Saddleback Butte State Park, located 15 miles east of Lancaster, California, offers a serene alternative to the more crowded Joshua Tree National Park for experiencing the iconic Joshua tree and Mojave Desert landscape. Established in 1960 to protect the area’s unique desert flora, the park features Saddleback Butte, a 3,651-foot granite peak accessible via popular hiking trails that provide panoramic views of Antelope Valley. Visitors often enjoy a 3- to 4-mile loop hike combining the Little Butte Trail and Saddleback Butte Peak Trail, with early morning visits recommended during hot summer months when temperatures can soar to 115°F.
Beyond hiking, the park is well-suited for horseback riding, with scenic, beginner-friendly equestrian trails and local outfitters offering rides and lessons. The best time to visit is from February to May when wildflowers bloom along the trails. While day-use facilities like picnic areas and a visitor center are open daily, stargazing under the dark desert sky is a special experience reserved for overnight campers, who can stay at the park’s campground with basic amenities. Due to limited public transportation, visitors are advised to arrive by car, with nearby Saddleback Market providing supplies. The park lies just under two hours northeast of Los Angeles, making it an accessible desert getaway.
