Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Seven miles from the southern entrance of the park, Cottonwood Spring Oasis offers plentiful day-use activities as well as nearby camping.
Plan Around Cottonwood Spring Oasis
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Cottonwood Spring Oasis Details
Seven miles from the southern entrance of the park, Cottonwood Spring Oasis is the result of earthquake activity. Local Cahuilla people used the area for centuries, and left bedrock mortars and clay pots, or ollas, in the area. Later in its history, prospectors, miners and teamsters used the area as a water stop. Water was also important for gold processing, so a number of gold mills sprang up here. What's left of an arrastra, a primitive gold mill, can be seen near the spring, and concrete ruins mark the spots of two later gold mills. The area's well-known fan palms first appeared in the area around 1920, perhaps the result of seeds deposited by a bird or coyote. Visitors today have lots of options when it comes to enjoying the area. A number of hikes begin at Cottonwood Spring, including the short and easy Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail. In wet years, the falls boast rushing water and plentiful red-spotted toads, and bighorn sheep often come up the wash for water in early morning. A short hike also leads through desert willow trees to the remains of Moorten's Mill. For those who want to check out the largest stand of fan palm in the park, the nearly 8-mile round trip Lost Palms Oasis Trail is the answer. The area is also one of the park's best birding spots, and nearby Cottonwood Campground has potable water and flush toilets, as well as a picnic area. Ranger-led programs and hikes are offered most weekends.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Cottonwood Spring Oasis
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cottonwood Spring Oasis while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Lost Palms Oasis
The hike to Lost Palms Oasis begins at a smaller oasis, Cottonwood Springs, right at the trailhead.
0.0 mi away
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
The hike to Lost Palms Oasis begins at a smaller oasis, Cottonwood Springs, right at the trailhead.
0.1 mi away
Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail
The Cottonwood Spring Oasis, seven miles from the southern entrance to the park, was used for centuries by the Cahuilla Native Americans.
0.2 mi away
Mastodon Peak Trail
Mastodon Peak, at 3,440 feet, stands sentinel over Cottonwood Spring Oasis and portions of the Lost Palms Oasis Trail.
0.6 mi away
Cottonwood Picnic Area
The shady Cottonwood Spring picnic area is located at the Cottonwood Spring Campground.
