HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Oasis of Mara

0.5 miloop
10 ftelevation gain
10mmoving time
20 ft/miaverage climb

One of only two trails in the park where leashed pets are allowed. Paved and wheelchair/stroller-friendly, with wayside signs on the Serrano and Mara Band history of the site.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 Leashed dogs OK 🧒 Comfortable from age 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 20% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved loop behind the Visitor Center

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Oasis of Mara charges in hours, not miles.

0.5 mi and 10 ft of climbing work out to 10m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

10mmoving time, no breaks
0.1–0.2 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–10 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

20 ft per mile 9th steepest of the 9 trails we've measured in Joshua Tree National Park
20% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Joshua Tree National Park runs around 106°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

This Afternoon

105°F · Sunny · wind 10 mph

NOAA forecast for Joshua Tree National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Inaccurate Third-Party Apps

Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.

Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park · source
⚠️ Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect

The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.

Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Joshua Tree National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Oasis of Mara take?

About 10m of moving time for 0.5 mi and 10 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Oasis of Mara?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.1–0.2 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Oasis of Mara?

Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Oasis of Mara. Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Joshua Tree National Park.

Is Oasis of Mara good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Oasis of Mara?

About 20% of the route is shaded, and Joshua Tree National Park peaks around 106°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.