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Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
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“A trail providing nice views of the surrounding area before descending to an oasis of palm trees. ”

David Hitchcock
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

Out and Back

3,070' 936 m

High

2,725' 831 m

Low

628' 192 m

Up

629' 192 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly The palm tree oasis is a nice destination for kids to explore. There are good views for the kids to enjoy and the oasis provides shade for them to rest before returning.

Forty-nine Palms is closed in the evenings to allow wildlife to access to the water and shade of the Oasis. The road is gated and locked in the evenings, so make sure you have exited by sundown. Pets are prohibited on the trail.

Overview

A moderate out-and-back hike that leads to a shaded oasis.

Description

The 49 Palms Trail is located off Canyon Road, 5 miles west of the Oasis Visitor Center. Take the road, which eventually become 49 Palms Canyon Road, a gravel road that goes through a gate (closed at night) and arrives at a parking area. The trail climbs 300 feet in each direction and is completely exposed until you arrive at the 49 Palms Oasis. Make sure that you have plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and heat.

Leaving from the parking area, the trail immediately begins climbing up the mountain. While sometimes the trail is composed of packed sand and gravel, there are a series of stairs that help climb areas of the mountain. There are large rock formations on either side of the trail at the bottom of the trail that provide opportunities for exploring. In the spring, wildflowers and blooming cactus line the trail. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and see how the desert plants have adapted to the exposed and harsh conditions. As the trail climbs up the mountain, views of the surrounding area, most of which lies beyond the National Park, spread out before you. The trail cuts back on itself before climbing to its highest point at roughly .8 miles. Off in the distance, the first views of the palm trees at the Oasis come into view at the base of the mountain, which is the trail's terminus.

The trail begins to descend at a gentle pace before descending more steeply. You can see the trail stretch out before you as the palm trees peek out from behind a small hill. It is completely exposed as the trail gets rockier as it descends through Forty-nine Palms Canyon. The trail flattens out before it finally arrives at the first set of palm trees, and welcome shade from the sun overhead. You can explore a little bit beyond the palm trees, and there are plenty of opportunities for photos. The National Park Service asks that you not explore underneath the second set of palm trees as it is fragile habitat that provides pools of water, shade, and possibly food for the various wildlife in the park. The shade of the palm trees provides you a great opportunity to drink some water and grab a snack.

Since no trails intersect with this one, the only option at the end of the trail is to return to you car by working your way back along the trail. The same amount of elevation gain is required on the way out, so make sure you have enough water and energy to make the return journey.

Flora & Fauna

In the spring, lots of cactus and wildflowers line the trail as it leads toward the palm oasis at the end of the trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Joshua Tree National Park

Shared By:

David Hitchcock
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 25 votes

#6

in Joshua Tree National Park

#728

Overall
  4.2 from 25 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Joshua Tree National Park

#114

in California

#728

Overall
18 Views Last Month
5,761 Since Apr 5, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

View from the trail
Mar 11, 2022 near Twentyn…, CA
View from the trail
Mar 11, 2022 near Twentyn…, CA
View from the trail
Mar 11, 2022 near Twentyn…, CA
The palm tree oasis at the end of the trail. This area provides shade, food, and water for some of the wildlife that can be found in the park, including bighorn sheep.
Apr 6, 2016 near Twentyn…, CA
The trail as it descends towards the oasis. On the return trip, you have to return up this trail.
Apr 7, 2016 near Twentyn…, CA
In the spring, flowers bloom alongside the trail. It adds a little bit of color to the desert landscape.
Apr 7, 2016 near Twentyn…, CA

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Check-Ins

Oct 26, 2024
Colleen Gebauer
Gate closes at dusk. Nice hike but is outside park so have to drive towards 29 palms
Oct 26, 2024
Brooke Walczak
Loved this hike. Fun hike with an oasis at the end. Sun filled, so better to do early morning.
Jun 7, 2024
Mike Sanders
Apr 1, 2024
Chen Zhang
Feb 5, 2023
Peder Bisbjerg
I preferred the Lost Palms Oasis, but this oasis has the advantage of a shorter walk-in. 3.2mi — 1h 30m
Jan 28, 2023
Nick Gifford
Fun hike to a hidden palm tree oasis. Hilly but not too difficult. 3.2mi — 1h 36m
Nov 28, 2022
John H
Mar 11, 2022
Stewart Carnes

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