This rewarding 7.5-mile round-trip trek leads to a hidden desert-fan palm oasis from Cottonwood Spring near the park's southern edge. The path starts out fairly moderate, weaving through various washes, before descending steeply into a canyon to an overlook and from there down into the oasis. Enjoy the shady palms before embarking on the tough return slog back out of the canyon.
The trailhead is 1.2 miles past the Cottonwood Spring Visitor Center. For a greater challenge, add the 2-mile detour to the top of Mastodon Peak on your way back.
