Barker Dam Trail is an easy loop in Joshua Tree National Park near Twentynine Palms, California. The 1.1-mile route takes about 30–45 minutes and passes boulders, Joshua trees, desert plants and a historic dam.
- Route: 1.1-mile loop with 50 feet of elevation gain
- Typical hiking time: 30–45 minutes
- Trail access: Open year-round; parking and restrooms are at the trailhead
- Park context: El Rancho Dolores at JT National Park is in Twentynine Palms, a starting town for a Joshua Tree National Park visit
What to expect on the Barker Dam Trail
Barker Dam Trail is a short loop over varied desert terrain, with a dam and rock art site along the way. The route passes monzogranite boulders, Joshua trees, other desert plants and sandy washes. Interpretive signs describe the dam and the area's plants, animals and people.
The surface includes compact dirt and granite boulders, and some sections require stepping over or around rocks. The hiking time is 30–45 minutes; another estimate gives a range of 30–60 minutes, so allow for the longer estimate if you want time to pause at the interpretive signs.
Built in 1900 and associated with early ranching in the park, Barker Dam was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The reservoir is typically dry most of the year, but may fill after heavy rainfall.
How do you get to Barker Dam Trail?
From the North Entrance, follow the NPS directions to reach the Barker Dam parking lot. After the signed junction, continue about 11.9 miles toward Hidden Valley, turn right at the Barker Dam/Keys Ranch sign, then follow the road about 1.5 miles to the lot.
The trailhead has parking for cars, buses and RVs, as well as restrooms, including an accessible restroom, and a vault or composting toilet. Parking can be scarce during the peak period from September to May.
Echo T parking lot, west of the Barker Dam lot, is an alternative. For broader planning, read how to plan a Joshua Tree National Park visit from Twentynine Palms.
If you want a longer walk, the Echo T Connector Trail adds about 0.6 mile to the Barker Dam loop, making the combined route 1.7 miles. The trail is open year-round, but access and conditions can change; check the official site before you go.
Water, shade and desert preparation
The trail has minimal shade, and summer temperatures can exceed 100°F. Carry at least one liter of water per person for this hike, protect yourself from the sun and wear footwear suited to rocky terrain. For a full day in the park, NPS visitor guidance recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Rocks may be slippery when wet. Avoid drainage areas during and after severe weather and thunderstorms because of flash-flood danger. Most of the park has no cell phone coverage, so plan around limited connectivity.
Nearby stops for a park visit
Barker Dam Trail can fit into a wider Joshua Tree National Park outing: the loop itself takes 30–45 minutes, or 30–60 minutes according to another estimate. Adding the Echo T Connector makes the walk 1.7 miles in total.
El Rancho is in Twentynine Palms, a starting town for visitors heading into the park; a one-day Joshua Tree itinerary from Twentynine Palms covers a broader park visit.
Bikes are allowed on park dirt and paved roads, but not on trails or off-road. Keep the Barker Dam walk on foot, and use the marked route rather than extending the outing onto surrounding terrain.
Rules for protecting cultural and natural resources
Stay on the trail and keep a respectful distance from the rock art. Do not climb on, touch or otherwise disturb the art or its boulder; view the site from a respectful distance at the signage.
The Barker Dam barrier structure is closed to public entry. Stay on the trail side of the dam and otherwise remain at least 10 feet away. Swimming, wading and bathing are prohibited in Barker Dam Lake and other park water sources.
The trail is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers are prohibited. Pets are not allowed on the trail. Service animals are welcome and must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
FAQs
How long is the Barker Dam loop?
The loop is 1.1 miles, with 50 feet of elevation gain. The hike takes 30–45 minutes, while another estimate gives 30–60 minutes.
Can you expect water at Barker Dam?
The reservoir is typically dry most of the year and may fill after periods of heavy rainfall. Swimming, wading and bathing are prohibited.
Are pets allowed on Barker Dam Trail?
No. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Is Barker Dam Trail accessible to wheelchairs or strollers?
The trail is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers are prohibited.