Hike Barker Dam Loop Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
The Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree (my opinion) offering a unique and unforgettable hiking experience. This trail is located in the Wonderland of Rocks area of the park, and is a short, 1.3-mile loop that takes hikers on a journey through the rugged beauty of the desert.
Tip: There is a great Self-Driving Audio Tour on Get Your Guide for the National Park if you enjoy having a historical background on the gold prospecting and cattle rustling of Joshua Tree’s past.
Hiking Info
Trailhead location: Barker Dam Parking Lot
Nature Trail: 1.3 Mile Loop Trail
Rated: Easy
Elevation change: 59 feet
There is a parking lot here with free parking
Bathrooms at trailhead
No dogs allowed
Kid-friendly
When To Go
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is between March and May or October and November, when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The winter months of December to February can be cold but are still suitable for visiting if you prefer off-season travel. June and September are hotter but manageable if you avoid midday hiking. Go in Winter or Spring to see Barker Dam full of water, otherwise, it may be dry with limited water and wildlife. Avoid July and August as it is too hot for outdoor activities.
The trail begins near the Barker Dam parking area. As you hike the trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering rock formations and the unique vegetation of the Mojave Desert. The trail is well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the park’s iconic Joshua Trees.
The historic dam was built by early ranchers in the 1900s to store water for their livestock. In addition to the stunning natural beauty and historic significance of the trail, the Barker Dam Trail is also a great spot for potential wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of desert animals, including bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, lizards, and more. Supposedly the trail offers a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures, but we weren’t so fortunate. The dam was dried up when we went in October 2022, but now there has been so much rain in California, hopefully it’s filled up!
Dried up in 2023
March 2024
One of the coolest aspects of the Barker Dam Trail is the chance to see the petroglyphs that are carved into the rocks along the trail. These ancient rock art images are believed to have been created by the Native American tribes that lived in the area thousands of years ago, and they offer a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
Barker Dam Trail is a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for a unique and memorable hiking experience. With its combination of stunning natural beauty, historic significance, and diverse wildlife, the Barker Dam Trail is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Additional Tips
Access to the Wall Street Mill 2-mile trail is available from the same parking lot as the Barker Dam trail. Both trails are short and make for an enjoyable hiking experience. The Barker Dam trail offers views of the dam and petroglyphs, while the Wall Street Mill trail showcases a mill and vintage cars and mining equipment along the way. Completing both trails will provide a well-rounded taste of the natural and historical highlights of the area.
Do you know of any other other interesting hikes or sights in Joshua Tree? Please leave them in the comments below.
