Bear Creek Oasis Trail Guide
In This Guide |
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Total Distance (?) | 9 miles (14.5 km) |
Hike Time | 4-5 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Hard |
Total Ascent (?) | 2,540 feet (774m) |
Highest Elevation | 2,350 feet (716m) |
Fees & Permits | Free |
Dogs Allowed | No |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument |
Park Phone | 760-862-9984 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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The Bear Creek Oasis Trail hike in La Quinta, CA is just spectacular; there’s no other way to slice and dice it. The first mile is flat and easy as you follow the Bear Creek wash up into the Santa Rosa foothills. And then you start climbing, winding your way up like a bighorn along the ridges and switchbacks, eventually getting to a point where you can see for miles: San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, the Coachella Valley, and the Salton Sea. But wait, there’s more! Toward the end, you wind down into a canyon nestled in the desert mountains to find a beautiful hidden fan palm oasis. It a tough one, but the payoffs are incredible.
How to Get to the Bear Creek Oasis Trail
So the maps and the trailheads for this hike can be confusing. Two trailheads are close to the start of the hike. I prefer to use the farthest one since it gets you closer to the main trail, and you spend less time in the general use/dog walker area. Other guides start you from the first trailhead. And then there’s a “Bear Creek Trail,” which is paved and not the “Bear Creek Oasis Trail,” so heads up.
Use this trailhead address:
54990 Avenida Madero, La Quinta, CA 92253






There are no bathrooms at the parking lot.
Gear for the Hike
This is a proper desert backcountry hike, so plan accordingly. And don’t do this in the summer or on warmer days. The landscape is harsh and there is no shade.
- You’re going to need proper hiking footwear here.
- Trekking poles will help with the loose soil and climbing.
- Bring at least 2L of water.
- The hike is all exposed and you’ll need sun protection.
Bear Creek Oasis Trail Maps
The hike’s beginning can be a little tricky; there are a lot of use trails and mountain bike cutoffs. But once you start the climb at about 1.5 miles in, it’s very easy to follow (the only) trail. I’ll show you the details in the guide below.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile

3d Map

Bear Creek Oasis Hike Directions
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This guide last updated on April 24, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.