Not far from the Salton are are a collection of different palm tree oases that were vital in pioneers moving West.  The water that the oases provided offered a much needed break in an arid landscape.

Palm Tree Oasis Overview:
1. Dos Palmas Oasis: A desert oasis about a mile east of Salton Sea surrounded by very unique palms seems to come out of nowhere.  It was originally named in the 1800’s for the the two palm trees it harbored, but since then the spring as grown much larger.  In the early days of California, Dos Palmas Spring Imperial Sand Dunes Palm Tree Oasis was widely used as a water refill point as travelers crossed the desert landscape.  The photo to the left is from when the spring was featured in Desert Magazine in January 1947.

Getting Here: The spring is located on the northwest corner of the Salton Sea and getting here is quick and easy.  While headed south on the Hwy 111 turn left (east) on Parkside Dr as you reach the the start of the state park, follow Parkside Dr until it reaches a T intersection with Desert Aire Dr and take a left (north), follow this road until it T’s and take a right on Coachella Canal Rd, a half mile down Coachella and you reach Dos Palms Spring Rd, take a right and at the end will be the picturesque springs.  GPS Address: Dos Palmas Spring Rd, Mecca CA 92254

2. Evan Hughes Oasis: Located off Hwy 8 on the Western edge of the Imperial Sand Dunes, this is one of the coolest and most accessible palm tree oasis’s we’ve ever found. The photo to the right is a glimpse of what you will find at this oasis. complete with it’s own dirt parking lot, out house bathroom, and constantly running outdoor shower station.
Getting Here: Off of Hwy 8, take County Road 115 Exit North, and then take the first right onto the frontage road Evan Hewes Hwy for 1 mile East.
GPS Address: 3531 Evan Hewes Hwy, Holtville CA 92250

3. State Park Oasis: If you weren’t able to stop by either of the other two Oases, you’re in lucks and there is a smaller one right next to the office near the entrance of the State Park.  This Oasis, while natural, feels a little staged, but still is worth a stop.  Right next to the oasis they have set up a nice cactus garden where you can check out different types of local desert plants.  If you have yet to see the Salton Sea, the park offers perfect access to the beach and water.  The Sea can smell quite bad at times and we don’t recommend getting into the water.

4. Palm Canyon (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park): If you like Dos Palmas Spring, then you will really like Palm Canyon. Located straight east of the Salton Sea in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park palm canyon feels like Jurassic Park. Back in 2004 a huge flood wiped out two thirds of the palms in the canyon but a large impressive patch still remains.  Photo to the right, courtesy of webshot user denisejonz100, notice how tiny the people look while being towered by these well over 100 foot palms.  To get to the palm grove from the park follow the Palm canyon trail from the visitors center.  The hike overall is very easy and should take around 45 minutes each way.  If you feel like hiking further there is also a waterfall in the canyon.  Please visit the Visitors Center before hiking as you will be hiking in a desert.
Contact Info: Click here for a detailed park map.  Park office phone is (760) 767-4205.
Getting Here: Take Hwy 78 23 miles west of Salton Sea, then take Borrego Springs Rd north 11 miles to Palm Canyon Dr, take a left here and a mile down you will come to the park entrance on your right
State Park Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638