Joshua Tree National Park offers the space to pursue freedom for self-discovery away from daily activities as well as a shelter for the human mind. Joshua Tree is the gateway community to Joshua Tree National Park’s west entrance, an 800,000 acre (323,750 hectare) wilderness preserve with a wealth of Joshua trees, unique and multi-colored rock formations, and some of the world’s most difficult rock climbing.
About the Park and Why It’s My #7 Choice
When one thinks of national parks, the emphasis tends to be on images of forests. Joshua Tree is not a park of this type. Instead, it is an area of arid desert land. While that may not sound particularly exciting at first, the park is rife with unique geographic characteristics that make it a haven for hikers, rock climbers, and campers.
Joshua Tree is situated in the higher mountains of the Mojave Desert. It also joins the low Colorado Desert. The park is famous for its rugged mountains, wide-open arid plains, and—of course—the odd Joshua tree after which the park was named.
History of the Park
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Joshua Tree Park a national monument in 1936, and it became a national park in 1994. Click this link to learn more about the park’s history.
Where Is the National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave and Colorado deserts of southern California. It is about two to three hours from Los Angeles, San Diego, or Las Vegas and about half an hour from the Palm Springs area. I spent about thirty-five years living in California, and during my last few years, I visited Joshua Tree National Park for the first time. My first experience was superb, and I had promised myself that I would continue to visit the place for years to come. My major aim was to find a favorite hiking spot, and I was not disappointed, as Joshua tree offers dozens of scenic hikes that vary according to their difficulty levels.
With over 1,235 square miles (1,990 km) to explore, you won’t get bored any time you decide to visit the park, especially as it’s filled with interesting Joshua trees and enormous rock formations.
Best Time to Visit
Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round with a crowded peak season from September to May. It can be scorching in the summer, so fall, spring, and winter are the best times to go. The best place to enter the park is in 29 Palms outside of Palm Springs. Los Angeles is the closest major city, and it takes a little over two hours to drive to the park from there depending on the type of driver you are. Hiking in the park is excellent.
You can choose different hikes based on the amount of effort you want to put in. Take your time as you hike through Joshua Tree National Park so that you can truly experience the park’s beauty. When the popular spots were crowded with people and cars, I took the time to get out on the Barker Dam Trail and experience nature myself.
Best Day Hike in Joshua Tree National Park – Barker Dam Trail
A hike to the Barker Dam is like taking a ride back in time. This short trail winds through giant rock formations and is mostly shaded at the start. I spent some time rock scrambling in this area during my most recent visit to Joshua Tree, which is a common activity in the park. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a perfect picture opportunity. There is also a diverse range of plant life on this trail.
QUICK FACTS
- Location: West entrance in Joshua Tree, near Blythe, southern California.
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Time: 30 to 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route: Loop
- Track Quality: Flat and well paved
- Hazards: Slippery rocks. Hot summers
- Elevation: 50 ft (15.2 m)
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Available at the parking lot
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Updates on trail conditions and closures
HIKE DETAILS
Barker Dam is an ancient dam built by the first descendants of cattle ranchers, and it is one of the few places in Joshua Tree National Park where you can see natural water.
Full Track Description
Barker Dam is a short, beautiful, and easy trail filled with petroglyphs and an ancient dam. Its markers and indicators allow hikers to get along the trail easily. Although it might be quite busy at the beginning, it is one of the best day hikes and it is quite difficult to find another trail in Joshua Tree that offers the same views and cultural history as the Barker Dam.
I walked toward the north end of the broad trail from the Barker Dam parking area, following the markers and signs to the dam. As I moved along the trail, I read the interpretative signs that explained the hard life of native vegetation. The trail then leads to a narrow corridor and looks like a surprisingly open valley. Barker Dam is a great hike to do in the spring, as it pairs nicely with the Wall Street Mine hike that shares the same parking lot.
Things to Note
Exercise caution during the summer months, as the temperature can rise to about 100°F (38°C). You can bring along your umbrella if desired since there is not enough shade along the trail. The park staff also advises you to use sun protection and have at least one liter of water in your backpack.
