Bear Creek Oasis Trailhead

Quite a bit of work to get to a palm oasis which is not as nice as others in the region. Long distance hike with constant climbing on a very rocky trail. Not recommended for a summer midday hike. The reward is not worth it in my opinion.

Both trailheads sport good parking. The Bear Creek oasis trail feels a little more natural to me. I think it is the spillway near the Cove oasis trail that takes away from the experience.

This trail sucks. First, it is one of the worst marked trails I've every hiked. We lost the trail at a certain point, and ended up in an area that is apparently so commonly mistaken for the trail that there were footprints all over the route that we took, and eventually we came upon a large rock where someone had spraypainted "Turn Back". We wasted probably an hour of the hike going the wrong way and then trying to find the trail again. But besides that, it's just an UGLY hike. One of the most bland, and least scenic, hikes I've ever done. And soft sandy ground is really annoying. I can't recommend this trail at all.

Strenuous hike, but well worth the views. Easy trail markers and very defined trail.

This trail has you hike along a wash for a little while and then up some mountains to get to the Oasis. So there is a lot of elevation gain. The trail markers are there in the wash to guide you but for some reason they stop soon after you get out of the wash and head up the mountain. Beautiful views everywhere as you go up. I would advise to take some trekking poles if you have them. They help a lot. Also, take plenty of water. I was told by at least two people on the trail on this day that they saw bighorn sheep. But I didn't see them. No wonder they're so elusive.