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    Barker Dam Trail

    4.5 (39 reviews)

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    Shaza A.

    Was a moderate hike. There was no water there at the dam! We visited on Weekend and wasn't that busy. Trail was equipped as all with restrooms.

    Karyn M.

    Being from the Midwest and living in a pretty flat area, I no longer trust anyone who proclaims a trail easy. Barker Dam Trail is a 1.25 mile loop with elevation of about 50 feet. The distance is not a problem but for me it's any time I have to scramble up boulders, take a large (for me) step onto uneven terrain, am expected to leap down like a goat, and follow not clearly marked trails that it becomes no longer an "easy" trail. Barker Dam Trail has views of rock formations, desert plants, including cacti. It's a wide and flat trail then you reach the rock outcroppings and then I called it. This is billed as a family friendly hike but I saw a few children crying so I wasn't the only baby here. I have been fairly active my adult life but I have an uneasy relationship with gravity so for me this was an enjoyable outing but I'll keep on level ground thank you.

    Neil G.

    I absolutely love Joshua Tree National Park, on my last of my many visits (4/30/23), we hiked Barker Dam - very simple and quick (about a little over a mile) and did some scrambling until it is time to just sit back and relax to enjoy the beautiful sunset in this magnificent National Park. This trail is very doable especially to those who wanted to explore without being overwhelmed by the ginormous rocks to climb over, the steps to cross over the rocks are very well maintained and the views are nothing but spectacular. About half mile to the trail, you'll see an empty dam and a very interesting water trough, a quarter mile to the trails end, you'll find some interesting and beautiful Petroglyphs (and maybe some lizards) from times past, I am so glad these were preserved as it adds to the wonders and mystique of Joshua Tree. There are no bad views to enjoy the sunset in JT, if you get there at the right time of day depending on the season too - you'll have a front seat view of the most amazing sunset you'll ever see in your life, how it colors the desert, its vegetation and how the light prisms affect every boulder and rock, is an experience you won't forget for the rest of your life. Be responsible and help protect and preserve this beautiful National Park, take out what you bring in, yes even that piece of gum you have in your mouth right now, there is nothing more disgraceful than to see how we humans can be the boil that really ruins the beauty and gift of nature by leaving your trash behind - and to the vandals, not just the spray can morons, yes even if you who only use rocks to desecrate the boulders and rocks, etching your name for some selfish reason. Shame on you for ruining such a magnificent gift of nature not just for us at the present but also for future generations.

    Amelia

    Left LA around 4am to get to Joshua Tree early enough to not MELT! although we explored a little, this was the only Trail we did. it was short, absolutely gorgeous, and the first half was in the shade. very cool to learn about the history of the area! the indigenous petroglyphs were a must-see (yelp verbiage)!!! definitely recommend. "a stroll through history" - my dad

    Zarifa A.

    Barker dam is a short and easy 1.1 mile hike at Joshua Tree and may be one of my favorites! The views here are beautiful throughout and I loved seeing all the giant rocks and Joshua trees. When I got to the dam, there wasn't any water, however, the view up here is unreal and you can see pretty far off into the distance. On the walk back and a little off trail, there are boulders with petroglyphs on them which was super cool to see and is definitely worth the stop in my opinion. There is ample parking at the trail head and a restroom. We did see some people when we were on the hike, but I wouldn't say that it's super crowded and you definitely have space to walk and enjoy the nature without being disturbed by others.

    Barker Dam Nature Trail - Joshua Tree National Park
    John D.

    High-speed Trail Short 1.1-mile loop trail that leads visitors to a dam, petroglyphs, and some amazing desert plants, rocks and trees. Our only complaint about this trail is it's lack of clearly marked signage. If you're not playing attention, you'll end up starting over like we did, and that can be a bit frustrating. To be fair, the sun wasn't out, and I'm completely lost with the sun--and my shadow--to guide me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As with all things here at Joshua Tree, there's always a bit of a schlep involved to get to each thing. To get to Barker Dam Trail, it's a 1hr drive from Cottonwood Visitor Center; 25min from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center; and 30min from the Oasis Visitor Center. Also, please note that there is a restroom in the parking lot, so make full use of it. Tldr: Easy, short Trail, that's great for anyone and everyone. Happy hikes! :)

    Barker Dam trail Bulletin Board Parking - Auto, Bus/RV Restroom - Accessible Toilet - Vault/Composting
    Theresa Renee W.

