barker dam trail

I chose this "hike" as I was spending the day driving through the Park, but wanted to do an easy hike, as I was traveling solo. I agree with other reviewers, take PLENTY of water. Though it seems like not much, 1.1 miles in the desert heat requires more water than you would think. It was a nice, fairly easy walk and I loved the scenery. The entire park itself is breathtaking. Being from Oregon, the desert scenery is so different than what I am used to. I took some time and went out in the desert where there were no people, and the stillness of the primal landscape is in itself magic. As it was President's Day weekend, there was no entry fee! I had a great time here.

Short, fairly easy hike with plenty of Joshua trees, photographic opportunities, and even a few petroglyphs (that have been painted over by modern vandals, but are still pretty cool). Would absolutely recommend it - be sure to bring water with you.

Very nice walk with lots of scenery,even saw a fox at the dam walking around the area and posing for pictures. Great spot for non hikers that just want a scenic stroll,shade spots along the way if you need it , must add the park staff was very friendly as we entered the gates

I am not exactly a hiker type person, but this short hike was easy and fun. It does involve climbing up and down a few rocks, so if you have difficulty with walking this may not be for you. It is not a flat, level trail. Wear sneakers or sturdy footwear. The hike took about an hour and we saw a variety of different types of cactus as well as desert wildlife (little desert chipmunk-like creatures and what looked like a tiny lizard) and amaxzng rick formations. Also, do not miss the Indian rock markings at the end.

We took several hikes in the park, the Barker Dam being one of them. The trail is 1.1 miles (seemed longer) and goes back to a dam build by early ranchers to create a lake - dam is there, but the lake was dry. The scenery is spectacular, but the hike is not for the faint of heart. While it is billed as "easy"' there are many sand covered boulders to scale, and lots of opportunities to slip. It's definitely not handicapped accessible. Also, it is not marked real well, at least for novice hikers like me. We just kept following footprints. I really don't think there's much chance of getting lost, it's just that sometimes we weren't sure which way to go. I would definitely recommend it in any case.

We only did the short hikes at JTNP but enjoyed them a lot. This hike is about 1.1 miles and leads down to a natural catchment area. We saw quite a few birds in the dam area but no animals. We attended a ranger talk the previous day and the ranger mentioned that other visitors reported seeing big horn sheep here. We saw traces of the sheep (mainly poop) but had no luck spotting the sheep themselves.

About 45 minutes this one and quite varied as you go round. Plenty of information - loads of different cactii and plants and we saw a small herd of deer grazing near the dam so pleased about that.

Loved walking the short loop. The signs along the way were helpful. The Dam itself was very interesting. This trail, and indeed, the park itself, it fascinating. The Joshua Trees themselves are so wild, and the rock formations are amazing. You will take picture after picture

We enjoyed this short hike and we even saw some animal life at the dam. After seeing the dam the loop back was so so. This was our second short hike of the day.

It would take a lot of courage to rock climb some of the formations around this site. By the time I paused and watched some of the climbers, I had the urge to take a rock climbing class.

This easy round trip hike take you to the Barker Dam via a mainy level trail via amazing rock formations. Along the route there are various signs to explain the flora and fauna in the area.Easy and very enjoyable

Its a dessert park and personally I am not into it. I have been to many national/ state parks and by far this one was dissapointing. They charge $15 and for that the trails are not so varied. There is no food inside the park.

Closer to Joshua Tree entrance. Nice little hike. At one point there is a nice view area that would be good at sunset. Ranger said there had been some wildlife sighting but we didn't see anythin.

This hike was beautiful in the late afternoon. It's about a 1 mile loop trail through the boulders and across sections of dessert. The trail is easy and is well marked. Interesting signs along the trail explaining about the flora and fauna of the area. Saw some different birds by the dam. There is a small amount of water at the dam. Didn't see any animals.Only saw a few other people on the trail (mid-week). At the end of the hike there are some petroglyphs in an elevated cave. It is a very enjoyable hike in a beautiful section of the park.

Even though the Barker Dam is empty the Big Horn Sheep like to take their walks on their chosen pathways along the sides of the cliffs..You will see from single Bucks to families. Please do not try to feed them. Some are not camera shy. It's a wonderful sight. These animals ARE NOT domesticated so please stay away. The Barker Dam Trail is a pleasant easy walk with good walking shoes and bring some water and possibly a small snack along for the short rest upon your arrival. Our first visit we carried a small picnic basket with sandwiches and a small bottle of wine and had an enjoyable picnic sitting on a rock at a make-shift table. It was so fun!! There was water in the Dam then!! We saw a family or 2 of 20 or so Big Horn Sheep walking along the side of their mountain/cliff. A few female turned to look and pose for pictures.