Cities near the park:

Saddleback Butte SP

State Park

The Desert Experience- Like Nothing Else!

Due to department budget cuts and service reductions, Saddleback Butte SP Day-Use Area hours have been reduced to 9:00 am to Sunset.  Campground Area is still open 24 hours.  These changes are in effect until the end of the fiscal year, June 30th, 2010.  We hope that the current Service Reductions will be adjusted at that time, however it may not, depending on the status of the State Budget.  We appreciate your patience.  

The public can assist us by hauling their own trash and leaving the facilities clean for the next park visitor to reduce workload on remaining staff.


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 our 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. 

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.  Bring your own, or firewood bundles are available at the Saddleback Market, 4 miles south of the park.

The group camp holds a maximum of 30 people and 12 vehicles; reservations are required through ReserveAmerica. 

Equestrian Use
A 4.5 mile horse trail skirts the lower north and west portions of the butte.  The trail is outlined by rock and a fence; horses must be kept within the designated trail and staging area.  The staging area for horse trail use is located at 200th Street East and Avenue J-8, and has easy pull-through access for large vehicles.  A 10-mile loop trip can be made by beginning at the North-East Equestrian staging area and exiting at the Saddleback Butte maintenance yard gate, then continuing around the south and east sides of Saddleback Butte.  Equestrian use is regulated to preserve the integrity of the park so gates require the lock combination; information and the lock combination to access the trail may be obtained through the Mojave Desert Information Center in Lancaster.  Horse camping is not available.  Group events are welcome, scheduled in advance.

Natural History
Saddleback Butte State Park is home to many once-abundant desert species that are slowly being extinguished by hunting, agriculture, and increased population; such as coyotes and kit foxes, 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 (the deadliest of the rattlers), which come out in the warm weather.  One special highlight of the park is the Desert Tortoise, which is often seen by those park visitors that have curiosity and patience enough to learn the quiet, unhurried ways of this age-old desert animal.  If seen, however, the tortoise must be left alone as it is now listed as threatened on the Endangered Species List.

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.

The Mojave Desert Information Center is located at 43779 15th Street West, just north of West Avenue K, in the High Desert Medical Center outdoor mall.

Park Features Icon Legend


Max Camper Length: 30 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 30 Feet