Hiking Trail Guide: Joshua Tree NP - Barker Dam Loop

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Joshua Tree NP - Barker Dam Loop

Distance
1.5 miles

Elevation
100 feet gain

Difficulty
2/10

City
Joshua Tree ,CA (92252) 112.1 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
Take the 10 freeway to the 62 - head North, pass through Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and the town of Joshua Tree. You will see signs that say Joshua Tree National Park. Turn right on Park Avenue, there is a sign and a stoplight. Follow the road for 6 miles to the entrance gate. Pay your entrance fee and continue, drive for about ten miles, until you see the sign for Barker Dam, turn left and follow this road to the parking lot.

The trail begins through some wooden posts. Overuse and abuse has destroyed many of the plants in the area, please stay on the path.

The loop is easy to follow, and has little to no elevation loss or gain.

Description

This is a wonderful walk.

I would give it five stars if not for the constant flow of people. At times, there are so many people on this loop trail, you might feel as if you were at Magic Mountain. If you want to avoid the rush, try to go during the middle of the week, early in the morning, or early in the evening, but you may still find loud, obnoxious people who think they are in the supermarket.

This is an interpretive trail that lets you know about the history, plant and animal life in Joshua Tree and around the dam.

The artificial lake is beautiful, and you may want to spend time just gazing into its reflection. You travel through the wonderland of rocks, and can try your hand at boulder hopping if you wish. Do try to be careful of the plant life. Lots of people come here, it doesn't take much to destroy.

The petroglyphs are neat, but a movie set decided they weren't bright enough and painted over them to make them crisper. Hooray for Hollywood!

Map / Directions: