Fortynine Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree CA


• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 620 feet
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
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A desert oasis with tall palm trees clustered among rocky terrain and sparse shrubs, set against arid hills and a partly cloudy sky.
Oasis Palms looking north towards desert plains.

Located just within the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail leads visitors to one of the park's hidden refuges - an oasis of California fan palm trees and other succulent desert flora tucked into a canyon where hummingbirds dart among the greenery and quail scatter across the ground.

This three-mile out-and-back trail climbs just under 400 feet through exposed terrain before descending to the oasis. The hard-packed desert trail surface is on the easy side of moderate and suitable for most visitors. Despite the park's name, no Joshua trees appear along this route. Instead, the path traverses terrain dotted with barrel cacti, creosote bush, and yucca. After crossing a ridge with views toward the sprawling town known as Twentynine Palms, hikers descend into the canyon where the oasis comes into view.
⬤ 4★ Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail   3.1 mi out & back, moderate, gain 620 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
 $  NPS entrance fee
  !   Summer trail closures - see official link below

The fan palms cluster around pools fed by spring water at the junction of two canyon forks, and the oasis provides critical habitat and water for wildlife. This includes bighorn sheep, which rely on the spring particularly during summer months.

Visitors must follow posted signs and not enter the oasis itself, as this sensitive biological area requires protection to maintain its function as a water source for desert wildlife. The trail ends at a designated viewing area where the palms and surrounding ecosystem can be observed without disturbing the habitat.

A hiker in a red jacket and black pants walks away from the camera along a rocky desert trail flanked by steep canyon walls of pale stone. Sparse desert shrubs and a cluster of tall palm trees rise from the canyon floor ahead, contrasting with the arid terrain. The clear blue sky above enhances the sense of openness and isolation in this rugged oasis landscape.
Approaching the oasis at the end of the 1½ mile trail.

The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is located within Joshua Tree National Park and a valid entrance pass is required to visit. The nearest places to purchase a pass are the Joshua Tree city Visitor Center [directions] if approaching from the west, or the Twentyninepalms Visitor Center [directions] when approaching from the east. Other sources may claim that a park pass is not required at this location, but that's a technicality based on observations that the pass apparently doesn't need to be displayed in vehicles at this trailhead, and a rangers do not request to see your pass on the trail.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Expect full sun exposure with no shade in this terrain. Stay safe by checking the forecast and planning to avoid peak heat. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight, non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV lip balm. Bring more water than you think you need, along with salt and electrolyte tablets.

A desert oasis nestled in rocky terrain features a dense cluster of tall California fan palm trees (Washingtonia filifera) with shaggy, skirted fronds. The palms rise from a sandy basin surrounded by large, sunlit boulders and rugged, arid mountains under a cloudless blue sky.
Looking towards the canyon's largest palm grove.

A desert landscape featuring a prominent barrel cactus in the foreground, nearly spherical and densely covered in long, reddish spines that curve outward. The cactus sits among dry grasses and low, scattered shrubs typical of arid terrain. Behind it, rocky hills rise gently under a partly cloudy sky, with muted earth tones and sparse vegetation suggesting a southwestern U.S. desert environment. The scene highlights the cactus’s adaptive form and coloration, contrasting its vivid spines against the subdued backdrop.
A spiny red California Barrel Cactus adding some trail color.

A sweeping desert vista at sunset, with rugged, rocky hills in the foreground sparsely dotted with low vegetation. Beyond the hills, a small town stretches across the desert basin, its grid of buildings and roads faintly visible in the warm light. In the distance, hazy mountain ranges span the horizon, softened by atmospheric perspective. The sky glows with layered hues of orange, gold, and pale blue, casting a golden light over the terrain and emphasizing the contrast between natural wilderness and human settlement.
Desert sunrise from the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail.

Tangents:
• Official: National Park Service
• AllTrails Public: Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us


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