Barker Dam Trail - Joshua Tree National Park

Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

Winter is the perfect time to plan an adventure to Joshua Tree National Park, and this week we’re hiking a classic Joshua Tree trail. Join me along the Barker Dam Trail.

Barker Dam Trail

Barker Dam Trail is an easy 1.2 mile loop that gives visitors great views of beautiful rock formations, the dam itself, and different desert plants, including cacti. The trail begins along the dry wash, and while most of the trail is wide and flat with less than 50 feet in elevation gain (making it ideal for families with small children), there are a few short climbs…but nothing too strenuous. Distance wise, this hike is easy enough for kids or anyone looking for an easier hike…and when you reach the rock outcroppings, you'll get up close and personal with some of the park's most interesting natural formations.

Barker Dam

Barker Dam is a historic highlight of this trail. Originally built in the early 1900s by cattlemen who used it to hold water for their grazing cattle over 100 years ago, this dam was named after William "Bill" Barker, one of the original cattleman who helped build it. In 1949 the dam was raised and renamed “Big Horn Dam” by Bill Keys. If you plan a visit after a recent rain, you might be treated to beautiful water reflections here…but often by the Summer and Fall months the area is left completely dry.

Interpretive Exhibits

The Barker Dam Trail is lined with interpretive exhibits that share about the history, plants, animals, and people of this area. The dam and trail are rich with Joshua trees, creosote, Mojave yucca, pinon pines, and more, making this a great spot for wildlife viewing, including many species of birds, reptiles, and even desert bighorn. While the trail is popular, it rarely feels crowded, making this a great hiking option even if the park is busy.

Petroglyphs

At the southern end of the trail is another treat…large boulder formations have ancient petroglyphs carved into the desert varnish. This rock art site is believed to date back 2,000 years or more. However, a few of the etchings look rather new, and interestingly, multiple movies were filmed here in the 1940s and 50s…it is believed one of the productions painted over the original art in bolder colored paint to make the markings stand out in film. Obviously this would never be allowed now, and it’s important to never climb on or disturb these petroglyphs. Nevertheless, the ‘enhanced’ rock art lives on, so please refrain from stepping on, climbing on, or touching any part of this rock formation.

Know Before You Go

• Temperatures can reach over 100°F in the Summer and this trail has minimal shade, so always plan ahead and bring plenty of water.

• Wear footwear for rock scrambling and climbing. Rocks may be slick, especially when wet.

• Alway view the rock art from a respectable distance near the signage for the site.

• Crossing the dam or entering the water here is strictly forbidden as it is one of the few natural water sources for the wildlife here.

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

• Please be sensitive when exploring the great outdoors and remember the Leave No Trace Principles to help keep this special spot pristine, so that others may enjoy it for years to come.

Top 10 Joshua Tree Attractions

Dry lake bed and previous water level marks on boulders

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me today in Joshua Tree National Park. For a virtual visit of Barker Dam Trail, watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go

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