Overview
Eagle Mountain a rugged mountain in the southern-most section of Joshua Tree National Park. This area know as Cottonwood is within the Colorado Desert. Vegetation includes ocotillo, jumping cholla, creosote, yucca, smoke trees, palo verdes, and palm trees, and many varieties of wildflowers. Some of the best spring flower displays are in this area of the park. At the higher elevations near the summit the vegetation includes oak, juniper, and pinyon pine.
The Cottonwood area and Eagle Mountain is easy to access from Interstate 10, which is located to the south of the Cottonwood Entrance.
Other attractions in this area include Monument Mountain (4834'), Cottonwood Nature Trail, Moorten's Mill/Little Chilkoot Pass, The Mastodon Peak Loop Hike, Lost Palm Oasis, and Munsen Canyon.
The easiest route to the summit of Eagle Mountain is 9 miles round-trip with 2,400 feet of elevation. It is a class 1/2 route that starts at Cottonwood Campground.
Getting There
Exit Interstate 10 at the Mecca-Twentynine Palms exit, which is about 23 miles east of Indio, California. At the off-ramp stop sign, turn left or north onto the Cottonwood Springs Road. Stay on this road until the Cottonwood Entrance Station. The route starts at the Cottonwood Campground, but we found parking to be easiest at the Entrance Station/Visitor Center.
Hike 0.7 miles to the Cottonwood Campground. The hike begins at campsite #17 of loop B.
Cottonwood Entrance of Joshua tree is about 23 miles east of Indio, California
Red Tape
There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park. The Cottonwood Entrance is on the honor system - they do not check passes as you enter and leave.
National Park Service Website for Joshua Tree NP
You don't need a permit to day hike in Joshua Tree National Park. If you will be out overnight, you are supposed to register at a backcountry registration board.
When To Climb
Due to the extreme heat in the summer months, the best time of year to explore this area is from November to April.
Carry plenty of water, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Temperature changes of 40 degrees within 24 hours are common. Bring a variety of clothes that you can layer on and off as conditions change. Although rain is relatively rare in the desert, when it does come it can really pour down and cause flash floods.
Camping
You can camp for free on BLM land outside the Cottonwood Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.
Cottonwood Campground where the hike to Eagle Mountain begins has 62 sites and 3 group sites. The fee for an individual site is $10 per night and the fee for a group site is $25 per night. The campground has water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and a dump station. Individual campsites are on a first-come first -serve basis and are limited to six people, three tents, and two cars. Group sites may be reserved by calling 1-800-365-2267 or online at http://reservations.nps.gov/.
Mountain Conditions
National Weather Service Site
Joshua Tree National Park Contact Information:
By Mail
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597
By Phone
Visitor Information
760-367-5500
By Fax
760-367-6392
National Park Service Website for Joshua Tree NP
External LinksImages
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Joshua Tree National Park
