Joshua Tree Lost Palms Oasis Trail Palm Tree Oasis Hike Joshua Tree National Park

The hike to Lost Palms Oasis departs from Cottonwood Spring on the east side of Joshua Tree. A smaller oasis, Cottonwood Springs Oasis, is actually right at the trailhead. From there, the trail heads east on a 7.2-mile round trip track to Lost Palms Oasis.

Joshua Tree Cottonwood Springs Oasis
The trail leaving Cottonwood Springs Oasis

The short trek to Mastodon Peak can be visited in combination with this hike as they share the same trail for half a mile.

Follow the markers for Lost Palms and hike across the desert on coarse sand. In the spring, the wildflower bloom here can be spectacular.

The trail leads in and out of various washes over fairly level terrain, before descending through a canyon to a bluff overlooking the oasis.

Joshua Tree Lost Palms Oasis
Lost Palms Oasis

Nestled between mountains, Lost Palms Oasis is often rated as Joshua Tree’s nicest. From the overlook, a steep path descends to the oasis. Walk among the palms and relish in the shade before returning the way you came. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen (or consider Fortynine Palms Oasis for a shorter oasis hike in Joshua Tree National Park).

Joshua Tree Lost Palms Oasis
Lost Palms Oasis

To get to the trailhead: From the 10 Freeway, take exit 168 and head north on Cottonwood Spring Road. After 7 miles, turn right before the at Cottonwood Visitor Center and continue 1 mile to the trailhead at road’s end. From within the park, Take Park Blvd to the junction with Pinto Basin Road. Take Pinto Basin Road thirty miles to the Cottonwood Visitor Center, turn east and continue one mile to the trailhead at road’s end.

Trailhead address: Unnamed road off Pinto Basin Road, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
Trailhead coordinates: 33.7370, -115.8107 (33° 44′ 13.2″N 115° 48′ 38.5″W)

Elevation Profile
Click or hover over any spot on this elevation profile to see the distance from the start and elevation above sea level at that location, which will be highlighted on the map.
Trail Map

View Joshua Tree National Park in a larger map
Or view a regional map of surrounding California Desert trails and campgrounds.

Photos

Lost Palms Oasis Joshua TreeLost Palms Oasis Joshua TreeLost Palms Oasis Joshua TreeMastodon Peak Joshua TreeJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree OasisJoshua Tree Oasis

These photos were taken in April of 2008 and April of 2010. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Mastodon Peak Trail Mastodon Peak
This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
Bajada Trail Bajada Trail
This level 0.3-mile nature trail loop explores the plants living on a desert bajada.
Cholla Cactus Trail Cholla Cactus Garden
This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of cholla cacti.
Joshua Tree Oasis Trail Fortynine Palms Oasis
The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
India Cove Trail Indian Cove
The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
Hidden Valley Trail Hidden Valley
This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
Ryan Mountain Trail Ryan Mountain
This 3-mile round trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
Warren Peak Trail Warren Peak
This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
high view nature trail High View Nature Trail
This 1 1/3-mile loop climbs a ridge on the west side of the park that offers views of San Gorgonio Mountain and Yucca Valley, along with an introduction to desert plants.
Lucky Boy Vista Trail Lucky Boy Vista
This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
Keys View Trail Inspiration Peak
This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
Lost Horse Mine Trail Lost Horse Mine
This 4-mile round trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
California Trails Hikes in the California Desert
Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.
Camping
Joshua Tree Camping Joshua Tree Campgrounds
Nine campgrounds with 500 total sites are spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.
Wildflowers
Joshua Tree Wildflowers Joshua Tree Wildflowers
The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.
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Tagged with · Desert Canyons · National Parks · Oases
Distance: 7.2 miles · Elevation change: 400 feet

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2 Comments on Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park

  1. […] the other was Chocolate Blueberry – midway through our hike along Joshua Tree’s Lost Palms Oasis Trail. The first bites were life-affirming. The thick granola bars sparkled with sweetness, and bursted […]

  2. […] are stunning. The other hike that I would have gladly checked out given more time would have been Cotton Wood Springs Lost Oasis trail  (further south in the park where you can find views of the Coachella Valley and […]