Bear Creek Oasis Trail Guide
| In This Guide |
|
| 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. |
| Follow HikingGuy | Monthly Newsletter YouTube More Options |
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.
FYI ➤ Huge REI July 4th Sale On Now
Garmin InReach Mini 2
I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality (what’s the difference between a GPS and satellite communicator?). For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach. If you use a smartphone to navigate and want a more affordable option that integrates with your phone easily, check out the ZOLEO.
–
Latest Prices: Amazon | REI
Altra Lone Peak 6
For most people, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice that will leave your feet feeling great at the end of any hike. The feel is cushy and light, and if it had a car equivalent, this would be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is great and they’re reasonably durable for this type of trail runner, which I think is better in most conditions than a hiking boot, and here’s why. The downside of this shoe is that it won’t last as long as something like the Terraventure 3 or Moab 2 (see alternate footwear choices at the bottom of my gear page). I’ve been using mine for many miles and my feet always feel great. I have a video on the details of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here.
–
Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
I’ve gone back and forth on trekking poles, but I think for most people they are a good investment. They help you dig in on the uphills, provide stability on loose downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want something ultralight and a little more pricey, I’ve had great luck with the Black Diamond Z Poles too.
–
Trail Ergo Poles: REI | Amazon
Z-Poles: REI | Amazon
Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28
After testing quite a few backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the best all-season day-pack. First off, it’s very comfortable, and the mesh “trampoline” back keeps your back dry. Its 30L capacity is enough for all the essentials and plenty of layers for winter hiking. External pockets make it easy to grab gear. It’s hard to find something wrong with the pack; if anything, it could be a bit lighter, but overall, it’s not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only affordable but generally a great value.
–
Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated June 2022.
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps keep the website ad and promotion free. There is no cost to you.
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
If you try to download the GPX file and your browser adds a “.txt” or “.xml” extension to it, simply rename it as a “.gpx” file.
How Are You Going to Navigate This Hike?
Here’s what I use. If you are a hardcore hiker and/or hike in extreme conditions, I recommend getting a dedicated GPS like a GPSMAP 66sr or 66i, or a wrist-based GPS with maps like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Epix. If you only hike in fair weather and a touchscreen is fine, or just want a solid tool, I highly recommend downloading the smartphone app, Gaia GPS. It’s a piece of cake to use and very powerful, just make sure your phone is in airplane mode so the battery doesn’t drain. You can also check for wildfires, weather, snow, and choose from dozens of map types with a premium membership (HikingGuy readers get a big discount here). Note that I also carry a paper map with me in case the phone dies or gets smashed.
To access this guide when out of cell phone range on the trail, simply save the webpage on your phone ( iPhone – Android ).
Elevation Profile
3d Map
Bear Creek Oasis Hike Directions
It’s easy to say thank you for these free hiking guides!
I depend on your support to keep this website going and free of annoying ads, promoted posts, and sponsorships. Every contribution, big or small, is my lifeline to keep this website going. Thank you!
Video Directions
Watch This Video In 360/VR Why 360/VR Is Great
Want to see hikes these hikes live? Follow me on Instagram, sometimes I do a live stream from places like this.
Turn by Turn Directions
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.
Pushawalla Palms Trail Loop
Hike Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Murray Peak Hike (Palm Springs)
Ladder Canyon Trail & Painted Canyon Loop Hike
Art Smith Trail Guide
Hike the Boo Hoff Trail Loop
Palm Springs Hiking Trails
Hikes in Riverside County
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Hikes
Best Hiking Gear 2022
When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT)