The summit and view are just excellent!! The rest of the trail was better than I expected and the sand that people complain about is mostly compacted, so it's not hard to walk through. I'm sure in the summer when it's 100° it's a much different hike than the one I took today at 55°, but it's not a difficult hike. The summit on the right side of the saddle is closed off for Rehabilitation, so you really can't do the full traverse of the entire ridge line and bag both summits (unless you break the rules and don't get caught). There's very little parking at the visitor center, so best just to park on the road and walk in unless you're going to reserve a picnic table or a camping site. The visitor center doesn't open until 9 AM and the gate is closed, so if you get there before then just head down the road and enter through the campground and there's plenty of parking on the dirt roads and you can still easily get to all your destinations. read more

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Great customer service, wonderful, very nice horses. Very good scenery and trails the horses are very nice and clean. read more

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This was a nice spot to stop on my trip from San Bernardino to Lancaster...Entered on the North side, stopped at the bathrooms and then drove through to the other side...Lots of beautiful flowers because of all the rain we have had. . stopped at the visitors center to do the short trail behind..Beautiful view and some very interesting rocks. Wouldn't go out of my way , but well worth the stop read more

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It's AloT Harder than it Looks! 2 miles Up about 1000ft elevation gain; Hiking in sand uphill is quite difficult even for those whom are fit. Spectacular views of the High Desert & surrounding mountains. We hiked to the ToP of the Butte to view a SunseT that had a sky painted with brushstrokes of ruby red and flames of orange. After SunseT it soon became pItch black & even tho we've hiked this trail many times we got a bit disoriented and had difficulty finding the trail cos it's not clearly marked at all points and the rocks look very much alike in the dark LoL. Our headlamps, All Trails app and Compass got us back on track. DO IT, buT make sure you are prepared :) read more

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We loved coming here so much we moved out to the desert! Although we didnt move here we think it will foster your love of nature. Enjoy!!

Saddleback Butte is a great place to hike, find some solitude, and learn more about the Mojave dessert. There's a lovely nature trail with a well-written guide available in the ranger station. There are also longer trails to take if you feel up to it and it's not too hot. If you visit in spring, summer or fall, don't forget to take plenty of water and sunscreen. There were plenty of wildlife around during my latest visit including ground squirrels, birds, and lizards. Day use is $6; camping is also available. Check out more details here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=618. read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

Went to Saddleback Butte SP on Fri 3/28/14. They have a really good wildflower season right now! Parking is $6 per vehicle or $5 with a senior citizen. Self-Registration so you need Exact Change, no credit cards, Cash or maybe Check Only. Visitor Center wasn't open when we went. Call for hours. We did the Nature Trail which is pretty boring, I guess only good for people in wheelchairs since it's mostly paved and flat. Skip it. Little Butte is nice and pretty easy to do. You'll see the wildflowers along the trail down low. If you continue to Saddleback Butte it gets really steep and seems to go on Forever, but eventually you'll climb some rocks and get to the Top! There's a small container with notebooks where you can write your name down to saw you were there and made it. There are 2 Survey Markers near the top too. Worth it for views and exercise. Total hike is only 3 miles total round trip. Bring food & water because there is none there & No shade on the trail. read more

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We've never camped here but we have taken drive thru the park and checked out the camping/picnic areas. This would be a nice little getaway close to home read more

The highlight is the lookout from the visitor station. The shorter paved trail close by is likely sufficient for most people. There's not much else different from going to the buttes and the non-paved trails are tough because of their condition; really soft sand for most of it. We did the trail to the smaller butte, down to the trail intersection, over to the campground, and back up to the main parking via the gravel road - 3.6 miles. $6 day use fee for a car paid via cash that is placed in a provided envelope as you enter. read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - View from the visitor center. - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

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I came out from South Dakota. This is a nice place to visit and has a great hike up to the top.

