Barker Dam

Tourist attraction · Riverside County

Barker Dam

Tourist attraction · Riverside County

Joshua Tree Parkway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Highlights

Easy desert loop trail with cacti, rock formations, and vistas

Joshua Tree Parkway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 Get directions

nps.gov

@joshuatreenps

@travelleisure

Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

"A relatively quick and easy hike that blends history with scenery: “A popular spot, this area offers a mix of history and beauty. The dam was originally constructed by early cattle ranchers like the Keys family, and it’s surrounded by stunning rock formations and desert flora,” says Christina Sanchez. Visitors often see wildlife here—watch ridges and rocky hillsides for bighorn sheep, which are frequently spotted in warmer months—and the area is a good option for a shorter outing with photographic opportunities." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-joshua-tree-national-park-8770247

View Postcard for Barker Dam

Shruti Daga

Google

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.

Heather C

Google

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.

J Sun

Google

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.

Chelsea W.

Google

This was our favorite hike at JT. It’s a daily easy trail but it is really exposed most of the time so make sure to take adequate sun protection measures and lots of water. There wasn’t water when we went but the dam itself was really cool and we enjoyed reading all the trail plaques to learn more about the area and the native plants. It was fairly crowded but it didn’t feel overwhelming with everyone pretty spread out on the trail. Plenty of parking

Aishwarya S

Google

Our first visit to Joshua Tree and we hiked the Barker Dam trail. It was a beautiful stretch and the terrain gorgeous! We didn’t get to see any water though- it was towards the end of summer. Will need to return post a heavy rainfall and see the water front attract all the wildlife.

dave gunn

Google

The dam is pretty anticlimactic if there’s absolutely no water. I did this easy hike in late January a day after rain and it was still totally dry when I got to it. Still a nice first walk upon entering the park, I suppose.

Dennis Gavrilenko

Google

Really nice trail, short and sweet, well-maintained. We saw the dam and some pictographs, but no water in the dam. It was almost 100 degrees F when we were there, so make sure to bring lots of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and go in the morning! Nice first stop of the day, great success!

F Zalvidar

Google

The Trail offers a breathtaking journey through a vibrant desert landscape filled with towering cacti, unique rock formations, and stunning vistas. This trail is perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers, showcasing the park's diverse flora and serene beauty. Whether you're hiking or simply exploring, the Amazing Cactus Trail promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.