Where is the Lost Palms Oasis Trailhead?

The Lost Palms Oasis Trailhead is located at the Cottonwood Spring parking area in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park. Use the trailhead address: Cottonwood Spring, Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.

What gear should I bring for the Lost Palms Oasis hike?

Bring regular hiking gear, 3L of water, hiking boots, sun protection, and a GPS unit with the GPX file loaded. Avoid hiking in the hot summer months as there is no shade or protection from the sun.

How difficult is the Lost Palms Oasis hike?

The hike to Lost Palms Oasis is a moderate desert hike. The trail is not steep but involves undulations through desert ridges and washes. It’s about 3.6 miles one way with a gradual climb, and it can be challenging in the heat.

What can I expect to see on the Lost Palms Oasis hike?

On the hike, you'll see the park's largest grove of California fan palm trees tucked in a hidden canyon, expansive desert views, and a unique desert landscape. The oasis is a critical water source for wildlife, including bighorn sheep.

How long is the Lost Palms Oasis hike?

The Lost Palms Oasis Trail is approximately 3.6 miles one way. The round-trip hike is around 7.2 miles and typically takes 3-4 hours depending on your pace and stops.

What is the best time to hike the Lost Palms Oasis Trail?

The best time to hike is early in the morning or during the cooler months of the year. The trail is exposed with no shade, making it extremely hot in summer. Arrive early for the best experience and parking.

Are there camping options near the Lost Palms Oasis Trail?

There is no backcountry camping in the area due to its protection for bighorn sheep. However, you can camp at Cottonwood Campground, which is located nearby.

What is the significance of Lost Palms Oasis?

Lost Palms Oasis is the largest grove of California fan palms in Joshua Tree National Park, tucked into a hidden canyon. It serves as an important water source for desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep. The oasis is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, especially early in the morning.

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Hike Lost Palms Oasis Trail

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 4, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 7.4 miles
Time: 3-4 Hours
Total Climbing: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Joshua Tree National Park

Hiking the Lost Palms Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a unique experience. The trail is in the southern part of the park, which has more of a Sonoran Desert feel than the majority of hikes in the northern part of the park. You won't see any Joshua Trees on the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, but you will see the park's largest grove of California fan palm trees, tucked into a hidden canyon. There are no big climbs as you make your way over the ridges and washes through the desert. It's a fun desert hike that's worth your time.

Where Is The Lost Palms Oasis Trail?

The Lost Palms Oaisis Trail is in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park and uses the Cottonwood Spring parking area as the trailhead. Parking can get crowded quickly. Arrive at sunrise for the best hike (and parking!) experience.

Use this trailhead address:
Cottonwood Spring, Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Mastodon Peak Hike Directions 2 — When you first turn off the main road to the trailhead, you'll pass the Joshua Tree NP Cottonwood Visitor Center. If you need to fill up with water or use the bathroom, this is your only option before continuing the short drive to the trailhead.

Instead of paying the park entry fee, just get a National Parks Pass.

Mastodon Peak Trailhead Start — From the Visitor Center it's a short drive down to the trailhead. You'll pass a campground and then reach Cottonwood Spring.

There is no backcountry camping in this section of the park because it's a protected area for bighorn sheep. If you want to camp, you can stay at Cottonwood Campground.

Gear for the Hike

The hike to Lost Palms Oasis takes a few hours through the desert, so prepare accordingly. I wear regular hiking gear, carry 3L of water, and have hiking boots. I also recommend a GPS unit with this hike's GPX file loaded (available below) in case you get confused or lost. Don't do this hike in the hot summer months. There is no shade or protection from the sun.

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Lost Palm Oasis Trail Maps

The trail to Lost Palm Oasis is marked and maintained by the Parks Service. There are signs along the route, and there are also stones that block off side trails. Make sure you pay attention to the route. When you hike back, you'll have to do it in reverse, and it's easy to take an incorrect trail mistakingly. And again, having a GPS will be helpful as you make your way across the desert.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Elevation Profile

Hike Lost Palms Oasis Trail Elevation — The Lost Palms Oasis hike isn't a mountain climb. The trail is more of an up and down through the ridges and washes of the desert, so look at this profile with that in mind. There is a little uphill on the way back so make sure you have the energy to do the 3.6 miles back to the start.

3d Map

Lost Palms Oasis Trail Hike Directions

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 2 — The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. Make sure you read the trail board for any notices.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 3 — This sign at the trailhead says 4.4 miles, which is not entirely correct. It's more like 3.7 or so.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 4 — Head down the ramp to start he hike through Cottonwood Spring.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 5 — Stay on the trail as it makes its way through the lush vegetation.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 6 — As you leave the oasis there's a trail sign. Overall the trail is well marked.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 7 — The trail becomes sandy and is gradually uphill.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 8 — Keep heading uphill on the steps.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 9 — After 0.7 miles you'll come to the junction for the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail to your left. Continue straight toward Lost Palms Oasis.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 10 — Soon after that you'll pass the 1 mile marker.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 11 — And soon after that you cross a wash, which can be tricky. In this case there's a sign on the other side confirming the trail location. In general you'll see rocks blocking side paths and/or signs pointing the way.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 12 — Avoid the small use trails close to the rock formation on the right. Rock climbers hike over to it sometimes, leaving footprints in that direction.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 13 — Soon you reach the 2nd mile marker. From here to Lost Palms Oasis the trail is a little rougher.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 14 — After a small descent you'll hike in the wash through a mini slot canyon.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 15 — At the end of the canyon look for the trail sign off to the left.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 16 — You can see the trail wind down in front of you as it crosses a small wash.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 17 — You'll pass over yet another wash.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 18 — And then you climb for a bit. The trail is more rocky than sandy from here on out.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 19 — The views from this section of the hike are expansive. On a clear day you'll be able to see Mt San Jacinto.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 20 — There's one last rocky descent into a narrow canyon.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 21 — And soon after that you'll come out to a junction. Head left and down the canyon to go into the oasis.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 22 — A minute or two past that last junction you'll see Lost Palms Oasis in front of you.

Lost Palm Oasis Trail Directions 23 — Enjoy the oasis and explore. The trail continues down the oasis with some scrambles. Be respectful. Many animals, including bighorn sheep, use this important water source daily. If you arrive very early you can sometimes spot bighorn sheep on the slopes above the oasis.

From here, just hike back the way you came.