Joshua Tree National Park Cottonwood Oasis

Cottonwood Spring Oasis, one of the best kept secrets in Joshua Tree National Park, is just seven miles from the southern entrance to the park. The spring, the result of earthquake activity, was used for centuries by the Cahuilla Indians, who left bedrock mortars and clay pots, or ollas, in the area.

Places Black Rock Canyon Cottonwood Spring Samuelson's Rocks Cottonwood Spring was an important water stop for prospectors, miners, and teamsters traveling from Mecca to mines in the north. Water was necessary for gold processing, so a number of gold mills were located here. The remains of an arrastra, a primitive type of gold mill, can be found near the spring, and concrete ruins mark the sites of two later gold mills in the area. The cottonwoods that give their name to the spring are not native to this area. They were planted around the turn of the century by some early resident, and the palms were planted in the 1920s. A number of hikes begin at Cottonwood Spring. A short, easy walk down Cottonwood Wash leads past a second oasis to a dry falls. In wet years, the falls can become a scene of rushing water and red-spotted toads. Bighorn sheep often come up the wash for water in the early hours. An old teamster road drops down past the falls to the lower wash.

A short hike leads through palo verde and desert willow trees to the remains of Moorten's Mill Site. The three-mile loop trail to Mastodon Peak offers spectacular views, interesting geology, the Mastodon Mine, and the Winona Mill Site. And, for those looking for a longer hike;eight miles round trip;and the largest stand of fan palms in the park, the Lost Palms Oasis trail is a sure winner. But you don't have to hike to enjoy Cottonwood Spring. This is one of the best birding spots in the park, so bring your binoculars and sit a spell. The campground, which has water and rest rooms, is located one-half mile from Cottonwood Spring via a signed trail; there are also shaded picnic tables in the campground. To learn more about the plants, animals, and history of this fascinating place, join a ranger-led hike, walk, or campfire program, offered most weekends.