m

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