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Joshua Tree, so unique, so beautiful, but oh so crowded during a holiday weekend!  Looking to do a nice hike in this area?  Sometimes it’s best to hike on the outskirts of the park.  Why not hike Fortynine Palms Oasis?

 

 

 

At the north end of Joshua Tree National Park, near a small town of Twentynine Palms, you’ll find a trail that takes you not to Joshua Trees, but to a Palm Tree Oasis!

 

 

 

You can get to this Palm Oasis on a three mile roundtrip trail with a small elevation gain of 350 feet.  Plenty of information can be found at the start of the trail.  You’ll find free parking and bathrooms, too.

 

 

 

This hike takes only about two hours, but it’s still a rugged work out.  Be sure to bring plenty of water, food, sunscreen and wear a hat.  There’s no shade until the end of the trail.

 

 

 

This nicely groomed trail was once an old Indian trail. The trail heads uphill immediately as you hike amongst spiky barrel cacti, yuccas and brittlebrush. The view is immediately stunning, so stop and look around.

 

 

 

As you gradually go up and over a small ridge, you’ll see the Palm Tree Oasis in the distance.  Eventually the trail curves toward the Palm Trees and you’ll be able to catch your breathe as you head downhill.

 

 

 

As you get closer, you’ll notice how big these California Fan Palms Trees are!  You’ll also notice some trees are burnt.  Apparently, campers started a fire a long time ago.  Luckily, there’s a spring under these trees.  This spring keeps the Palm Trees and visiting animals alive!

 

 

 

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see hikers lounging on rocks and exploring small pools of water under the Palm Trees. Some hikers are even climbing the big rocks nearby.

 

 

 

Once you’ve reach the end, have some lunch and relax. Your legs will need the rest.  Injuries often happen due to fatigue.  It’s important to be rested and focused, before hiking back down.

 

 

 

Are you wondering if there really are forty nine Palm Trees?  Well, you’ll have to go count for yourself!  This place is a unique piece of desert heaven!

 

 

 

This trail can get busy, but it’s manageable. Best to hike October to June.  Located on the west edge of Twentynine Palms, off of Highway 62 onto Canyon Road, heading south. Take a short drive up to the parking lot, you’ll see the trailhead right away.