Hike Distance: 11.2 miles
Beer Creek Oasis Trail is considered one of the more rewarding day hikes in the La Quinta Cove area. Although it an uphill climb, the trail provides great views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains as well as peeks of the Salton Sea and Mount San Gorgonio.
The trail starts in the Cove Oasis Trails gateway in La Quinta. Follow the well-marked trails for Bear Creek Canyon.
Greeted by the beautiful Santa Rosa mountains at the trailhead.
Despite being only yards away from residential neighborhoods, the views are immediate.
Initially, the trail follows a wash for the first mile or so.
We were surrounded by the hills as we walked along the base on the Santa Rosa Mountains.
After leaving the wash, the trail began a steady climb. The trail is considered difficult/strenuous by many website because of the 2,319 foot elevation gain over the length of the trail. A beautiful palm oasis awaits those who can go the distance.
Amazing views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
But with elevation gain came great views of the surrounding mountains and desert communities. In the picture below is the community of La Quinta and right of center is the wash where the trail began.
The surrounding Santa Rosa mountain range and its canyons were formed by igneous and metamorphic rock thrust up by the activity of the two major tectonic zones, the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults.
What a contrast....the snow-covered San Jacinto Mountains and the arid hills on the trail.
Finally after all the uphill hiking, off in the distance we could see the trail leading down to the palm oasis.
The palm oasis off in the distance.
Data indicates the spring-fed streams running through the steep canyons that support the oasis are slowly drying up and the palm trees dying. However when we visited during this wet winter of 2019 the plants in the area looked healthy and thriving.
After reaching the oasis, we continued hiking until we reached a lunch spot along a stream that feeds the oasis.
After lunch we started our hike back to the parking lot. This ocotillo looked like it was lunging off the cliff.
The views on the way back were just as stupendous.
Mount Martinez dominated the skyline.
Small patch of teddy bear cholla lined the trail.
Back in the wash at the start of the trail. It was a great day hike with amazing views in every direction.
