Bear Creek Canyon Oasis Trail

Date: December 14, 2011
Time: 5.5 Hours
Length: 9 Miles
Location: La Quinta, CA
Elevation: 2,364ft
Weather: 45-65’
Difficulty: Hard

Description: The trail starts out on the Bear Creek Canyon Trail, then finishes by turning up the mountain and heading west to the Oasis.  I started this hike at 7:30am with 70 ounces of water and 6 energy bars.  Finishing the hike in 5.5 hours with 34 ounces of water and 2 energy bars.The trailhead starts at the top of the La Quinta Cove, from the parking lot located off Calle Tecate.  The map can be a little misleading in the parking lot, stating the hike is 3.7 miles to the Oasis.  I logged it at just over 9 miles there and back with my GPS.You start on the Bear Creek Canyon Trail, so the beginning is the same.  Take a right at the first fork heading west towards the picnic tables.From there, head south towards the trash can and follow the signs down into the wash.Heading southwest through the wash, you will notice several signs posted for the Bear Creek Canyon Oasis Trail.  The trail runs along the left or eastside of the wash, but when you see this sign above, note that it is pointing towards the trailhead on the other side of the wash.The next sign is in the middle of the wash and is also pointing towards the trailhead on the other side.  The trail on the east side is very well cared for, but you will need to cross the wash in order to find the Bear Creek Canyon Oasis Trail. As you walk up the middle of the wash, you will notice a rock with white spray paint on it.  The trailhead is just ahead on your right, past an opening in the mountain with more paint.If you are walking on the left side of the wash and not looking for the trailhead, you can easily miss it. However,  It will take you to the Bear Creek Canyon Trail.The bank to the left in this photo is taller than the trailhead sign.  This makes it very easy to miss, I can’t stress this enough.  Head southwest up the trail toward the oasis.The trail is very easy to follow from here to the oasis, keep heading southwest for about a mile, then west.Around 1,200ft we noticed some Big Horn Sheep tracks going up the trail.By 1,550ft we saw them heading off the trail, as if to let us pass.The trail has amazing views in all directions.  You can see the San Jacinto Peak all the way down to the Salton Sea on a clear day.Just passed 2,000ft you will start to see the oasis.Head down across this little wash and make your way to the oasis over the ridge.The oasis was full of birds and signs of wildlife.  On the way back I did notice a lot of cuts in the trail, so remember to try and stay on it as you head home.If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file, please contact me for more information.