Just south of the 29 Palms Highway, between Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms, there’s a three mile round trip hike to an oasis called 49 Palms. Whether there are actually 49 palms is up for debate. Regardless, whatever number of palms constitute the oasis are breathtaking, particularly from a distance, in contrast with the surrounding dry, brown desert. 49 Palms is one of five oases officially recognized as such by Joshua Tree National Park.

The 49 Palms trail is open for day use only. Don’t be deterred by the sign warning of those who have died on the trek. It’s an easy three mile round trip, with a 300-foot ascension each way. As always, bring water, wear sunscreen, and a good sun hat. Keep an eye out for big horned sheep running the ridges along the trail.

At the base of each palm, there are small bluish black pools of water. While they aren’t big enough to swim in, they do lend a gentle, refreshing coolness to the breeze.

Trailhead and parking lot at the end of Fortynine Palms Canyon Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277