Parka

Joshua Tree National Park hiking guide

Barker Dam Loop

A 1.3-mile loop with 62 ft of climbing in Hidden Valley, rated easy.

Barker Dam Loop, Joshua Tree National Park
Photo: RuggyBearLA

Key facts

Length
1.3 mi (2.0 km)
Elevation gain
62 ft (19 m)
Route type
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Area
Hidden Valley
Highest point
4,281 ft
Lowest point
4,254 ft

About Barker Dam Loop

Wander through a stunning array of monzogranite boulders and iconic Joshua trees. The trail features a historic dam, once used for cattle ranching, and offers a glimpse into the past. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot desert bighorn sheep and various bird species. Along the way, explore ancient petroglyphs and enjoy the unique desert landscapes, which can include a serene lake or a dry lake bed, depending on the season.

Route map

Route map of Barker Dam Loop in Joshua Tree National Park500 ftN
StartFinishNorth is up. Drawn from the route in the Parka app.

This route was checked by Parka editors.

Elevation profile

Elevation profile of Barker Dam Loop4,2504,3000.00.51.0Distance (miles)Elevation (ft)High 4,281 ftLow 4,254 ft
Elevation runs from 4,254 ft to 4,281 ft over 1.2 miles of mapped route. The profile is sampled from elevation data along the route.

Nearby in Hidden Valley

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