49 Palm Oasis Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
224 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.7
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of the 49 Palms Oasis hike in Joshua Tree National Park, California

Popular with locals, the 49 Palm Oasis hike climbs over a small pass then descends to emerge onto a quaint oasis. Count the palms – there should be 49 of them!

Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails

View 49 Palm Oasis Hike on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for 49 Palm Oasis Hike

Find the trailhead on the right side of the parking lot. You will immediately start to gain elevation from the very beginning of the trail. The path will start to veer left as you climb up the side of one of the many small mountains that are dotted along the park.

Continue climbing until you reach a small point. Here you should look back for stunning views of 29 Palms as well as many of the other small mountains in the area. From here the trail veers sharply to the right and flattens out a little bit.

You will traverse along this small ridgeline for a little ways until you crest a small notch. Here you will get your first views down towards the canyon that holds the 49 Palms Oasis. The sheer black steep sided walls of this narrow gully are very interesting, and provide a stark contrast to the pale desert sand which most of the park consists off.

The trail will start to descend sharply as you near the oasis. Soon the small clump of stunning palm trees will come into view! Once you arrive at the oasis they will provide welcome shade, allowing you to rest in preparation for your way back.

Insider Hints for 49 Palm Oasis Hike

  • The shade of the oasis yield a surprisingly nice picnic area, seldom found in the park.

Getting to the 49 Palm Oasis Hike Trailhead

From Joshua Tree Town, drive east along Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway) for just under 17.7 km. Turn right onto Canyon Rd. with signs towards 49 Palms Canyon. Follow this road for under two miles. Note that after driving roughly 1.6 km, there will be a fork – stay left here on Canyon Road. Find the moderately sized parking lot at the end of the road.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat

  • Backcountry Campsites

    None

  • Toilets

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

49 Palm Oasis Hike Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

49 Palm Oasis Hike Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs