Cottonwood Spring Oasis
A rare desert oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, featuring California Fan Palms, hiking trails, and spectacular stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare desert oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, featuring California Fan Palms, hiking trails, and spectacular stargazing.
"Experience the raw beauty of the desert, from rare palm groves to an unparalleled night sky."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for desert survival. Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
☀️ Seek Shade Wisely
Shade is minimal. Utilize the palm groves and rock formations strategically.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
California Fan Palms
Oasis area
A rare cluster of these iconic desert palms thrives around the spring, offering a lush contrast to the arid landscape.
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Starts at Cottonwood Spring
Hike to a larger, more secluded oasis. This 7.5-mile roundtrip trail offers stunning desert scenery and a rewarding destination.
Mastodon Peak Trail
Starts at Cottonwood Spring
A moderate 2.4-mile loop with historical gold mine remnants and panoramic desert views.
Night Sky
Campgrounds and open areas
Experience an unparalleled view of the Milky Way and stars due to minimal light pollution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Desert Heat
Prepare for the Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for desert survival. Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
☀️ Seek Shade Wisely
Shade is minimal. Utilize the palm groves and rock formations strategically.
🚗 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure navigation is accessible offline.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Protect your feet for comfortable exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for desert survival. Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
☀️ Seek Shade Wisely
Shade is minimal. Utilize the palm groves and rock formations strategically.
🚗 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure navigation is accessible offline.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Protect your feet for comfortable exploration.
📸 Capture the Night Sky
The stargazing is phenomenal. Bring a camera for incredible astrophotography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique desert beauty of Cottonwood Spring Oasis, particularly the rare palm groves and the stunning night skies. While some find the landscape dominated by 'dirt,' others appreciate its minimalist, raw aesthetic. The oasis is a peaceful retreat, though preparation for the heat and lack of amenities is crucial.
"Joshua tree ended up going from "why should I go there??" To being a standard for my Cali desert time. BLM is very accommodating when visiting on a budget. Visiting here will definitely make core memories"
Dontneeda Stupidname
"Lots of space for car camping and bringing trailers. The road goes into Joshua Tree.
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5/5 Stars - A Must-See If You Love... Dirt?
If you're looking for a place with absolutely breathtaking amounts of dirt, congratulations—you’ve found paradise. Cottonwood Springs is like nature’s minimalist art installation: dirt, more dirt, some suspiciously brown mountains, and the occasional lizard giving you side-eye like you’re the one out of place.
No shade (literally, there’s no shade), just vibes—and by vibes I mean sunburn and a constant reminder that water is life. But hey, the night sky? UNREAL. Like, “is this a screensaver or am I having a spiritual awakening under the Milky Way?” kind of unreal.
Bring a camera, leave your expectations, and prepare to be wowed by the cosmic display and humbled by the sheer amount of... you guessed it—dirt.
#DesertVibes #LizardWatch2025 #JoshuaTreeAesthetic #DirtTok #SkyPorn
Would I go again? Yes. Do I understand why the lizards run this place? Also yes.
Follow me for more brutally honest travel reviews you didn’t know you needed!
@YourFavoriteWanderer
Final Rating: 5 lizards out of 5."
Brian Lulzington
"It was really nice to be able to see a rare cluster of California Fan Palms, there seems to be about 3 distinctive clusters off of the trails here. The hike around the area is fairly easy and took us about 2-3 hours including rest time and taking in all the scenery."
Max KC Photography
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Los Angeles, take I-10 East towards Palm Springs. Continue on I-10 E and take exit 117 for CA-62 E towards Twentynine Palms. Follow CA-62 E to Park Boulevard, then turn right onto Cottonwood Spring Road. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours. Download offline maps as cell service is spotty.
Yes, Cottonwood Spring Oasis is accessible by car via Cottonwood Spring Road, which branches off from Pinto Basin Road within Joshua Tree National Park. The road is generally well-maintained but can be rough in places.
The south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, accessible via Cottonwood Spring Road off Pinto Basin Road, is the most direct route to Cottonwood Spring Oasis. This entrance is ideal if you are coming from the south or east.
Currently, there are no public shuttle services that directly serve Cottonwood Spring Oasis. Visitors typically need to drive their own vehicle or a rental car to access the area.
During severe weather events like Hurricane Hilary, roads leading to and within Joshua Tree National Park, including Cottonwood Spring Oasis, may be closed due to flash flooding and dangerous conditions. Always check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for current road closures and advisories before your visit. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Cottonwood Spring Oasis is located within Joshua Tree National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance station or online in advance. An annual pass is also an option if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is part of Joshua Tree National Park. However, visitor services like restrooms may have limited hours, and it's best to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No, there is no additional fee specifically for Cottonwood Spring Oasis beyond the standard Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee. Your park pass grants you access to all areas within the park, including this oasis.
