Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland SP

State Park

Added to the State Parks in 1988, Ripley Desert Woodland is located a few miles west of the Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road at 210th Street West. Donated to the State by Arthur "Archie" Ripley, the park protects and preserves an impressive stand of native Joshuas and junipers which once grew in great abundance throughout the valley. Today, only remnant parcels of this majestic woodland community remain in the valley, the rest having been cleared for farming and housing.

The Joshua tree played an important part in cultural history of Antelope Valley, providing a vital source of food and fiber materials for the Native Americans that inhabited the region. The naming of Joshua as a "tree" is credited to early Mormon settlers who saw the tree with its upraised arms as Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Its actual classification, however, is as a member of the lily family. In early spring months, creamy white blossoms begin to grow on the ends of the branches of the Joshua. The blooms last for several months, growing larger and larger as the weeks go by. Set in a bed of wildflowers, the Joshua becomes a site of stately beauty. We invite you to walk through this majestic Joshua/juniper woodland, to enjoy its beauty and to share with others the importance of preserving this valuable resource.

For your enjoyment, the park features a picnic table and self-guided nature trail, with information about the desert wildflowers and animals of the Ripley Desert Woodlands. The trail is short with no elevation change. There is a pit toilet available; no running water.

Location - Directions
The park is located approximately seven miles west of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road (an extension of West Avenue I ), one mile south of State Highway 138 via 210th Street West.


Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Day Hiker's Trails Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Information Center Poppy Reserve/Mojave Desert Interpretive Association	Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland SP State Park Added to the State Parks in 1988, Ripley Desert Woodland is located a few miles west of the Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road at 210th Street West. Donated to the State by Arthur "Archie" Ripley, the park protects and preserves an impressive stand of native Joshuas and junipers which once grew in great abundance throughout the valley. Today, only remnant parcels of this majestic woodland community remain in the valley, the rest having been cleared for farming and housing. The Joshua tree played an important part in cultural history of Antelope Valley, providing a vital source of food and fiber materials for the Native Americans that inhabited the region. The naming of Joshua as a "tree" is credited to early Mormon settlers who saw the tree with its upraised arms as Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Its actual classification, however, is as a member of the lily family. In early spring months, creamy white blossoms begin to grow on the ends of the branches of the Joshua. The blooms last for several months, growing larger and larger as the weeks go by. Set in a bed of wildflowers, the Joshua becomes a site of stately beauty. We invite you to walk through this majestic Joshua/juniper woodland, to enjoy its beauty and to share with others the importance of preserving this valuable resource. For your enjoyment, the park features a picnic table and self-guided nature trail, with information about the desert wildflowers and animals of the Ripley Desert Woodlands. The trail is short with no elevation change. There is a pit toilet available; no running water. Location - Directions The park is located approximately seven miles west of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road (an extension of West Avenue I ), one mile south of State Highway 138 via 210th Street West.	Park Features Icon Legend Hours Sunrise to Sunset Park along Lancaster Road, and enter through the pedestrian walk-through by the park gate. Free admission. County Los Angeles Region Los Angeles County Telephone Mojave Desert Information Center (661) 942-0662 8 am-4:30 pm Daily Operating Hours Sunrise to Sunset Park along Lancaster Road, and enter through the pedestrian walk-through by the park gate. Free admission. Dogs are allowed on-leash.