Barker Dam
A historic 1.5-mile loop trail in Joshua Tree NP, featuring a rancher-built dam, unique rock formations, and potential wildlife sightings after rain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the dam full & wildlife
Barker Dam
Best Time
See the dam full & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1.5-mile loop trail in Joshua Tree NP, featuring a rancher-built dam, unique rock formations, and potential wildlife sightings after rain.
"Easy hike with unique rock formations and historical elements, a must-do in Joshua Tree!"
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail is exposed; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion. Essential for any Joshua Tree hike!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The desert sun is intense, even when it doesn't feel hot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Dam Structure
Barker Dam
See the early 1900s cement basin and old wood trough, a testament to ranching history.
Fairy Shrimp Puddles
Seasonal pools near the dam
After rains, witness tiny fairy shrimp hatch and thrive in desert pools.
Wonderland of Rocks
Surrounding the trail
Explore unique rock formations and enjoy bouldering opportunities along the path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Water
Sun Protection is Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail is exposed; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion. Essential for any Joshua Tree hike!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The desert sun is intense, even when it doesn't feel hot.
🥾 Easy & Family-Friendly
A 1-mile loop, mostly flat, perfect for families and a quick nature walk.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Great photo opportunities of unique rock formations and desert flora.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail is exposed; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion. Essential for any Joshua Tree hike!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The desert sun is intense, even when it doesn't feel hot.
🥾 Easy & Family-Friendly
A 1-mile loop, mostly flat, perfect for families and a quick nature walk.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Great photo opportunities of unique rock formations and desert flora.
📜 Read the Trail Plaques
Learn about the area's history and native plants from informative signs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Barker Dam an easy and enjoyable hike with historical significance and unique rock formations. While often dry, the trail's accessibility and scenic beauty, especially after rainfall when wildlife may appear, make it a popular choice. Some note the lack of water but appreciate the historical context and surrounding landscape.
"Barker dam is inside Joshua tree National Park. We visited here in April and unfortunately it was dry but the loop is easy with not much elevation and easy to complete with unique rock formations everywhere. The trail is very clean and has a big parking spot and a restroom.
Beautiful place to see the sunset and a lot of different cacti and flora! The hike has a lot of areas with shade which makes it easy."
Shruti Daga
"Great hike. Pretty easy going. Really enjoyed hiking down to the dam and seeing the old wood trough and standing at the cement basin still there with William Keys "signature" still visable from what seemed to be June 1939. Also cool looking up at seeing the "Resting Guerilla" formation that... lies...above it. Really fun hike. Lot's to explore."
J Sun
"Pretty easy hike out to the dam. Lots of room to allow many hikers on the trail. If you are looking for wildlife, cacti, bugs...you can find them on tje trail or nearby.
The dam itself was ok. I visited when it was dry."
Heather C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barker Dam is located within Joshua Tree National Park. Access is via Park Boulevard. The trailhead is well-marked with a large parking area and restrooms nearby.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the Barker Dam trailhead, which can accommodate many visitors.
Yes, you can drive to the Barker Dam trailhead as it is accessible by car within Joshua Tree National Park.
Follow Park Boulevard within Joshua Tree National Park. The trailhead is clearly signed and has a dedicated parking area.
Currently, there is no public transportation that directly serves Barker Dam. A personal vehicle is required to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Barker Dam is located within Joshua Tree National Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility on the trail.
Entrance fees vary, but typically a 7-day pass for a private vehicle is around $30-$35. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
You can purchase your Joshua Tree National Park entrance pass online in advance to save time at the entrance station.
No special permits are required for the Barker Dam Nature Trail itself, beyond the standard park entrance fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Barker Dam trail is a 1.5-mile loop that is mostly flat and considered easy. It offers unique rock formations and historical elements.
No, the Barker Dam hike is generally considered easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels and families.
After rainfall, you might see fairy shrimp in the pools. The area can also attract birds and other desert creatures.
No, Barker Dam is often dry, especially outside of rainy seasons. Its water level is highly dependent on recent precipitation.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Barker Dam trailhead.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam structure itself, the surrounding unique rock formations, and any seasonal water pools offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, Barker Dam is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, with the desert landscape providing a stunning backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert scenery and rock formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Check the NPS website for current regulations before flying.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and ensure everyone wears hats and sunscreen, as the trail is quite exposed. Visiting after rain can add the excitement of spotting fairy shrimp in the pools, making the experience even more memorable for children.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
This trail offers a lot of visual interest – from unique rock formations to historical remnants – without requiring any additional fees. It’s a perfect way to experience the park's natural beauty and history on a budget. Just be sure to factor in the cost of water and snacks, as amenities within the park are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Timing is crucial for the best light; aim for golden hour during sunrise or sunset to capture the desert's warm glow. If you visit after rain, the seasonal pools can create beautiful reflections and attract wildlife, offering dynamic photographic opportunities.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Barker Dam
Beyond its practical function, the dam's construction also involved significant effort, with William Keys' 'signature' reportedly visible on the cement basin from 1939. The dam is nestled within the 'Wonderland of Rocks,' a geological area that adds to the trail's appeal. While the dam's water levels are highly variable, its historical significance and the surrounding unique geological features make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Joshua Tree National Park.
Experiencing Barker Dam After Rainfall
Seeing the dam full and the surrounding pools teeming with life is a rare treat. The water attracts various bird species and other desert wildlife, making it a prime spot for nature observation and photography. If you're planning a trip and there's been recent rain, Barker Dam should be high on your list. Even if the water is minimal, the historical aspects and rock formations are still captivating.
Family-Friendly Exploration at Barker Dam
Along the path, kids can enjoy exploring the interesting rock formations, imagining them as castles or animal shapes. The historical elements of the dam itself, like the old trough, can spark curiosity about the past. It's a great opportunity for children to learn about desert ecology, history, and the importance of water conservation in arid regions. Remember to emphasize the need for sun protection and plenty of water, even for short family hikes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit