Joshua Tree National Park is home to five fan palm desert oases, including the Oasis of Mara, Lost Palms Oasis, and Fortynine Palms Oasis. These unique spots, where water is in relative abundance, provide a unique microecosystem for flora and fauna to thrive.
Fortynine Palms Oasis trail is located just south of Highway 62, on the outer northern edge of the park between the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. No entrance fee is required to visit this trail but they do close the parking lot gates after sunset, so make sure to be finished with your hike before then. That being said, this is a very exposed trail with the only shade being at the oasis, so try to avoid hiking during midday to prevent overheating.
From the parking lot (1) head south on the well-marked trail. This is an out-and-back hike which climbs over a prominent mountain ridge (2) then descends an equal distance on the backside, so the way back is as challenging as the way in. Begin by climbing 400 feet in elevation over the first eight-tenths of a mile and enjoy sweeping views of Twentynine Palms to the north. Vibrant red barrel cactuses dot your path as you descend the remaining 340 feet (3) and eight-tenths of a mile into the oasis canyon.
Fan palm oases (like this one) are commonly formed along fault lines where uplifted layers of impermeable rock trap groundwater (4). Fan palms can grow to be over 75 feet tall, live up to 90 years, and weigh almost 3 tons. Though the trickle of water is enticing, it is important to remain on the designated trail to protect this resource from contamination. The oasis is a protected area used by bighorn sheep and other wildlife (5).
The oasis provides a peaceful place to spend time reading a book or listening to the birds chirp and palm fronds sway. The pace of life is much slower in the desert, so give yourself time to enjoy this unique space.
While it would be wonderful to spend the night here, it is designated as a day-use only area, so when you are ready head back to the trailhead retrace the route you took in (6).
