Lost Palms Oasis

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Features Views · Wildlife

This is an outstanding out-and-back run through the Colorado Desert in southern Joshua Tree National Park. Known for the beautiful palm trees at the Cottonwood Spring and Lost Palms Oasis, the Lost Palms Oasis has the largest stand of these trees in the park.

The trailhead is located at Cottonwood Spring. After the palms at the springs, the trail climbs toward the southeast through scrub desert. The boulder piles and rocky gullies become more common as the trail continues toward Lost Palms Oasis. At 3.3 miles, there is a spur trail that leads to the right to an overlook with birds-eye views of the green palms. Enjoy a picnic in the cool shade of the palms at the oasis and return by the same trail to Cottonwood Spring.

Palm trees at the springs and oases. Yuccas, cholla cactus, and ocotillos in the desert. Desert bighorn sheep.