Oasis of Mara
A vital desert oasis and historic site, offering a shaded nature trail and a glimpse into the Mojave's unique ecosystem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Oasis of Mara
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital desert oasis and historic site, offering a shaded nature trail and a glimpse into the Mojave's unique ecosystem.
"The oasis was nice and the only area with shade for the entire hike."
Bring Plenty of Water! 💧
The desert heat is no joke. Stay hydrated, especially on the trail. The oasis is the only shady spot .
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Recent storms can cause closures due to sand, mud, or washouts. Always check conditions before you go .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oasis of Mara Trail
Behind Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
A scenic walk through a historic desert oasis, offering shade and a glimpse of vital water sources.
Joshua Tree National Park Oasis of Mara Visitor Center
29 Palms, CA
Learn about the area's history and the significance of the oasis. A good starting point for exploration.
Palm Grove
Oasis of Mara
The largest remaining grove of palm trees in the area, a testament to the oasis's life-giving waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Plenty of Water! 💧
The desert heat is no joke. Stay hydrated, especially on the trail. The oasis is the only shady spot.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Recent storms can cause closures due to sand, mud, or washouts. Always check conditions before you go.
Respect the Oasis 🌱
This is a vital water source for wildlife. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Alternative Park Entry 🚗
Skip the West Entrance lines by entering Joshua Tree NP via the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Plenty of Water! 💧
The desert heat is no joke. Stay hydrated, especially on the trail. The oasis is the only shady spot.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Recent storms can cause closures due to sand, mud, or washouts. Always check conditions before you go.
Respect the Oasis 🌱
This is a vital water source for wildlife. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Alternative Park Entry 🚗
Skip the West Entrance lines by entering Joshua Tree NP via the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center.
Learn the History 📜
Informational signs explain the significance of the oasis and the naming of Twentynine Palms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Oasis of Mara for its scenic beauty and historical significance, noting it as a pleasant walk with welcome shade. However, some find it less captivating than other parts of Joshua Tree, especially when dry, and recent storms have led to trail closures and damage.
"Currently closed due to recent flooding. The recent storms did a lot of damage. The trail is covered with sand/mud & there are a lot of dangerous washed out areas"
Citlali
"One of the best hikes we took all week. Great scenery and the trail isn't too difficult to climb. Bring LOTS of water and keep in mind the trail it pretty steep at points. The oasis was nice and the only area with shade for the entire hike."
Michael Azuma
"A beautiful place to take a walk. The informational/educational signage helped me understand the name of the city of Twenty-Nine Palms. The trail is located behind the Joshua Tree National Park visitors center in the edge of town."
Mike Neifert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oasis of Mara is located behind the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, CA. It serves as an alternative entry point to the park, often with shorter wait times than the West Entrance.
Yes, there is parking available at the Visitor Center. From there, you can access the nature trail and learn about the oasis.
You can drive to the Visitor Center, which is adjacent to the oasis. The main access to the oasis itself is via a paved nature trail.
Public transportation options are very limited in this desert region. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle to reach the Oasis of Mara and explore the surrounding areas.
From Southern California, the most common route is via I-10 East to CA-62 North. This highway leads directly to Yucca Valley and then Twentynine Palms.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the Oasis of Mara itself is free to visit, if you plan to explore further into Joshua Tree National Park, you will need to pay the park entrance fee. The Visitor Center is accessible without a park pass.
The Oasis of Mara and its trails are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Visitor Center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
There are no separate entrance fees for the Oasis of Mara itself. However, a park entrance fee is required to access the rest of Joshua Tree National Park.
Yes, the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center area serves as an entry point to Joshua Tree National Park, often with shorter lines than the main West Entrance.
Joshua Tree National Park sometimes implements timed entry reservations, especially during peak seasons. It's crucial to check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk the paved nature trail, learn about the oasis's history and significance at the Visitor Center, and enjoy the unique desert flora and fauna.
The paved nature trail is generally not difficult, but it can be steep in parts. It's considered a moderate hike by some, and it's important to bring plenty of water.
The oasis is a vital water source, attracting various desert animals. You might see birds, reptiles, and other small mammals that depend on the water.
The palm grove at the Oasis of Mara offers some much-needed shade, making it a pleasant spot to rest during warmer parts of the day.
Yes, there is a Visitor Center with restrooms and informational displays. The 29 Palms Inn, located nearby, also offers dining and lodging options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the contrast between the lush palms and the arid desert landscape. The Visitor Center and the historic inn also offer charming photo ops.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical here.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
The paved trail itself provides excellent vantage points. Look for compositions that highlight the palm trees against the desert backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the oasis and surrounding desert. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 It offers a quick way to experience a desert oasis and can serve as an alternative park entrance to save time. The nature trail is short enough for a brief exploration, and the Visitor Center provides valuable context for your park visit. Combine it with a drive along Amboy Road for more desert scenery.🧘 Solo Travelers & Retreat Seekers
It's a place to unwind, reflect, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the desert landscape.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Oasis
This natural abundance is what gave the city of Twentynine Palms its name, referencing the palm trees that thrive here.Today, while the oasis may not be as extensive as it once was, it remains a vital habitat. Visitors can learn about its ecological importance and the history of human interaction with this precious resource at the nearby Visitor Center and through interpretive signage along the nature trail.
Navigating Twentynine Palms and Surrounding Areas
Travelers often use Twentynine Palms as a base for exploring the park, especially the north and east entrances. However, it's important to be aware of the desert environment. Summers are extremely hot, and flash floods can occur during monsoon season.
The Oasis of Mara Visitor Center and Inn
The center also offers a convenient alternative entry point into the park, often bypassing the longer queues at the West Entrance.Adjacent to the Visitor Center is the historic 29 Palms Inn, also known as the Oasis of Mara Inn.
This charming establishment offers a unique lodging experience, allowing visitors to stay right by the oasis. It's a popular spot for those seeking a tranquil desert retreat and a chance to immerse themselves in the local history and natural beauty.
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