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Lost Palms Oasis

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (31)
  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

  4.2 from 31 votes

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#510

Overall
  4.2 from 31 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
61%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Joshua Tree National Park

#80

in California

#510

Overall
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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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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 48 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 28, 2024
Mei-Jun Yeh
Oct 25, 2023
Andy Pak
Oct 21, 2023 3.5mi — 1h 27m
Feb 4, 2023
Peder Bisbjerg
Do the complete loop and descend to the far end of the wash at Lost Palms Oasis, that is the fun part of the hike. 9mi — 4h 00m
Apr 10, 2022
Eric Burke
Nov 12, 2021
Maria Lopez Ruiz
Apr 27, 2021
Christine Roselli
Feb 27, 2021
Tom Herr
Beautiful out-and-back to desert oasis with a grouping of fan palms. Loose trail that goes through a number of narrow washes. 7.3mi
Feb 8, 2021
Mike Nugent
Up to Mastodon loop 0.7mi — 15h 00m

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