1/1/2026    Saddleback Butte SP

First Day Hike

Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time in nature with a free First Day Hike at Saddleback Butte State Park. A self-guided hike to Saddleback Butte Peak begins at 9am. Park staff and volunteers will lead two hikes varying from an easy/moderate 3.5-mile loop hike from the campground to Little Butte Peak to the day use area and back to the campground and a casual half-mile stroll on an ADA accessible path.

Where: The park is 17 miles east of Lancaster. Check-in for the hikes to Saddleback Butte Peak and the Saddleback Butte Peak Trail to Little Butte Trail Loop hike is in the campground at 17071 East Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93535. The sign up for the Dowen Nature Trail Hike is at the park’s visitor center located at 17102 East Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93535.

Parking: Parking is available in the campground area and day use area near the visitor center.

Hikes:

  • 9:00am – Hike to Saddleback Butte Peak (self-guided)

This strenuous 5-mile hike from the campground to Saddleback Butte Peak (3,651 feet) offers incredible views and incredible exercise. Plan for around three hours of hiking and 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It can be very windy at the top of Saddleback Butte. No scrambling required.

  • 10:00am – Loop Hike Across the Park (guided)

This easy/moderate 3.5-mile loop hike across the park will take you into the special land of Creosote and Joshua Trees while offering long, sweeping vistas of local buttes. Take quiet pauses to hear the animals who call this area home. Plan for under two hours of hiking with little elevation gain.

  • 11:00am – Dowen Nature Trail (guided)

This easy 0.5-mile guided interpretive walk along the Dowen Nature Trail is great for all ages and ability levels. Learn about the unique ecological communities and cultural histories of the park. Plan for around a one-hour hike with frequent stops and mild elevation gain. Wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Ages: All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Preparation: Check the weather before hiking and be prepared for windy weather.  Bring good hiking shoes, water, snacks, and/or a lunch to enjoy in the park’s picnic facilities after returning from a hike. Dogs are not allowed on the park’s trails (except service animals). Hikes start on time - arrive early to prepare. 

Contact: For more information, contact (661) 946-6092 or Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov