Oasis of Mara trail closes because of storm damage

Contact: JOTR info, 760-367-5500

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.- The Oasis of Mara trail at Joshua Tree National Park is closed because of damage caused by flooding. Recent summer monsoonal events caused severe erosion of the paved trail and impacted the cultural site. Several sections of the trail have been undercut and others have steep drop-offs, creating unsafe hiking conditions. The trail will be closed until repairs are completed.

Repairs will be planned and implemented in consultation with associated Tribes. The oasis is culturally and spiritually important to the Maara'yam (Serrano) people, who are represented by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and to and the Chemehuevi people of the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians. The oasis was first settled by the Serrano, who called it Maara'. They were later joined by the Chemehuevi. The Serrano and Chemehuevi meaning of Maara' has been translated to mean former home, bitter water, and "place of little springs and much grass." The oasis began attracting western settlers and miners by the 1880s and served as a center for development in the high desert. The area is habitat for a wide variety of desert creatures including American kestrels, carpenter bees, and desert iguanas.

Park rangers encourage visitors to check the weather forecast before entering the park. Flash floods in the desert can quickly turn deadly. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Visitors can prepare for a safe visit by: