Saddleback Butte State Park

About Saddleback Butte State Park

Saddleback Butte State Park was established to protect the wildflowers and other plants and animals that once populated this high desert area. The valley is dominated by granite peaks and there is a great variety of wildlife such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey, mammals and birds.

The best time to visit is in spring, from February to May, when the wildflowers offer a beautiful play of colours. Autumn from October to November is pleasant, although temperatures can vary widely and change quite suddenly.

The evenings are peaceful, with warm breezes and clear skies, and the sunsets are bright and bright, but not as bright as during the day.

The average minimum temperature in winter is 33, but frost and sub-zero temperatures are common, and it snows occasionally.

Saddleback Butte State Park was once home to numerous desert species that were slowly wiped out by hunting, agriculture, and population growth, including the Mojave Rattlesnake and the deadly Rattlesnake, among many others. Beware of the "Mojave green plants" (or "rattlesnake") that occur in warmer weather, such as warm weather.

A special highlight of the park are the desert turtles, which are often seen by park visitors, who can get to know them as well as other reptile and bird species. Although the turtles are now on the endangered species list, they were once left alone in Saddleback Butte State Park. When you see a turtle, watch out for birds of all kinds, including the Mojave Rattlesnake, the California Red - Leged Bird of Prey and many other birds, such as the Arizona Redshank.

The family campsites are the first to be served and offer a variety of amenities such as picnic tables, picnic benches, a picnic table and water to drink from the tap. Each campsite has its own shower, shower cabin, showers, toilets and a tap to drink the water.

The maximum camper-to-camper camp beds are between 1,000 and 2,500 square meters in size, with a maximum of 1.5 hectares available per camper.

Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings within the campsites, with a maximum of 1.5 hectares per camper. The use of mobile home landfills is only possible for motorhomes that pay for their camp beds, tents and other camping equipment.

Dead vegetation provides a critical habitat for desert wilderness and the collection of firewood in the park is prohibited. Bring your own wood or buy it, or leave it for the time being, but bring it or pick it up at the campsites.

All water points and toilets are located in the picnic area, and group camps have a maximum of 30 people and 12 vehicles. During the day, the park is also used during Ramada, which is protected from the sun and wind. Reservations are not required at ReserveAmerica, but group camping permits are limited to 10 people per vehicle and each group camp has a minimum of 10 vehicles and a maximum of 20 people.

If you rarely visit Saddleback Butte State Park, be sure to visit the park office and visitor center located at the southern end of the parking lot on the north side of Highway 99, near the entrance to Ramada.

The park takes its name from its most prominent landmark, and the Richard Dowen Nature Trail is a great introduction to the Joshua Tree and other plant species that occur in this corner of the desert.

The path from the Saddleback Butte State Park parking lot with its scattered peaks runs straight ahead, with the last half mile overcoming the biggest height difference. From the top of this peak, you can enjoy far-reaching views over the desert.

Take the 20th Street exit and turn right into the Saddleback Butte State Park parking lot, then left onto Richard Dowen Nature Trail. If you go north on July 20, the path will merge into the main path of the park, and you can then follow the path south.

The signage along the trail leads directly to Saddleback Butte State Park's main trail, the Richard Dowen Nature Trail. Follow the dirt road to the campsite, where the trail starts, then turn right onto the main road and then left onto the road.

A soft sand path marked with yellow poles leads to an impressive Joshua tree population. After 1.5 km the trail climbs steeply up the rocky slopes of Butte and then a gruelling climb leads to Saddleback Butte. Once at the top, follow the steep path to the left and then to the right onto the main road.

From above, you can look south to the San Gabriel Mountains and at the foot of the mountain, you can see the California aqueduct.

The cities of Lancaster and Palmdale are to the west, the vast Mojave Desert to the east, and the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino County to the north.