Lost Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree CA


• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 9 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,030 to 1,230 feet
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
.
A hiker in a red shirt stands in a sunlit desert canyon, gazing at tall palm trees amid rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a mostly clear sky.

The out-and-back trip along the Lost Palms Oasis Trail leads through open desert terrain to a spectacular canyon overlook and continues with a downhill scramble to a secluded, sheltered oasis of tall green palm trees and abundant spiky yucca plants. An optional side trip to Mastodon Peak along with a visit to a mine site is also available on the return journey.

Starting from the Cottonwood Spring Trailhead, the route heads southeast with a generally straight trajectory. The path deviates around rock formations and follows a wash where historic drainage patterns dictate its course. The terrain provides unobstructed views across desert scrubland. Creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus populate the landscape. Wildlife appearances are sporadic—quail may scurry across your path, and you might spot lizards on rocks during warmer hours.
⬤ 5★ Lost Palms Oasis Trail   7.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1030 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 5★ Lost Palms Oasis & Mastodon Peak   8.5 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 1230 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 $  NPS entrance fee

The Lost Palms Oasis Trail ends with spectacular views down into rocky Munsen Canyon, with distant mountains framing the horizon. Reaching Lost Palms Oasis requires continuing beyond the formal trail on a looping route that involves scrambling down and back up rocky, loose terrain. We went counter-clockwise, but it is likely no more difficult in the other direction.

If you're in the mood to extend your hike on your return leg, consider taking a right fork up the Mastodon Peak Trail. This adds an additional mile and about 200 more feet of elevation but offers broad views from a quick summit scramble and an opportunity to visit a mine site as you loop back to the trailhead.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Stay safe in hot weather by knowing the forecast and planning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. 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, coupled with salt and electrolyte tablets.

 MAP PACK  Joshua Tree  Navigate with our free offline map
Hiker in red shirt and black backpack walks a sandy desert trail at sunrise, surrounded by dry shrubs and rocky hills under a cloud-streaked sky.
Hitting the trail early to beat the heat.

Desert landscape with two tall ocotillo plants in the foreground, rocky hills in the midground, and jagged mountains fading into the distance under a mostly clear sky.
Expect a varied trail, with a scramble to reach the oasis.

Bright red ocotillo flower with yellow stamens in bloom, set against a desert backdrop of dry shrubs, rocky hills, and a partly cloudy sky.
Spring colors in Joshua Tree National Park.

Hiker with trekking poles and wide-brimmed hat climbs a rocky desert trail beneath a clear blue sky, with a jagged peak rising in the background.
Add an extra mile and explore Mastodon Peak on your return.

Tangents:
• Official: National Park Service
• AllTrails Public: Lost Palms Oasis
• Comments: Facebook, Reddit


Trailspotting the Southwest (Horseshoe Bend)
Trailspotting the Southwest
See our growing collection of hikes from the Southwestern US states.
Best hiking trails in San Diego County
Best Trails of San Diego
From coast to mountains to desert plains in San Diego County.

Trailspotting is non-commercial and ad-free.
Content provided without warranty of accuracy. Copyright © 2026 Stuart Green all rights reserved. About Trailspotting.com