Due to the recent storm that passed through California and other western states, many areas may be temporarily closed due to trail damage and/or other reasons. Please check with local authorities prior to your trip.

17 Palms Oasis

full-limited Icon
3/5 (2 reviews)
Salton City, California (San Diego County)
Last Updated: 08/02/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Out in the middle of nowhere, the Ocotillo Wells SRVA desert area has a unique landscape feature that most people have never seen in their lives; an oasis. Sprouting out of the desolate desert is a lush green area with palm trees and shrubs. This green blip growing from the brown desert is a unique feature that its typically only read about in stories or see in movies. This backcountry drive, with a short hike, gives you a chance to experience it in real life.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3/5 (2)
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 12/30/2020

Cool to see. Ran this from S22 and made a day of it. Took about 2 hour out and back. I wouldn't want to run this trail in 2wd due to the deep sand. Deep sand and traffic is the only concern. Arroyo Salado Campground was closed due to COVID. It was pretty busy out this weekend.
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
65750
Open
Visited: 03/19/2019

Came in from Truckhaven. Easy drive in the wash. Amazing to see such a large group of healthy palms in the midst of this desert. We enjoyed the stroll to the palms and then continued to 5 Palms and Pumpkin Patch.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial