Cottonwood Spring

This desert retreat has hiking trails, campsites, and old gold mills. The spring is the result of a tumultuous earthquake long ago and was for centuries by the Cahuilla Indian tribe. In the late 1800s to early 1900s a number of gold mills were built because water was necessary for gold processing. You won't have to travel far to take advantage of this desert oasis; the trail is less than half a mile. To get there from the I-10 take Cottonwood Springs Rd. north to Cottonwood Oasis Rd. Drive until you see the parking lot for the trailhead.