Way, way out at the far reaches of Los Angeles County are some eerily fascinating wildlife reserves and parks. Visible from many miles away, Saddleback Butte rises out of the desert floor like a specter; many don't realize this formation is also a state park where one can go hiking, camping or just stroll around in the profound silence of the high desert. Before you go, be sure to check out the official website for important information regarding facilities, conditions and possible closures. This is not a place to go unprepared. If the wind isn't tearing your hair off, you're roasting alive in the heat or merely turning a festive red color in the low humidity. That is to say: The camping is semi-primitive, the landscape bleak and the hiking can end up an exercise in misery and heat syncope. Bring water, people. Hike early. There's a cute little nature trail that circles around the ranger station, which apparently contains some exhibits. I wouldn't know, since it has never been open one single time I've gone. Nearby are some wooden ramadas with picnic tables, which provide a bit of shade and some protection from the wind. You can drive to the actual campground from here, or enter via 170th street (around the corner.) I always tell people to make this one stop on a tour of the Antelope Valley, because there are some other interesting places nearby - the Indian Museum, some empty gas stations and motels that are used exclusively for film sets, as well as some of the aforementioned county wildlife reserves. Just up the hill is a Joshua tree forest so thick and green it rivals anything I ever saw at the national park of the same name. Or, if you're the gritty outdoors type, go ahead and camp there. You just have to love stark vistas and a pronounced feeling of ennui. Here is some of the information from the site. You really *have* to be prepared before you go: "Saddleback Butte, elevation 3,651 feet, is a granite mountaintop that towers some thousand 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 95° F and occasionally range as high as 115° F, but evenings are peaceful with warm breezes and clear skies. Average minimum temperature during the winter is 33 ° F (frost and sub-freezing temperatures are common, with occasional snow). Hiking The Little Butte Trail is about 2.5 miles to the peak and can be picked up from below the day-use area, or take the 2-mile Saddleback Butte Peak Trail from the trailhead parking area in the campground. The trails begin on a mild slope through moderately loose sand among creosote bushes and Joshua trees to the base of the butte where they merge. It then becomes a challenging climb up sand and rock, but the finale is worth every step. At the top, enjoy a breathtaking 360° 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, then return on the park's gravel road to the trailhead where you started. See the "Equestrian" section for additional trail information. Day-use fee applies. 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. Day-Use Facilities Day-use facilities within the park include 27 picnic sites with tables and barbecue grills, each with ramadas for protection from the sun and wind. Water and pit toilets are located near the picnic area. Visit the park office and visitor center, located at the entrance to the day-use area, featuring displays and hands-on exhibits about the natural and cultural history and geology of the area. Campground Facilities The family campground is first-come, first-served and offers 50 units with tables, stoves, fire rings, and shade ramadas. Potable water spigots and full restrooms with a flush toilet and sink are located throughout the campground (no showers). Eight people maximum per campsite. There is a 30-foot max for campers/RVs. Use of the RV dump station is free for paid campers, or a $6 fee for non-campers. The dump station is currently closed for repairs." read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

I stumbled upon Saddleback Butte park while driving toward the poppies. I was pleasantly surprised by the blanket of yellow flowers and I love Joshua trees. read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - I stumbled upon Saddleback Butte park while driving toward the poppies. I was pleasantly surprised, and I love Joshua trees. - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

Fun place to get away and spend the day when it's not windy bring a lunch and see the nice views

If you are a fan of hiking, camping or just getting away from it all for a little while, Saddleback Butte State Park is a wonderful place to visit. And if you love Spring and wildflowers as much as I do, now is the perfect time to go! My husband and I went there today. First we checked out the quaint visitor center. Then we did the short and easy nature trail loop. Then we tackled the hike that takes you up to Saddleback Butte peak. I felt like a kid on a field trip (and who doesn't love that feeling). The wildflowers were blooming like crazy, the Joshua Trees were cool like they always are, and the views and rock formations were pretty special as well. The hike is not the farthest, but the last section is an incline that will have you asking yourself, "Do I really need to see what's at the top?" This is really a very special place. I'm glad that we made the trip out there, and you will be too. read more

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Great clean restroom; picnic table with shades; nice and quiet. Nice hike to the peak, only takes you around 1.5 hours to get up and you'll see the beautiful dessert. The hike is so sandy, it's like walking on the beach. Worth coming here once. Beware of mountain lions after sunset! Parking is $6 for day time and fyi you have to put cash in the envelope and into the box. So bring exact change. read more