    Never knew what I was missing out here in Joshua Tree began searching for new and remote places to hike had very little knowledge of Joshua Tree. Durning the pandemic (coronavirus) I researched besides that I'm a huge history buff that's were most of my hikes lead me too History, Views, Peacefulness. So off the bat we paid $80.00 for the year pass than pay $30.00 each visit. $80.00 pass gives you access to all National Parks so great for travelers. Also the Adventure pass is included !!! Deal The Barker Dam Loop trail is 1.5 miles round trip and has little elevation gain. It goes from the parking lot at Barker Dam, past the dam and several good boulder climbing areas and a wall of petroglyphs. The trail offers good birding near the lake and at several spots along the trail that are surrounded by brush. The dam was constructed by early cattlemen, including C. O. Barker, in 1900. In which I had no clue leamed that. It was raised in 1949 by rancher William F. Keys. It is situated between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks near the Wall Street Mill. Native American petroglyphs a short distance to the west. There is also good bouldering on side trails near the dam. The park offers a Barker Dam Nature Hike led by a ranger. It is a popular trail and is crowded midday, honestly seems like it's always busy lately, however the Ranger we randomly ran into was so awesome. He educated us throughout half way giving tips, information, history, we seen road runners running too fast to snap a shot. Best times to visit March to May and October to Nov ember. Parking lot does get crowed I believe there is another parking available for extra parking. Hike is not difficult, stay hydrated, eat always. My 74 year young mother in law did this hike with me.

    David G.

    This is a really touristy place...probably because it is short and flat. Really the dam aint much to see....what is cool is the Native Petroglyphs off the trail. Parking is a hassle but you can park aways and walk.

    view!
    Jo S.

    It is very hard to decide, but Barker Dam Trail might be my favorite one in the whole Joshua Tree Park! It's easy to find if you follow the map you get at the Visitor Center and the signs through the park. As far as hiking it? It's easy, a walk in the park, very pleasant to do and enjoy the sights. Anyone should be able to do it even if you're not used to hiking! It wasn't crowded when I went, some people around, nothing crazy! It was very peaceful and serene! Having the body of water around made it special, picturesque, a beautiful landscape that you get to see too much. Or at all in the desert! It's that unique. It was peaceful, quiet, in a nice, meditative away. I could stay there forever! If you visit the park, make sure you don't miss Barker Dam! Just writing about it makes me wanna go back and spend some time there again. Take those view in, enjoy the peace, the beautiful rocks, the blue body of water!

    Trail/area info
    Tony H.

    Another quick loop trail in Joshua tree National park, Barker Dam trail is a little over a mile loop with some nice scenery. This is a pretty popular spot in the park so the parking lot does get full, but they do have a few overflow parking spots near by. We walked about .4 from the 2nd over flow parking area to the start of the trail, the trail area also has restrooms in the parking lot area. The loop is pretty easy to follow. Later in the afternoon you can get some nice views of the sun going down below the rock formations in the area which makes for some nice photographic shots.

    Fertility well...
    Marcus F.

    A must hike in the Joshua Tree national park. Family-friendly 1.2 mile loop that takes you through boulder canyons, a small lake, dam, petroglyphs, and many endless picture opportunities. Best of all it's pretty flat and well traveled. - It's crowded and parking can be limited. That being said, there are a lot of people going in and out of this trail so the wait isn't too long. - Yes, you can climb up to the petroglyphs. Be sure to exit through the cave hole in the back.. - Make sure that you hike the loop. When you get to the dam, just keep walking in a counterclockwise direction..

    Bonnie I.

    Easy & flat 1 mile loop with a few stone steps to go up & down. Mostly exposed trail without any shade, but the path is wide enough. There is a bathroom & good amount of parking! I liked this hike, you get to see some nice rocks & lots of Joshua Trees.

    Brendie W.

    This trail is great! We hiked it in the snow with a baby in tow. It's beautiful, I highly recommend thi trail for a family day hike.

    Enjoying life through the storms within

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    2 years ago

    Nice view of mountains surrounding you, and the wild life, but you can NOT swim here at all!!@ there's about a 15 minute hike to the dam

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    9 years ago

    It was nice but if you live in the area, go to Big Bear instead. Tourists would enjoy it a lot better than locals.

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    Ask the Community - Barker Dam Trail

    Is there any water during the summer or the Dam is completely dry up?

    We were just there this last weekend and there was no water

    Has Anyone noted Wildflowers still bloomng? 2019 Super Blooms this year. April 26/ flowers almost peaked & is too late to see any?? Ya think?

    Are dogs allowed on the trail?

    Dogs are NOT allowed on the trails. Only on dirt roads and 100 feet off of paved roads. This is done with the intent to protect the big horn sheep. Please don't take your dogs on this trail.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Barker Dam Trail

    1-mile loop trail that leads visitors to a dam, petroglyphs, and some amazing desert plants, rocks and trees.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Barker Dam Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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