Barker Dam Trailhead

Barker Dam Nature Trail Trailhead

NPS / Brad Sutton

Quick Facts

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park

Amenities

7 listed

Information, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

Barker Dam Nature Trail Trailhead provides access to Barker Dam on an easy 1.1 mile hike. This trail connects to additional trails for longer hikes. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a mix of compact dirt, granite boulders, and sandy washes. 

Wander through Joshua Tree's iconic monzogranite boulders, namesake Joshua trees, and past the historic Barker Dam. Visit a rock art site and experience human history from a respectful distance.

Encounter rock climbers, spot wildlife big and small, scramble over boulders, and walk along desert washes. Catch a glimpse of the far-off San Gorgonio Mountain. View the plant life of the Mojave Desert, including Joshua trees, creosote, Mojave yucca, pinon pines, and more.

After periods of heavy rainfall, the Barker Dam reservoir will occasionally fill with water. Otherwise, the reservoir is typically dry most of the year.

This trail is ideal for short visits, families, wildlife enthusiasts, rock art and history enthusiasts, photographers, and novice scramblers.