For hikers: Here are the top desert oasis trails
What's the story
Exploring desert oasis can be one of the best experiences for hiking enthusiasts.
These hidden gems offer a refreshing escape from the desert with their lush landscapes and serene water bodies.
Discovering these trails can lead to breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.
Here are five lesser-known desert oasis hiking trails that promise adventure and tranquility to those willing to go off the beaten path.
Havasu Falls
Enchanting beauty of Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is another gem in Arizona's Grand Canyon region.
The trail here gives hikers an opportunity to marvel at spectacular turquoise waterfalls, dotted by red rock cliffs.
The hike is strenuous, with a distance of nearly 10 miles each way, but the view is definitely worth it.
Visitors require permits to visit this region, which makes it pristine and less crowded than other hot-spots.
Darwin Falls
Mesmerizing views at Darwin Falls
Located in Death Valley National Park, California, Darwin Falls is another surprising sight with its lush greenery amidst the desert.
The two miles round trip trail is relatively short, making it easy for most hikers.
As you get closer to the falls, you'll be surrounded by willows and cottonwoods—a stark contrast to the surrounding dry land.
Palm Canyon Trail
Serene escape at Palm Canyon Trail
Located within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, Palm Canyon Trail ensures a peaceful escape into nature's beauty.
The three-mile-roundtrip hike takes adventurers through rocky canyons before culminating at an oasis teeming with native fan palms.
It's the perfect spot to watch birds or simply enjoy a few moments of solitude away from the busyness of city life.
Boynton Canyon Trail
Hidden gem of Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail is located in Sedona's Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area in Arizona.
This seven-mile round-trip hike takes explorers through a range of landscapes, including towering red rocks and dense forests, before reaching a secluded oasis hidden from the eye—ideal for those looking for solitude in the lap of nature.
White Tank Mountain
Refreshing experience on White Tank Mountain Waterfall Trail
Another pleasant surprise that awaits you at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, near Phoenix, is a seasonal waterfall hidden within its ruggedness.
The Waterfall Trail is a little over a mile round trip but leaves plenty of room for exploration along dry creek beds heading up towards cascading waters during wetter months, when rain blesses this otherwise dry place.