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Oasis · Twentynine Palms, California
Oasis of Mara
Native palm oasis next to the Joshua Tree visitor center in Twentynine Palms, with a short flat trail, connected to the history of Indigenous peoples and the town’s name.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Oasis of Mara
The Oasis of Mara is a natural oasis of California fan palms, fed by water that springs along a geological fault. It was used for centuries by the Serrano, Chemehuevi and Cahuilla peoples, who lived around the water and planted palms.
According to tradition, there were 29 palms there when the first U.S. surveys reached the region in the 19th century, which is where the town name Twentynine Palms comes from. The oasis suffered from a drop in the water level, and some palms were replanted.
A flat trail of about 800 meters circles the oasis, with panels about the history and life in the desert. Beside it is the park visitor center, with exhibits, maps and information about trails and current conditions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to an hour.
Best time
In the morning, before entering the park, to get information at the visitor center. Confirm the center’s opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It’s on National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms, next to the park visitor center, about 1 km from Highway 62. There is no entrance fee for the oasis.
Tip
Start your park visit at the Oasis of Mara visitor center to learn about road and trail conditions for the day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oasis of Mara
Why is the town called Twentynine Palms?
According to tradition, there were 29 palms in the Oasis of Mara when the first surveys arrived in the region in the 19th century.
Does the Oasis of Mara charge an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee for the oasis, which is next to the visitor center and outside the park’s paid area.
How long is the Oasis of Mara trail?
About 800 meters, flat, circling the oasis.