Distance: 7.2 miles according to NPS
Level of difficulty: easy with some scrambling down and around the oasis
Date of hike: 1/21/16
Temperature: 45-62 degrees Farenheit
Time quoted by ranger: 3 hours
Time took for me to complete: 4.5
Elevation gain: 500 ft according to ranger
Directions via GPS: enter "Cottonwood Visitor Center, Pinto Basin Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277" and make sure that it will take you to the 10 Freeway and instruct you to exit off Cottonwood Springs Road.
I'm not a usual participant of New Year's resolutions, but this time I decided to hike as many trails as possibly in Joshua Tree National Park before the unbearable heat arrives. Yes I finally came up with a New Year's resolution! This trail is perfect for anyone seeking an easy all-day excursion on a well-maintained trail that is relatively flat minus a few set of granite stairs and a descent into the culminating dry oasis.
I can't rave enough of the beauty of this National Park that makes me feel as if I'm on a different planet. I affectionately call it Mars because of it's endless barren landscape and bizarrely shaped cacti.
To get to the trail, enter the Park via the South Entrance, which is off the 10 freeway. Beware!!! If you try to access the trail by entering the West Entrance, it will take an addition 2-hour drive through the park to get to the trail head.
Stop by the Cottonwood Visitor Center for a glossy brochure and map, then drive onward to get to the nearby parking lot to Lost Palm Oasis trail head.
The beginning of the trail will welcome you with a set of stairs. Within less than a mile, you'll see Mastodon Peak to your left. You can't miss it, especially with a sign pointing an arrow toward the respective direction.
As you get closer to the Oasis, you'll enter a slot canyon.
When you see a crack in the horizon, that means you're almost there. Check out the Salton Sea on your right.
As you approach the sign, you begin your descent into the Oasis.
Final thoughts...
If you're not in the best shape, this trail is doable. Always check the weather before coming in order to prepare for the elements. Since there is so much barren land, it's easy to stray away from the designated trail. If in doubt, follow the path with the most foot prints. Look down to see if there is a row of rocks indicating the path of the trail.
Level of difficulty: easy with some scrambling down and around the oasis
Date of hike: 1/21/16
Temperature: 45-62 degrees Farenheit
Time quoted by ranger: 3 hours
Time took for me to complete: 4.5
Elevation gain: 500 ft according to ranger
Directions via GPS: enter "Cottonwood Visitor Center, Pinto Basin Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277" and make sure that it will take you to the 10 Freeway and instruct you to exit off Cottonwood Springs Road.
 |
| Follow the granite steps |
I'm not a usual participant of New Year's resolutions, but this time I decided to hike as many trails as possibly in Joshua Tree National Park before the unbearable heat arrives. Yes I finally came up with a New Year's resolution! This trail is perfect for anyone seeking an easy all-day excursion on a well-maintained trail that is relatively flat minus a few set of granite stairs and a descent into the culminating dry oasis.
I can't rave enough of the beauty of this National Park that makes me feel as if I'm on a different planet. I affectionately call it Mars because of it's endless barren landscape and bizarrely shaped cacti.
To get to the trail, enter the Park via the South Entrance, which is off the 10 freeway. Beware!!! If you try to access the trail by entering the West Entrance, it will take an addition 2-hour drive through the park to get to the trail head.
Stop by the Cottonwood Visitor Center for a glossy brochure and map, then drive onward to get to the nearby parking lot to Lost Palm Oasis trail head.
The beginning of the trail will welcome you with a set of stairs. Within less than a mile, you'll see Mastodon Peak to your left. You can't miss it, especially with a sign pointing an arrow toward the respective direction.
 | ||
| Follow the signs |
The landscape is dotted with quirky flora and rock formations. But no Joshua Trees in sight!
 | ||
Final thoughts...
If you're not in the best shape, this trail is doable. Always check the weather before coming in order to prepare for the elements. Since there is so much barren land, it's easy to stray away from the designated trail. If in doubt, follow the path with the most foot prints. Look down to see if there is a row of rocks indicating the path of the trail.
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