Lost Palms Oasis Featured
play video
Joshua Tree Hikes

Hike Lost Palms Oasis Trail

  • 7.4 miles - Moderate Effort
  • 3-4 Hours (Total)
  • 700 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 3,460 feet
  • No Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:
  • Lost Palms Oasis Trail Turn-by-Turn Directions & Video
  • How to Get to Lost Palms Oasis Trail
  • Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Hike

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.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.


Gear Inreach Mini 2
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.
Gear Hoka Speedgoat 5
HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

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 Here To View

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | 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

Hike Lost Palms Oasis Trail 3d Map
From this perspective you can see the undulations of the trail a bit better.

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.

Need More Info?

  • Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
  • When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.