Saddleback Butte State Park

Experience the Beauty of the Desert

Saddleback Butte is a granite mountaintop that towers some 3,651 feet above the broad alluvial bottom land of the Antelope Valley about fifteen miles east of Lancaster, on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. The state park surrounding Saddleback Butte was created in 1960 to protect the butte (one of many similar land features in the Antelope Valley) and examples of native Joshua Tree woodlands and other plants and animals that were once common throughout this high desert area.

The best time to visit is in the springtime (February through May) when wildflowers are apt to put on a beautiful display of color.  Autumn (October and November) is pleasant as well, although temperatures may vary widely and change rather suddenly. Summer temperatures average 95º F and occasionally range as high as 115º F, but evenings are peaceful with warm breezes and clear skies. Average minimum temperature during the winter is 33º F (frost and sub-freezing temperatures are common, with occasional snow).

For wildflower bloom and current event updates, follow us at www.Facebook.com/SaddlebackButte.

Hiking

To reach the peak: take the Little Butte Trail for about 2.5 miles starting from below the day-use area, or the 2-mile Saddleback Butte Peak Trail from the trailhead parking area in the campground. Both trails begin on a mild slope through loose sand among creosote bushes and Joshua trees to the base of the butte, where they merge. It then becomes a challenging climb on sand and rock, but the view is worth every step. At the top, enjoy a breathtaking 360º view over the Antelope Valley and east across the Mojave Desert. 

For a nice moderate 3-mile loop: go up one trail to where they merge, come back down on the other, and then take the park's gravel road back to your starting point. 

The short self-guided Dic Dowen Nature Trail is located at the visitor center in the day use area, with information on the natural history of the park and area. This trail is accessible to people with disabilities, strollers, etc. Please note, the day use area gates are locked at 5 p.m. but additional day-use parking is located at the trailhead in the campground.

See the "Equestrian" section for additional trail information. Day use vehicle entrance fees apply. Please note, dogs are not allowed on trails in California State Parks (with the exception of service dogs), to minimize impact on the wildlife in the park.  Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash in the picnic area and campground, and may be walked on the 2/3-mile park road in between the picnic area and campground. See Visiting Parks with your Dog for more information.

Day-Use Facilities

The day use picnic area, located near the East Avenue J and 170th Street East park entrance, has 12 picnic sites with a table and barbecue grill under a shade ramada. 

The park office and visitor center are open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring displays and hands-on exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the area. 

Late-Night Use: The park is popular for stargazing activities and astronomical viewing. After sunset, visitors must occupy a campsite and camping fees apply. The campsite may be used all night, but please observe park quiet hours and respect neighboring campers.

Campground Facilities

The campground is first-come, first-served with 37 sites containing a table, BBQ grill, and fire ring. Most sites have a ramada to provide shade and a wind block.  Potable water faucets and full restrooms with a flush toilet and sink are located throughout the campground.  No showers.  Eight people maximum per campsite.  

Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.  DO NOT collect firewood from the park- it is illegal, and dead vegetation provides critical habitat for the desert wildlife.  Firewood may be purchased from the camp host for $6 (proceeds go to our non-profit support association). Firewood bundles are also available at the Saddleback Market, 4 miles south of the park.

RVs/Trailers: All parking slots can accomodate up to 30'. However, exact length varies by campsite and many can accommodate longer rigs.  Slots are angled for ease of backing in. Use of the RV dump station is $10 (credit card only).

Group Camp: The Joshua Group Camp accomodates 9-30 people and up to 12 vehicles. The fee is $100 per night. Reservations are required for the Joshua Group Camp and can be made through the Reserve California website. Please call the Great Basin District Office at (661) 724-1206, for more information.

Equestrian Use

A 4.5 mile horse trail skirts along the base of the butte, from a staging area on the north side of the park to an equestrian rest area at the southwest corner of the park. The staging area has easy pull-through access for large vehicles, a picnic table, and chemi-toilet. The rest area features picnic tables and a water trough. Riders may also enter via horse walk-over gates at both ends of the trail.

Equestrian use fees are $3 per horse or $6 per trailer (regardless of number of horses on board). Horses are only allowed in the staging area and on the equestrian trail, which is lined by rocks and a fence. Horse camping is not yet available. Group events are welcome, but must be scheduled in advance. The trailer staging area and payment station is located at 200th Street East and East Avenue J-8 (off East Avenue J). The phone number to obtain the gate code is 661-724-1206 (Great Basin District) on weekdays between 9:00 am and 4:00pm, and 661-839-2158 (E. Macdonald) on weekends.

Natural History

Saddleback Butte State Park is home to many once-abundant desert species that are slowly declining due to hunting, agriculture, and increased population; such as coyotes, kit foxes, desert tortoises, jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, many kinds of snakes and lizards, and the occasional badger or skunk. Be cautious of the sidewinder and Mojave Green rattlesnakes, which come out in warm weather. Wildlife may be seen by those park visitors that have curiosity and patience to learn the quiet, unhurried ways of the desert habitat. If seen, however, please do not disturb the animals as this park is designated to preserve their home.

Bird life includes many migratory species, and a few permanent residents - golden eagles, hawks, ravens, and owls, and some smaller birds such as rock and cactus wrens, thrashers, blackbirds, horned larks, ladderbacked woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and loggerhead shrikes.

Location/Directions

The park is 17 miles east of Lancaster on 170th Street East, between East Avenue J and East Avenue K.

From Highway 14, take the Avenue K exit and go east to 170th street East. Turn left, and the campground entrance is shortly on the right; the day-use area is 1 mile further down at Avenue J.

From Highway 15, take Highway 138 west, and turn right on 165th Street East. It curves around and becomes 170th, continue on 170th to East Avenue K and J.