49 Palm Oasis Hike
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49 Palm Oasis Hike
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Popular with locals, the 49 Palm Oasis hike climbs over a small pass then descends to emerge onto a quaint oasis. Count the palms – there should be 49 of them!
Getting there
From Joshua Tree Town, drive east along Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway) for just under 11.0mi. Turn right onto Canyon Rd. with signs towards 49 Palms Canyon. Follow this road for under two miles. Note that after driving roughly 1.0mi, there will be a fork – stay left here on Canyon Road. Find the moderately sized parking lot at the end of the road.
About
| When to do | Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
49 Palm Oasis Hike
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for 49 Palm Oasis Hike
Find the trailhead on the right side of the parking lot. You will immediately start to gain elevation from the very beginning of the trail. The path will start to veer left as you climb up the side of one of the many small mountains that are dotted along the park.
Continue climbing until you reach a small point. Here you should look back for stunning views of 29 Palms as well as many of the other small mountains in the area. From here the trail veers sharply to the right and flattens out a little bit.
You will traverse along this small ridgeline for a little ways until you crest a small notch. Here you will get your first views down towards the canyon that holds the 49 Palms Oasis. The sheer black steep sided walls of this narrow gully are very interesting, and provide a stark contrast to the pale desert sand which most of the park consists off.
The trail will start to descend sharply as you near the oasis. Soon the small clump of stunning palm trees will come into view! Once you arrive at the oasis they will provide welcome shade, allowing you to rest in preparation for your way back.
Insider Hints
The shade of the oasis yield a surprisingly nice picnic area, seldom found in the park.
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Francine Robertson 4 years ago
This hike is so beautiful. Enjoyed the experience and learned a lot.
supermario 4 years ago
It was amazing! We saw lots of jack rabbits and a coyote.
MichaelShulman 4 years ago
Hiking here is relaxing and peaceful.
Yael M. 4 years ago
Something about the narrow gully feels so ancient. This place is intriguing. I wonder how long has it been there.
Stevie M 4 years ago
I'd rate this hike as moderately difficult due to the meandering dirt trail that becomes very rocky at times and there is hardly any shade. Trails are not clearly marked but I overall enjoyed this hike since the views exemplifies the beauty of the desert.
analee 5 years ago
The most relaxing place on Joshua Tree. There are plenty of shades to cool down and rest.
psalm 5 years ago
It was a nice place to rest in the middle of the desert, Plenty of shades to cool down too.
Bill Parks 5 years ago
I was impressed by how cool it was under the shades!
maya konataka 5 years ago
The oasis looks cools! Aside from it the rest of the surrounding were pretty boring.
lemontree 5 years ago
Perhaps the coolest place in the desert. I mean it.