Hiking adventures are the reason why many people come to the Joshua Tree area. The Hi Desert has many great hiking trails to choose from but many are behind the gates of Joshua Tree National Park and you have to pay to get inside. 49 Palms Oasis is free and a great starter hike!
Now, back in the days of the Wild West, the area around Twentynine Palms was a mighty rough and tumble place, full of cowboys, bandits, and all manner of critters. But nestled amongst the rocky canyons and arid desert was a hidden gem: the 49 Palms Oasis.
Legend has it that the oasis was named by a group of miners who were prospectin’ for gold in the area back in 1850. They stumbled upon the lush oasis, with its towering palm trees and crystal clear water, and were so impressed by its beauty that they named it after the number of palms they counted.
Now, the oasis was a mighty important stop on the old cattle trails that crisscrossed the desert, and it became a popular spot for cowboys to rest their weary bones and water their herds. Over the years, a small community of ranchers and homesteaders grew up around the oasis, and they relied on its life-giving water to survive in the harsh desert environment.
In 1936, the land around the oasis was designated as part of Joshua Tree National Monument, and later became part of Joshua Tree National Park. The park rangers have worked hard to preserve the oasis and its unique ecosystem, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world.
The Hike
If you’re looking to hike to the 49 Palms Oasis, you better come prepared for a bit of a workout. The trailhead is located on Canyon Road, just a couple miles west of Star Dune Ranch, and the hike itself is about 3 miles roundtrip. The trail is rated as moderate, with a steady climb uphill on the way to the oasis, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.
As you make your way up the trail, you’ll be treated to some mighty fine views of the surrounding desert landscape, with its rocky hills and scrubby vegetation. Keep an eye out for critters like jackrabbits, lizards, and maybe even a coyote or two.
Once you reach the oasis, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sight: a grove of towering California fan palms, their fronds rustling in the breeze. The oasis is fed by an underground spring, and the water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom.
But the oasis isn’t just a pretty sight – it’s also home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to the unique desert environment. Look for desert willows, mesquite trees, and desert lavender, as well as cacti like cholla and prickly pear. You might also spot birds like the phainopepla, verdin, oriole, and thrasher, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a bighorn sheep.
The 49 Palms Oasis is a true gem of the desert, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the plants and animals that call it home. So if you’re looking for a hike that combines a bit of history, a bit of beauty, and a bit of challenge, head on out to Star Dune Ranch and hit the trail to the oasis.
49 Palms Oasis is just a 4-minute drive from Star Dune Ranch or about an hour walk down Highway 62.
With that in mind we’ve curated some great videos to get you in the mood and show you where to go!