Cottonwood Spring
Picnic areas
Along the way Cottonwood
Hike Cottonwood Spring 3 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
5-20 Minutes · no dogs
Start Cottonwood Springs
Enjoy a short 0.1-mile stroll to a spring-fed oasis filled with cottonwood trees and California fan palms, the only native palm tree in the Western US. Joshua Tree is home to five fan palm oases. This is a great place to observe multiple species of birds and enjoy the shade of the palm trees.
Cottonwood Spring was an important water source for Native Americans, prospectors, and miners in the area. Just past the oasis is a bedrock mortar, a Native American milling site used to grind seeds, nuts and acorns. Look for the interpretive sign along the trail just past the wash. Cottonwood Spring was first mentioned in a gold mining claim filed in 1875. The remains of an arrastra, a primitive type of gold mill, can also be found near the spring. It is illegal to take any cultural artifacts from the national park.
Much of the oasis is closed off to visitors to help protect the fragile ecosystem and allow wildlife to have undisturbed access to this rare and vital water source. Please do not go beyond the established boundaries.
The trail can be continued past cottonwood spring to mastodon peak (3 miles roundtrip) and lost palms oasis (7.5 miles roundtrip).
Pets Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.
Accessibility The trail descends from the parking lot on hard-packed dirt and sand. Cottonwood spring can be viewed from the paved parking lot above. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.