Mastodon Peak

Overview

Mastodon Peak is a low, rocky summit in the park’s southern Colorado Desert—no Joshua trees here, just classic low-desert terrain. It’s a short, rewarding loop from the Cottonwood Spring Oasis area with panoramic views, a bit of easy scrambling, and a pass by the historic Mastodon Mine. Expect about 2.5–3 miles round-trip and roughly 375–440 feet of gain.

Why it’s worth your time

You get the full sampler in a compact package: an oasis start, open desert washes, weathered monzogranite boulders, a non-technical summit scramble, and wide-open views across the park’s southeast. On clear days you can spot the Eagle Mountains, Cottonwood Mountains, and even the distant shimmer of the Salton Sea.

Route at a glance

Start at the signed trailhead by Cottonwood Spring, descend briefly toward the oasis, then climb toward the summit knob. The final push involves a short, fun scramble with stone steps carved into the rock—no gear, just hands for balance. The loop swings past Mastodon Mine before returning to the trailhead. If you want a bigger day, link this with the Lost Palms Oasis trail.

What you’ll see

• Geology: Monzogranite shaped into chunky boulders and craggy outcrops.
• Desert flora: Ocotillo, red barrel cactus, cholla, creosote, sagebrush, saltbush, and more.
• History: Weathered ruins and relics at Mastodon Mine tell the area’s gold-mining story.
• Vistas: 360-degree desert panoramas with dramatic skies on the right day.

Wildlife

Lizards are common sunning on the rocks, and you may notice birds and small mammals near Cottonwood Spring. Bighorn sheep inhabit these hills—give them space if you’re lucky enough to spot them.

Difficulty and crowds

It’s a moderate hike with a couple of short, steep bits and some sandy or rocky sections. The Cottonwood Spring parking area can fill quickly in cool weather, but overall this sees more moderate traffic than the busier northern trails.

Best time to visit

Spring shines thanks to wildflower displays. Fall and winter are great, too. Summer is a hard no—there’s virtually no shade, and the heat is brutal. Start early to beat both the heat and the parking crunch. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends.

Practical tips

• Bring plenty of water (think at least 2 liters per person) and solid sun protection.
• Wear grippy shoes for the sandy/rocky footing and the brief summit scramble.
• Expect limited or no cell service—set plans before you head out.
• For a smoother day, consider hiking the loop counterclockwise and adding Lost Palms Oasis if you want extra miles.