Nestled at the northern edge of Joshua Tree National Park lies a magical desert community called Twentynine Palms. This unique town gets its name from the 29 native Washingtonia filifera palms that were planted around a natural spring by the Serrano people centuries ago. The spring created an oasis in the harsh Mojave Desert, turning this unlikely spot into a green sanctuary that continues to captivate visitors today.
A Town Born from Palms
Legend has it that the Serrano people planted exactly 29 palm trees at the life-giving Oasis of Mara, one for each boy born during the first year they inhabited this desert sanctuary. This ancient planting ceremony marked the beginning of human settlement in what would eventually become Twentynine Palms.
The palms weren’t just symbolic—they provided essential resources for survival in the harsh desert climate. Fronds offered building materials for shelter, while dates provided sustenance during lean times.
Today, descendants of these original palms still stand tall, connecting modern visitors to the area’s rich indigenous heritage that spans thousands of years.
Oasis of Mara: Desert Sanctuary
Rising from the parched earth like a mirage, the Oasis of Mara creates a startling contrast against the surrounding Mojave Desert landscape. This natural spring has been bubbling life-sustaining water to the surface for centuries, creating a microclimate where palms and other vegetation thrive.
Wildlife gathers here too—birds nest in the palm fronds while desert creatures come to drink. The oasis serves as a critical ecological island in a sea of arid terrain.
Visitors can explore this natural wonder via an easy half-mile interpretive trail that loops through the palm grove, offering informative signs about the area’s natural and cultural significance.
A Desert Atmosphere with Surreal Charm
Sunlight filters through palm fronds creating dappled shadows across adobe-style buildings painted in desert hues. This is 29 Palms—a place where time seems to slow down and the ordinary transforms into something magical.
The town’s artistic soul reveals itself through vibrant outdoor murals depicting military history, desert landscapes, and pioneer stories. More than 30 large-scale paintings adorn buildings throughout town, forming an open-air gallery that celebrates local heritage.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and endless sky, 29 Palms possesses a dreamlike quality that has attracted artists, writers, and spiritual seekers for generations who come searching for inspiration in this surreal desert setting.
Gateway to Joshua Tree
Morning light bathes the visitor center as adventure-seekers gather maps and advice before heading into Joshua Tree National Park. 29 Palms serves as the perfect basecamp—the park’s north entrance sits just minutes from downtown accommodations.
Unlike the park’s western gateway towns, 29 Palms offers a quieter, more authentic desert experience. Stargazers appreciate the minimal light pollution, while hikers value the proximity to lesser-known trails.
After days exploring twisted Joshua trees and massive boulder formations, visitors return to town for hearty meals at family-owned restaurants and swap stories with locals who know the desert’s secrets better than anyone.
Hidden Nature & Trails Nearby
Beyond the famous Oasis of Mara lies another verdant treasure—Fortynine Palms Oasis. Reached via a moderately challenging 3-mile round-trip hike, this secluded grove rewards persistent explorers with a stunning cluster of fan palms tucked into a rocky canyon.
Barrel cacti with vibrant red spines line the trail, while bighorn sheep occasionally make appearances on surrounding ridges. The temperature drops noticeably as you approach the oasis, nature’s own air conditioning system at work.
Early mornings offer the best hiking conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities. Remember that collecting water from the oasis is prohibited—this precious resource sustains the entire ecosystem.
