Home › California › Twentynine Palms › Fortynine Palms Oasis
Fortynine Palms Oasis
4.8 ★★★★★ 405 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Fortynine Palms Oasis' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging 3-mile round-trip desert path up & over a steep ridge to a scenic oasis with fan palms.
What runners say about Fortynine Palms Oasis
“The hike down to the oasis is enjoyable with changes in elevation and great views along the way.”
“This trail offers no shade and yet so much warmth on cool winter morning in December.”
An excellent hike inside Joshua Tree National Park. There is no pay station when entering this area, the only thing on this road is this parking lot trailhead. I was the very first person on New Years Day 2026 to reach the Oasis early this morning! I'll hold this title until next year when somebody else can hold it.
My favorite hike we did in our 2 days in the park. Great views, great workout, great opportunities to explore at the oasis. All around just great!
This hike was one of the best ones that I experienced in Joshua Tree. The parking lot has about 35 spots. I went on a Sunday morning and there were plenty of spots lots. The hike was about 1.5-2 hours total. A lot of uphill and stairs.
One of the best HARD hiking trails in JT national park/forest. This hidden gem is worth the hike that takes you winding up, down, side-to-side into the rocky terrain and desert wilderness. This trail offers no shade and yet so much warmth on cool winter morning in December.
Trail conditions & character
“No words for seeing this in person Just an amazing view Moderate difficulty due to desert temps, brings lots of water there is not escaping the sun on this trek.”
“The hike down to the oasis is enjoyable with changes in elevation and great views along the way.”
“There is no pay station when entering this area, the only thing on this road is this parking lot trailhead.”
“This hidden gem is worth the hike that takes you winding up, down, side-to-side into the rocky terrain and desert wilderness.”
“This trail offers no shade and yet so much warmth on cool winter morning in December.”
“5 miles out to view the Forty-nine Palms Oasis that is out there.”
Plan your run at Fortynine Palms Oasis
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Twentynine Palms
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Indian Cove Boy Scout Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Secluded hiking area with a large campground, surrounded by rock formations popular with climbers.
Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Gentle 0.5-mile trail near the Indian Cove campground, showcasing desert flora & rock formations.
Oasis Of Mara Nature Trail Trailhead
4.1 ★★★★☆ 223 reviews
Spring-fed oasis & nature trail in desert terrain, the historic site of Indian & other settlement.
Contact Mine Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
Hiking area with a well-maintained trail leading up a mountain for scenic views.
Boy Scout Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 148 reviews
Rustic 8-mile backpacking trail amid desert landscape, with some rocky sections & camping en route.
