 |
Cottonwood Spring Oasis, one of the best kept secrets in Joshua
Tree National Park, is just seven miles from the southern entrance to the
park. The spring, the result of earthquake activity, was used for centuries
by the Cahuilla Indians, who left bedrock mortars and clay pots, or ollas,
in the area.
|
|
| Cottonwood Spring was an important water stop for prospectors,
miners, and teamsters traveling from Mecca to mines in the north. Water
was necessary for gold processing, so a number of gold mills were located
here. The remains of an arrastra, a primitive type of gold mill, can be
found near the spring, and concrete ruins mark the sites of two later gold
mills in the area. |
| The cottonwoods that give their name to the spring are not
native to this area. They were planted around the turn of the century by
some early resident, and the palms were planted in the 1920s. |
| A number of hikes begin at Cottonwood Spring. A short, easy
walk down Cottonwood Wash leads past a second oasis to a dry falls. In wet
years, the falls can become a scene of rushing water and red-spotted toads.
Bighorn sheep often come up the wash for water in the early hours. An old
teamster road drops down past the falls to the lower wash. A short hike
leads through palo verde and desert willow trees to the remains of Moorten’s
Mill Site. |
| The three-mile loop trail to Mastodon Peak offers spectacular views, interesting
geology, the Mastodon Mine, and the Winona Mill Site. And, for those looking
for a longer hike—eight miles round trip—and the largest stand
of fan palms in the park, the Lost Palms Oasis trail is a sure winner. |
| But you don’t have to hike to enjoy Cottonwood Spring. This is one
of the best birding spots in the park, so bring your binoculars and sit
a spell. |
| The campground, which has water and rest rooms, is located one-half mile
from Cottonwood Spring via a signed trail; there are also shaded picnic
tables in the campground. To learn more about the plants, animals, and history
of this fascinating place, join a ranger-led hike, walk, or campfire program,
offered most weekends. |
Top of Page | Previous
Page | Joshua Tree Home
|
 |
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/places/cottonwood/cottonwood.html
last modified: 03/21/02
web editor: Sandra kaye |
