A place like no other near Joshua Tree National Park in California
Just 7 miles from the South Entrance of the park, you’ll find Cottonwood Spring Oasis. This place held great significance for the Cahuilla Indian Tribe and gold miners who relied on its water. When you visit today, you can explore the remains of an old-fashioned gold mill and the concrete ruins of two more modern mills.
In the area, you can find various hiking trails to explore. One of them is an easy hike that takes you to a second oasis, while another shorter trail leads you to the remains of a mill. If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, there’s a 3-mile loop trail to Mastodon Peak. Along the way, you’ll enjoy magnificent views and come across the Mastodon Mine and the Winona Mill Site. For those seeking a more adventurous trek, the Lost Palms Oasis trail covers 8 miles and treats hikers to the largest collection of fan palms in the park. Additionally, there’s a campground called Cottonwood located around half a mile away from the spring. It’s a great spot to set up camp and relax after your hike.