Trail Run Project Logo

gem icon Barker Dam [Suggest Edits]

34 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Though Joshua Tree National Park is located in the midst of a large desert, the area was historically used by ranchers who managed to raise cattle in the arid climate. A visit to the Barker Dam will highlight the perseverance required to raise livestock, as well as the creative approach that locals had to to take to survive the harsh climate.

Today, you’re more likely to witness local birds or bighorn sheep drinking from the water stored behind the dam than you are to see cattle, and this is one of the most popular places to observe local wildlife. The dam itself was constructed in two stages. The lower portion of the dam was created by ranchers in the early 1900's, but William Keys and his family raised the dam by another six feet in the 1950's. The division between the two portions is easy to spot and makes for an interesting history lesson.

A mild trail leads to the dam, and this is an especially good choice in the spring. Early springtime visitors will enjoy the improbably blue waters of the lake, the boulders that rise directly from the waters, and a chance to admire the handiwork of ranchers from a century ago. This is a great place to take photos and to enjoy the contrast of the water with the surrounding desert.

Short Run: The short Barker Dam Nature Trail will lead runners to the dam and back in about 1.5 miles of easy trail.

Gem Type: Historic Site

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Droves of cholla are highlighted by the setting sun at Cholla Cactus Garden. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.

Cholla Cactus Garden

(45) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite Milky Way over Arch Rock

Arch Rock

(26) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite The clouds erupt in wonderful colors as we reach the summit of Mt. Ryan.

Ryan Mountain

(21) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite Joshua Tree tree.

Keys View

(27) Sky Valley, CA
gem Favorite Skull Rock peeks up through the surrounding boulders. Photo credit: NPS/Robb Hannawacker.

Skull Rock

(40) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite To preserve this historic area, visitors are limited to the National Park Service guided tours. Photo Credit: NPS/Lian Law.

Keys Ranch

(3) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite View from the trail

Wall Street Mill

(8) Twentyn…, CA
gem Favorite A beautiful rock face to the north west of Ryan Ranch.

Ryan Ranch

(4) Twentyn…, CA

Nearby Trails

1.0 mi 1.7 km Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
28 days ago
75 
2.9 mi 4.7 km Ryan Mountain Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Twentynine Palms, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
28 days ago
71 
1.3 mi 2.1 km Barker Dam Nature Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
11 days ago
56 
6.4 mi 10.4 km Lost Horse Mine Loop
Intermediate Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
28 days ago
31 
3.1 mi 5.0 km Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
14 days ago
25 
1.8 mi 2.8 km Skull Rock Nature Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
42 days ago
29 
8.3 mi 13.3 km Boy Scout Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Joshua Tree, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Joshua Tree, CA
Unknown
Update
14 
0.2 mi 0.4 km Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Easy Easy
Twentynine Palms, CA
Easy Easy
Twentynine Palms, CA
Unknown
Update
18 
2.3 mi 3.7 km Wall Street Mill Trail
Easy Easy
Twentynine Palms, CA
Easy Easy
Twentynine Palms, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
11 days ago
26 
37.6 mi 60.5 km California Riding and Hiking Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Yucca Valley, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Yucca Valley, CA
Unknown
Update
Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on May 25, 2017. All Page Views: 4,005. Last Month: 21.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.