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Added to the State Parks in 1988, Ripley Desert Woodland is located in the rural westside of the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County, a few miles west of the Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road at 210th Street. Donated to the State by Arthur "Archie" Ripley, the park protects and preserves an impressive stand of native Joshua trees 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 the 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.
Getting There
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 along Lancaster Road, and enter through the pedestrian walk-through by the park gate. Admission is free.
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 along Lancaster Road, and enter through the pedestrian walk-through by the park gate. Admission is free.
Tips & Rules
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.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
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.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Mojave Desert Information Center: 661-942-0662, 8am-4:30pm daily
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Mojave Desert Information Center: 661-942-0662, 8am-4:30pm daily
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Guides
Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Nearby Community Trips
6 miles
4839 max elevation
Average speed: 3.1 mphA little over 2 hours, including a snack break at the campgound, and explorationRide description and photos: http://forums.horsecity.com/index.php?showtopic=47049871
