Figure 1. Fortynine Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree National Park.
There are some oases in Joshua Tree national Park. Fortynine Palms Oasis is one of these. This oasis is accessed by a 1.5 mile trail. A 3 mile round trip hike is considered easy or moderate at most, if not under high temperature.
Desert is thought to be barren, or wasteland by many people. An oasis provides the contrast. A journey of lifeless landscape suddenly becomes lush green and full of life.
There is another reason for me to hike this trail. This is also the bighorn sheep habitat, which includes the rocky slope and water source. In some way, this place is similar to Borrego Palm Canyon in nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Unfortunately, Bighorn sheep are not seen here for more than 10 years. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, but people don't obey this rule. The scent is detected by sheep and they consider it as a threat.
Even not seeing sheep, it is still an enjoyable trip.
