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Hike the 49 Palms Oasis Trail

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

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
Total Climbing: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Joshua Tree National Park

This hike on the 49 Palms Oasis Trail takes you to a pristine fan palm oasis, tucked into a hidden desert valley. The trail to 49 Palms Oasis is well-maintained and easy to follow, and along the way, you'll enjoy some great views as you climb the ridge on the way to the oasis. After 1.5 miles, you reach the grove of towering fan palms, fed by a cool spring that is a favorite watering hole for bighorn sheep. 49 Palms Oasis is a perfect place for a snack and rest as you take in the spectacular scenery.

Where is the 49 Palms Oasis Trail?

The 49 Palms Oasis Trail is one of the hikes that doesn't require you to go through a park entrance gate, although it is still in the park. To get to the trailhead, you'll drive through the neighborhoods of Twentynine Palms, just south of the main drag on CA-62. Use this trailhead address:
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, Fortynine Palms Canyon Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 2 — The parking lot is big, but it's a popular hike, and the lot can fill up quickly.

You need to display your parks pass or entry receipt on your dashboard. This hike is within Joshua Tree National Park.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 6 — There is a primitive toilet at the trailhead.

Gear for the Hike

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 4 — There's a thermometer at the trailhead to warn you about high temperatures. Even though the trail is minutes from civilization, the hike is still in the desert and conditions can be extreme. Prepare accordingly.

Don't let the short distance of this hike fool you. There's a decent amount of climbing, both on the way to 49 Palms Oasis and then back. And there's no shade or cover until you reach the palms. Bring at least 1L of water and prepare for the heat and sun. The best time to do this hike is sunrise. The temperature will be cool and you'll beat the crowds.

Hiking boots with cuffs will help keep the sand and debris out of your feet. If you have trekking poles handy, they will help you during the climbs and descents.

There are a disproportionate amount of rescues on the 49 Palms Oasis Trail because people overestimate their physical condition and get in trouble. If you are not experienced in climbing 700 feet in the desert, try a different hike in Joshua Tree.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus: Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

49 Palms Oasis Trail Maps

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Elevation Profile

Hike The 49 Palms Oasis Trail Elevation — This is the elevation profile for the one-way trip to the oasis. You'll have to climb the ridge, then descend to the oasis. On the way back, you have to do it in reverse. So there's a climb every time.

3d Map

49 Palms Oasis Hike Directions

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 3 — Look for the trail board and toilets at the end of the parking lot. That's where the hike starts.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 5 — A sign marks the beginning of the trail. Hike straight through.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 7 — The beginning of the hike is a well-worn path that goes gradually uphill.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 8 — And then the path starts to get steeper.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 9 — And eventually you'll be climbing switchbacks up the rocky hill, all the way up to the ridge.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 10 — The trail mellows out as it approaches the top of the ridge. You'll have nice views down to the left into Twentynine Palms.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 11 — One last rocky stretch until you get to the top of the ridge.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 12 — At the top, hike right and avoid the little use trail to the left.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 13 — Just after this point you'll be able to spot the fan palms at 49 Palms Oasis poking out of the valley.

The palm trees were actually planted by miners in the early 1900s to help them spot the location of the natural spring that is also found here.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 14 — The trail starts to meander down the hill and is easy to follow.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 15 — As you descend you'll get even more views of 49 Palms Oasis in the distance.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 16 — The descent is gradual, which is good news when you come back up.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 17 — On this final stretch, you'll be going down the valley and to the left.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 18 — At this small split with a use trail, bear to the left.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 19 — Soon you'll see the oasis in front of you.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 20 — Hike through the first area of palms.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 21 — It's important that you stay on the trails. The desert environment is a fragile one and life often takes years to recover from disruption.

Hike 49 Palms Oasis Trail 1 — And here you are, 49 Palms Oasis! Please stay on the trail and boulders and don't enter the palm tree area. People have gone in there and carved their names on the trees, which is really sad. Keep your eyes and ears open for the abundant wildlife that visit the oasis.

When you are done enjoying the oasis, head back the way you came to finish the hike!

Originally published February 24, 2020

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