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Oasis Visitors' Center

Situated near the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is the Oasis Visitor’s Center, one of three such visitor’s centers under the park’s jurisdiction. Oasis is the most developed of these centers, and is the perfect first stop for a first time visitor to the park.

Located a half mile south of Highway 62, the Oasis Visitor’s Center is named such due to its proximity to the Oasis of Mara, a natural phenomenon to which one can hike from the Center. Though the Oasis no longer has any natural surface water due to pumping in the area, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife are on display due to the groundwater just beneath the desert sands.

The Visitor’s Center itself is home to many free and inexpensive brochures for the first time visitor, or the returning veteran in search of information. Taking even the slightest keepsake from within the park is strictly prohibited, so the search for a souvenir should begin and end here at the Center. Books and maps are on sale, and several educational exhibits are on display. Rangers are often on hand to answer any questions a curious visitor might have.

Popular within the nearby town of Twentynine Palms is the art of murals, and this flavor can be tasted at the Oasis Visitor’s Center as well. A lovely example of this can be found outside the Center; a gorgeous painting of a desert vista entitled “The Spirit of the Desert�. More artwork can be found inside, hanging on the walls, in the form of paintings and photographs.

• Hours: 8:00 to 5:00, seven days a week
• Telephone: (760) 367-5500