Barker Dam — Attraction in Twentynine Palms

Recommended, the nature loop is about one mile. Double that for altitude and sand, lolz. Walk up main path to an INFO sign with a map. Note there are ptetroglyfs to see here too. The path is roughly a square with the dam at north east and the ptetroglyfs south west. The path circles back to this sign. We walked counter clockwise to see the dam. Interesting to see a small body of water in the high desert. The west side has the dam wall proper. The north side is the back of the dam. Pretty reflections of rocks and surrounding plants in the water area. Exit west south of the dam wall, note the old cattle (?) cistern, interesting design. The trail will open into a flat valley. Resist the temptation to hum the Land of the Lost theme tune now. Continue on trail roughly south and you'll see another INFO sign for the ptetroglyfs. It's a rock formation with a few examples. Double back and east to connect back up with first INFO sign with the map. Exit back to parking to the south. Enjoyed the variety of landscapes here. There's elevation changes, valley vistas and the dam itself. Really for us a high point in our visit. A thanks to the rangers we saw on the trails. With the few off angle rocky areas and slippy moisture from rains it was nice to see them on look out. Not the best for climbable formations but great for eclectic views paired with a...

Okay, gather ‘round folks because it’s time to get weird and wonderful with the BAKER DAM in Joshua Tree! Yeah, that’s right, we’re visiting a dam… with NO WATER. Picture it - a dam, parched and sunbaked, in the middle of a desert. Like spotting a mirage, but instead of an oasis, it’s a riddle wrapped in a heatwave.

Parked right in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, Baker Dam is an enigma worth exploring. It’s like finding a popsicle stick without the popsicle. Disappointing? Maybe. Intriguing? ABSOLUTELY.

Now you’re probably wondering, why is this dry dam here? Well, this poor guy was built back in 1900 to provide water for cattle and mining uses. Fast forward to a toasty July day, and it’s just hanging out, catching some rays, and not holding a drop of water. It’s like me waiting for rain in the Sahara… it could happen, but let’s not hold our breath!

So why visit a dam with no water in the desert? That’s like asking why watch a movie with no sound. Sure, it’s not the full experience, but the intrigue, the suspense, the sheer audacity! It’s a story that needs to be told!

What do you think, friends? Would you give this thirsty dam a visit, or stick to the cacti...

Water in the Desert . Within the Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park is a small reservoir named Barker Dam with a 1.5-mile loop hike. Once there everything changes. The Stagnant waters with mounds of boulders rising on either side. There are willow trees instead of Joshua trees. Lots of grassy type plants instead of cactus. Many birds instead of jack rabbits and geckos. It’s become a gathering place for desert wildlife, including many species of birds and Desert Bighorn Sheep.

Barker Dam was built over a century ago by ranchers to save up some water for cattle. Built upon a natural water tank, the original Barker Dam was built higher by the Keys family while homesteading nearby. Don’t miss the Native American petroglyphs a short distance to the west.

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