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Saddleback Butte State Park
Photo via Wikimedia (Saddleback Butte State Park)
Budget-friendlyParks & Hiking

Saddleback Butte State Park

Lancaster, CA

★★★★★4.5(319 Google reviews)

A classic Joshua-tree desert park ~17 miles east of town with a summit trail and big valley views. Skip the midday hike in summer — brutally hot and exposed.

Good for

  • Ages 3–5
  • Ages 6–9

17102 E Ave. J, Lancaster, CA 93535, USA

(661) 946-6092

Open nowToday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.

$6/vehicle; camping $20

Inland & High DesertLancasterNature

Map

What visitors say

  • Pamela L★★★★★

    Saddleback Butte State Park offers a few nice desert vistas and an easy, short four-wheel-drive route, but overall I didn't feel it was worth the drive. While the park has hiking opportunities and plenty of open space, I wasn't fully prepared for just how hot and dry the conditions were, so be sure to bring plenty of water and plan accordingly if you visit during the warmer months. The surrounding area also felt quite run-down in places, which took away from the overall experience. If you're already exploring the Antelope Valley, it may be worth a quick stop, but I wouldn't make a special trip just for this park. There are many other desert destinations in Southern California that I found more scenic and rewarding.

    a month ago

  • J. Anthony★★★★★

    Be aware that this park is NOT dog friendly. You can have leashed pets on the main road and in campsites only, but not on any trails. There is a deceptively placed sign with a dog on a leash right by the pay envelopes. Ended up with a $5 day pass for a 10 minute walk with the dog. The park is bordered by highways with semi traffic on two sides, very close to both camping areas. If you're passing through and need a low cost alternative to a hotel, it's cheap, clean, and well maintained. Otherwise Vasquez Rocks is free and has 4000 acres of rocks and trails to get lost in - plus it's dog-friendly.

    10 months ago

  • Yuliana B★★★★

    Nice place for camping or stargazing. Make sure where to go, especially at night bcz one of the gates may be closed. Don’t walk bare feet. Too many spikes! There are seats, tables, and BBQ grills. Bring food, beverages and enjoy the views. By the way Lancaster seemed a little strange, and that’s definitely a windy town. So bring your jackets.

    9 months ago

  • Kevin Kirkpatrick★★★★★

    Really pretty area with a fun rock climbing area for kids. Also on the walk way they have different animal footprints imprinted in the concrete.

    6 months ago

  • MARK CARLSBAD★★★★★

    A simple, scenic campground with spectacular views, Joshua trees, and beautiful desert wildflowers!

    5 months ago

Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps

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