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Saddleback Butte State Park is a small tract of land on the corners of two major routes in this area. It's great for short stays, day hiking... but I think someone would go mad if they had to stay here more than a few days since recreation here is limited. There are a few trails, one goes up the side of the butte for a great view of the valley. One is a loop to one camping area to the next, and down the access road back. In the springs the blooming wildflowers were amazing in this park, and abundant. We stayed two nights- two WINDY as hell nights. Most of the campsites have ramada structures, but they did very little to fend off the intense winds swooping the valley. Most of the campsites come with a pit and a bbq grill and two picnic tables. However, on the lower part of the campgrounds where we stayed half of the grounds were closed off. Some of the camps open did not come with a pit, and this time of the year when we woke up to 34f cold- they are necessary. There's plenty of room for tents and camping on the lot, too. However there is a 8 person capacity and only one car capacity ($6 for each extra). The campsites are a tad pricey, too at $20 a night. However it is a State Park and I understand the costs to run these places and inadequate funds to provide that maintenance. There's two parts to this campground, too. You can enter from one end and drive the 3/4 mile to the other end. Campgrounds are first come, first serve. For those looking for things to do, definitely check out the near-by Antelope Valley Indian Museum (free for Saddleback Butte campers). The building is amazing, as are the artifacts and even a really short and fun hike up the hills behind it. There's a near-by wildflower reserve, a poppy reserve not too far away, and for people into movies the church from Kill Bill is about 3 miles away. Not far from the campsites are also movie sets used in House of 1,000 Corpses, Devils' Rejects, and many more movies. I enjoyed our stay and may be back. read more

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This a pretty small state park so I imagine the only reason you would come here is to pitch a tent or just to get close and take pics of joshua trees without driving all the way out to Joshua Tree! When i was driving through (there's a dirt road that takes you all the way way through the park) I thought I had the whole place to myself. It wasn't until I was leaving that I saw one other car, and this was on a sunny weekend! So I guess it's great for solitude. read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Beautiful area with a nice walking trail, including a sidewalk that's suitable for a wheelchair

We spent 3 days at Saddleback Butte State Park campground in November, 2021. The best thing about this park is that it protects 3,000 acres of the high desert -- including an entire small mountain range -- from the development, cattle ranching, ORVs, and so on that have seriously degraded most of the rest of the Antelope Valley's natural environment. The campground has 37 tent and small RV sites with tables, fire rings, BBQ grills, and shade structures/wind blocks. There are water spigots, nice bathrooms, and an RV dump station, but no showers. The sites are spread apart nicely, but have no real privacy. Unfortunately, there's 24-hour noise from a busy highway only a couple hundred yards away, and from the many vicious, barking dogs that nearly all of the nearby residents have in their yards. Other than that, the place seems quiet and uncrowded. The hike to the top of Saddleback is moderately strenuous, about 4 miles round-trip, and with about 1,000' elevation gain. The view from the top is 360-degrees excellent. read more

Went here to pay dump fee and dump our portable Rhino tank. The host came towards us standing 20 feet away saying there is a limit on water you can take. The water we were taking was to flush our tank out after we got back to the camper. Instead of us hauling camper there we decided to do portable dump and flush. There are no signs saying you have to have camper there. It's a dump station so no matter how you empty your tanks it shouldn't matter. The women was rude and couldn't even come close enough for me to hear her. I feel she was taking pictures of us that were unnecessary because we were at the dump station dumping and getting water to flush with. If she was the camp host, I personally think she should have come over to the dump station to get a more clear idea of what we were doing. Not to mention maybe educate us of the unposted rules that we may not have been aware of. read more

I was choking. Not literally on my own tongue, or on anything that would be discernible to the human eye, but on smog. On the lack of dust, on sea-brushed wind. I was choking on my own life. I needed to get out, to get back to the center. No more of the lush green hills that filled my peripheal vision in every direction, none of the oaks and poison creepers. I wanted air so dry that it was like alcohol on my skin, mountains that scraped heaven, their tops pregnant with snow. I found it in Saddleback Butte State Park. I have known about this park since I was a child, as I grew up in the Antelope Valley. I do not remember the drive being so long to get there, nor the way so winding. What I do remember were the forests. Immense, silent, wind scoured forests of trees with limbs so tortured, so twisted, that if one didn't know better they might think that the souls of some long dead army are caught there, left for eternity to scream out their pain to the blinding blue sky. The way in is certainly made beautiful by the forests, and in approaching the park, the distance and the road stuns the eye. It would appear that such an expanse of the desert plains are nearly limitless, broken only by undulating, low grey and pale green hills, tumbled buttes comprised seemingly of boulders, and by the expanse of the comforting mountains that loom quietly in the distance. The wind gives your first greeting upon reaching the entrance to the park. Stepping out of the car for the first time, I felt as though it wanted to try and tear me off of the face of the earth. This, luckily, is a temporary feeling. I was lucky in my stay that the perennial wind died down soon after arrival, though it made itself known upon my exit, close to sundown. I paid my $6 fee for the day (again, a bargain-thank you NPS and the state of California for seeing the need to create and protect such places of wild abandon and pricing them so fairly for the not so wealthy public) and parked at one of the far ramada's that have been erected as protection against the wind. Upon leaving my vehicle, I went straight to the visitors center, but it was locked. There was one other family there, but the spaciousness of the desert creates a feeling of solitude, and I quickly forgot their presence. I climbed a low butte that borders the visitors center and surveyed my kingdom. From such a height, the tree yuccas looked like spindly, burned out husks of themselves. They have a tendency to fool the casual onlooker that they are blackened, irritable, uneasy. Ha! Tricksters. I had come to Saddleback hoping to find wildflowers, but it was unfortunately too early in the season for this to happen. However, I did manage to see one thing that has eluded me on nearly every trip out to the desert-I found a Joshua blossom. Usually the blooms are placed so highly on the branches that I am unable to get even the closest glimpse at them. This time, by sheer luck, I found a low hanging branch-with full bloom on it. I was startled at the size-it was larger than my hand, and as stated before, foul smelling. I walked the Nature Trail, which is paved and decorated beautifully with the tracks of desert creatures and the occasional native American artwork. The nature trail, for its beauty in winding throughout the park, is not of much interest. Better are you to venture off of the pathways and into the wilderness. More so is it worthwhile to climb the Butte itself and gaze out over the glory of the Eastern Mojave. Those not in possession of a stout constitution be warned-the journey to the top of the Butte is about the least straightforward thing in this park. But the climb is well worth it for the view that it provides. I can't speak to the campgrounds as I merely drove past them on my way to the Butte. If I had more time, and more preparation for warmth in the freezing nights, I would have stayed-and enjoyed every minute. Indeed, as it was, I hated to go. It is always hard for me to part from the desert, from the solitude that is so dear to the human spirit, and from the life that springs eternal from this dry, dusty, living earth. read more

I went on... May /// 2014 November /// 2014 August /// 2015 There is a guaranteed star-filled night. The Habitat: * First come first serve, however we never had a problem with finding a campsite. * $20 (cash) for a campsite with a max 8 people. The most tents we've had is 4 and we still had a little bit of wiggle room. * As mentioned before, the night sky is gorgeous. There are plenty of shooting stars to go around. * Ground is rough. Make sure to have sturdy tent stakes and a good hammer. * This place is freezing at night and scorching by the late morning. (It is the desert) * There are a few up-to-date clean restroom stalls (sinks & toilets). No showers. * Each campsite comes with both a standard size shade ramada and picnic table. * Great for groups or couples * Joshua Trees galore! Overall, this low-key campsite is a great way to get away from the city without completely leaving civilization. read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - August /// 2015; facing entrance of the park - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Great place to take your kids and have a lunch together. Take the little trail around the park and see what the park has to offer. Very beautiful trails well-maintained and especially beautiful in the winter time with the snow capped mountains. If the station is open take the time to go in and talk to the Ranger and see the gift shop. read more

Took a day trip out here to "the other Joshua Tree" a couple weeks back when we got wind that the desert wildflowers are in bloom. So beautiful and peaceful with hardly anyone about. We only encountered one other couple on the wheelchair accessible 1/2 mile paved loop, but we were the only two soldiering on to Little Butte which is a fairly easy trek at 2 or so miles to its peak. There's a day-use area with sheltered picnic tables and barbecues, and there's camping just down the street and around the corner. The spring wildflowers paint a magnificently vibrant setting in what I guess would be an otherwise drab landscape most other times of the year. Highly recommend making the trip to see the desert dressed in its finest! read more

Felt like I was in an episode of the Walking Dead...haha Pristine ramadas with grilles picnic tables at every location. However, didn't see a single soul on a Sunday afternoon. Restrooms were spotless and no one appeared to be at the visitor center. Your $3 admission at the AV Indian Museum pays for your entrance here. Very peaceful just quite eerie with all campgrounds barely used and empty. Perhaps that's a good thing ;) read more

Saddleback Butte State Park - Short hiking trails with nice vistas. - Hiking Near Me - Lancaster, California

Park is clean. Camp Host is friendly and helpful as well as very hardworking. He even let me give his very well groomed dog a treat for giving me a his paw/ high five. The views are beautiful over the entire valley: 360 degrees at the peak. Much of the trail is very soft dirt so bring shoes you can use to step into the dirt. Bit of a workout on your knees. There's sturdier ground towards the top. Seems like it is super windy at the peak every time I come here. Trekking poles are helpful for the descent down over the rocks at the top; especially if the light is going. Very enjoyable every time I have visited over the years. It's nice to park ($6 for permit isn't bad if you carpool) and walk up to see the view). You can warm yourself after using the grills at the campground by making a soup or hot drink. There are faucets and bathrooms available and you camp by paying the ($20?) fee. Small state park that is worth the time for the view! read more

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Use to be really nice place to camp back when they had a host to take care of the place. They say there is 50 spots to camp there but only 1/4 of the spots are open for camping. A lot of the wind/sun covers are falling over and are yellow taped off. read more

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Do you find beauty in the desert? Do you like hiking? Well this is the spot for you! I get lost for hours and love it. It's so relaxing and not too many people go here, so no need to worry about crowds. Most of my trips here have been during the day, the one time I went at night was also delightful. I came across some campers and danced in the moonlight and counted the stars. read more

We camped in the campground with a 27 foot trailer. The camp host was very helpful and friendly. There is a flushing restroom that is kept immaculate. Potable water and a pay dump station that are tidy. The trails are well marked and worth hiking. The Visitor Station in the Day-Use area is an easy walk from the camping area and worth seeing. Nearby attractions worth seeing also. We will definitely return to this quiet, beautiful spot! read more

Visited 1/10/15. No Access to Saddleback Butte trail from the campground as campground is still closed for improvements. Plan B was a hike on Little Butte trail from the day-use area, entrance on East Ave J just east of E.170th. The Saddleback (2 miles one way to summit) and Little Butte Trails (2.5 miles one way to summit) are loose sand up until the rocks toward the top of the Butte. The Dowen Nature trail is a. 6 mile loop with paved sidewalks. If you get an early start, the $6 use fee gets you access to the nearby Indian museum and other CA state parks on the same day. Camp hosts were very friendly and helpful at the Visitor Center in the day-use area. Maps and other brochures are available as well. read more

Water and dump station in service again. Makes for a quick, easy, and convenient place to stop with the trailer.

This is a great, clean state park. Right now it's blanketed in wildflowers, so check it out! There is a very nice paved path, but if you're up for it, there's a great 5 mile hike to the peak of the butte. It has great views of the Mojave and the San Gabriel's. Check out the write up on modern hiker: http://modernhiker.com/2014/03/24/hiking-saddleback-butte-state-park/ read more

In the mid 1980's came to the day use area here many times (along East J St ). A car would drive by on the very nearby J St once every 1/2 hour . 3 vehicles in an hour was lots of traffic. Now, there is a constant stream of vehicles including large trucks accelerating uphill going east on J St. Lots of noise and distraction. Similar traffic on 170th along the campground area. The day use area closes at sunset which means there is still an hour of light but can't stay. There is a 20 + mph wind all the time except winter and after 12am .. Check out weather service reports before going . Being in a 20 mph wind with 15 % humidity is like living under a hair drier . Lots of water faucets. Best time is Oct-March or after 8pm in summer. There should be "no dogs allowed" here , service or any other. read more