If you have an Annual Pass, you can typically enter the park from the south entrance without waiting, provided the entrance station is staffed. It's always a good idea to have your pass readily accessible.
While Cottonwood Spring Oasis itself doesn't have specific entry restrictions, Joshua Tree National Park may implement timed entry reservations during peak seasons or holidays to manage crowds. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information on reservations and entry requirements.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most popular hikes are the Lost Palms Oasis Trail (7.5 miles roundtrip) and the Mastodon Peak Trail (2.4-mile loop). Both offer unique desert scenery and opportunities to see the oasis.
Yes, Cottonwood Spring Oasis is excellent for a day trip. You can explore the oasis area, take a short walk, and enjoy the unique desert flora. The Mastodon Peak hike is also a great option for a shorter excursion.
Restrooms are available at the Cottonwood Spring trailhead parking lot, but there are no water fountains. It's essential to bring all the water you'll need for your visit.
You might spot desert tortoises, lizards, various bird species, and other desert critters. The oasis attracts wildlife due to the presence of water.
Absolutely! The contrast of the palm trees against the desert landscape, the unique rock formations, and the incredible night sky make it a photographer's dream.
📸 ⭐ Photography Tips
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. The night sky is also spectacular for astrophotography due to the dark skies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes and oasis. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. For night photography, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are essential.
The grove of California Fan Palms is a must-photograph spot. The trail leading to Lost Palms Oasis also offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Don't forget to look for interesting rock formations and desert flora.
Use a tripod to keep your camera steady, set your aperture to its widest setting (lowest f-number), and use a high ISO (e.g., 1600-6400). Experiment with shutter speeds between 15-30 seconds to capture star trails or sharp stars.
Maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing them. Be patient, as wildlife is often most active during cooler parts of the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. Visit during the cooler parts of the day, ideally in the morning, to avoid the intense desert heat. Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera to capture the unique desert scenery. The vast, open spaces can be exciting for kids to explore, but always supervise them closely.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Palm Springs
Day-trip essentials: Ensure your car is fueled and in good condition. Bring a full cooler of water and snacks, as there are no services at the oasis. Allocate at least 3-4 hours for the round trip drive and exploration. Visiting during the spring or fall will offer the most pleasant weather for a day trip.
🌌 Stargazers and Astrophotographers
Tips for stargazing: Visit during a new moon phase for the darkest skies. Bring a comfortable chair or blanket to lie back and enjoy the celestial show. For astrophotography, a tripod, a camera with manual settings, and a wide-angle lens are essential. Experiment with long exposures to capture the beauty of the cosmos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Oasis Ecosystem
+1The historical significance of the oasis is also noteworthy. For centuries, the Cahuilla Indians utilized this water source, leaving behind evidence of their presence such as bedrock mortars and clay pots (ollas). Exploring the area offers a glimpse into the deep connection between indigenous peoples and this desert sanctuary.
It's important for visitors to respect this fragile environment. Stick to designated trails to avoid disturbing the vegetation and wildlife. The oasis is a testament to nature's resilience and a reminder of the importance of water in the desert.
Hiking Trails from Cottonwood Spring
For a shorter, yet rewarding, trek, the Mastodon Peak Trail is a 2.4-mile loop that begins near the parking area. This trail is known for its moderate elevation gain, offering excellent photo opportunities of the surrounding desert and the historic remnants of old gold mills. It's a great option for those looking for a taste of the park's hiking without committing to a full day.
When planning your hike, remember that desert hiking requires preparation. Carry ample water, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of the heat, especially during warmer months. The trails from Cottonwood Spring provide a fantastic way to experience the unique beauty of the Colorado Desert portion of Joshua Tree National Park.
The Colorado Desert Experience
+1Visitors often remark on the sheer amount of 'dirt' and the stark beauty of the landscape, which can be both humbling and awe-inspiring. The lack of shade is a significant factor, emphasizing the need for proper hydration and sun protection. However, the reward for braving the elements is an unparalleled view of the night sky, often described as a spiritual awakening under the Milky Way.
The southern portion of Joshua Tree, including Cottonwood Spring, is often overlooked by visitors focused on the more famous Joshua Tree groves. However, its unique geological features, historical significance, and the vibrant life supported by the oasis make it a must-see for those seeking a deeper understanding of the desert's diverse ecosystems.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit