
49 Palms Oasis Joshua Tree National Park
Discover a vibrant palm oasis hidden within Joshua Tree's arid landscape. A rewarding hike with historical roots and stunning desert views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat

49 Palms Oasis Joshua Tree National Park
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a vibrant palm oasis hidden within Joshua Tree's arid landscape. A rewarding hike with historical roots and stunning desert views.
"A magnificent explosion of life within the desert! A must-visit hidden gem."

💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this desert hike! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and uneven in parts. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for comfort and safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oasis Itself
End of the 49 Palms Oasis Trail
A stunning cluster of fan palms thriving in the arid desert, a true testament to nature's resilience.

Miner's Legacy
Along the trail
Discover the history of the fan palms, planted by miners centuries ago to mark this vital desert water source.

Desert Vistas
Throughout the hike
Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged desert landscape as you ascend and descend the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this desert hike! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and uneven in parts. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Little shade on the trail. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the desert sun.
🅿️ Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot at the trailhead.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this desert hike! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is rocky and uneven in parts. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Little shade on the trail. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the desert sun.
🅿️ Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot at the trailhead.
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
You won't get lost! The path is easy to follow, making it accessible for most hikers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the 49 Palms Oasis hike for its unique beauty and well-maintained trail, calling it a 'magnificent explosion of life' and a 'hidden gem.' While the hike is not technically difficult, the significant elevation gain and rocky terrain make it a good workout. Some find the uphill climb challenging, especially on the return, and advise against visiting in summer due to intense heat.
"Difficult hike as it's up hill both ways, but not technically difficult. Very well maintained national Park asset!"
Jon Loos
"Reached the trailhead at 8am on a Sunday in February. Easy to find parking. The trailhead is only a 7-minute drive from the town of Twentynine Palms, and you don't need to show the Parks Pass or pay a fee for this. From the trailhead, you first climb 350 feet, then do down to the palms, then come all the way back - total 3.2 miles out and back with around 750 feet elevation gain. Well marked trail, easy to follow, and the palms are really beautiful - definitely worth the hour or so it takes to do this hike. It's a popular hike, there were already quite a few people on the trail even at 8-9am."
Vipul Singh
"I really enjoyed this trail was easy to find with plenty of parking. The trail was easy to follow, a perfect workout for a 3 mile loop on a February weekday afternoon."
Jaimzvi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located near Twentynine Palms, California. It's a short drive from the town and is easily accessible. Many visitors note it's a quick drive from the park entrance, and you don't need to show your park pass to access this specific trailhead.
Yes, the 49 Palms Oasis hike is located within Joshua Tree National Park. It's a popular trail for those exploring the park's diverse landscapes.
While the oasis is within the park, the trailhead for 49 Palms Oasis is often cited as being accessible without needing to display your park pass at the trailhead itself. However, it's always best to check current park regulations.
The drive to the trailhead is generally straightforward. It's a short distance from Twentynine Palms, and the roads are typically well-maintained, making it easy to reach.
Yes, the 49 Palms Oasis is conveniently located just a short drive from the town of Twentynine Palms, making it an accessible destination for visitors staying in or passing through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the oasis is within Joshua Tree National Park, the trailhead for 49 Palms Oasis is often mentioned as being accessible without an immediate fee at the trailhead itself. However, standard park entrance fees apply if you plan to explore other areas of Joshua Tree National Park.
As an outdoor natural attraction within a national park, 49 Palms Oasis is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during cooler parts of the day, especially outside of summer.
No tickets are required for 49 Palms Oasis. It's a natural trail within Joshua Tree National Park, and access is typically on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Yes, the 49 Palms Oasis trail is open year-round. However, visitors are strongly advised to avoid hiking during the hot summer months due to extreme temperatures.
The trailhead for 49 Palms Oasis is often cited as being accessible without needing to show a park pass directly at the trailhead. However, if you plan to visit other parts of Joshua Tree National Park, a pass will be required.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately difficult. While not technically challenging, it involves a significant amount of uphill climbing and rocky terrain, with about 750 feet of elevation gain over 3.2 miles roundtrip.
Most visitors complete the 3.2-mile out-and-back hike in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the oasis.
There is very little shade along the 49 Palms Oasis trail. The palm trees at the oasis provide some relief, but the majority of the hike is exposed to the sun.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. Layers are recommended, especially during cooler months, as desert temperatures can fluctuate.
Pets are generally not allowed on hiking trails within Joshua Tree National Park, including the 49 Palms Oasis trail, to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment.
🎫 💧 Hydration & Refreshments
There are no facilities for food or drinks at the 49 Palms Oasis itself. You must bring all your own water and snacks.
It's highly recommended to bring at least 1-2 liters of water per person, and more if hiking during warmer temperatures. Staying hydrated is critical in the desert.
No, there are no water sources or refill stations at the 49 Palms Oasis. Ensure you start the hike with enough water for the entire round trip.
While there are no designated picnic areas directly at the 49 Palms Oasis trailhead, you can find picnic spots in other developed areas of Joshua Tree National Park.
Opt for high-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or fruit. Avoid anything that can melt easily in the desert heat.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the desert landscape and the oasis. Midday sun can be harsh.
The oasis itself, with its towering palms, is a prime subject. Also, look for interesting rock formations and expansive desert vistas along the trail.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park, including at 49 Palms Oasis, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. Check NPS regulations for current rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast desert landscapes and the oasis. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The contrast between the lush oasis and the surrounding arid desert is a unique photographic opportunity. The texture of the palm trunks and the rugged terrain also make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and make it a fun outing. The hike offers a good opportunity to teach children about desert ecosystems and the importance of water conservation. While there are no facilities at the oasis, the journey itself is an adventure. Remember to emphasize Leave No Trace principles to instill good environmental habits.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Always inform someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time. Carry ample water and sun protection, as you'll be exposed for most of the hike. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the oasis and the unique beauty of the palm grove make this a memorable solo excursion.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Golden hour is your best friend here, offering soft, warm light that enhances the desert's natural beauty. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the grandeur of the landscape and the oasis. The journey to the oasis also provides ample opportunities for capturing the essence of desert hiking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecosystem of 49 Palms Oasis
The history of these palms is also fascinating. It's believed that miners in the early 1900s planted many of the palms to mark the location of the spring, making it easier to find. This human intervention has contributed to the oasis's current appearance. Interestingly, the fan palms are naturally fire-resistant and can even benefit from small fires, which help clear out dead fronds and promote new growth. You might notice darkened trunks that reflect past fire events.
When visiting, remember that this is a fragile environment. Stick to the marked trails to avoid disturbing the delicate vegetation and wildlife. The oasis is a vital resource for desert creatures, and its preservation is key to the park's biodiversity. Observing the unique flora and fauna here offers a profound appreciation for the resilience of life in extreme conditions.
Hiking the 49 Palms Oasis Trail: What to Expect
After reaching the crest, the trail descends towards the oasis, and this is where the terrain becomes noticeably rockier. Hikers should be prepared for uneven surfaces and loose rocks, making sturdy footwear essential. The descent is followed by the final push to the oasis itself. The return journey involves climbing back up the rocky sections and then tackling the initial uphill climb in reverse. This means you'll experience significant elevation gain on both the way out and the way back, totaling around 750 feet of elevation gain.
Despite the effort, the payoff is immense. The well-maintained and clearly marked trail makes navigation straightforward. The visual reward of the lush palm oasis against the stark desert backdrop is a highlight for many, with some describing it as feeling like they've landed on another planet. It's a hike that offers a good workout and a unique glimpse into the desert's hidden life.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit