Saddleback Butte State Park

Saddleback Butte
Saddleback Butte

Overview:

Saddleback Butte State Park is a great place for any van or RV nomad to spend the day hiking or camping. The park is easy to get to and offers plenty of parking. A 2-mile hike to the summit will provide amazing views of the Antelope Valley and the Mojave Desert. I particularly enjoy watching the planes take off and land at Palmdale Airport and Edwards AFB in the distance. The park also has a ton of cool looking Joshua Trees. I recommend anyone who finds themselves in Antelope Valley to visit this park.

Adventure:

Saddleback Butte State Park is a great place to spend the day hiking or just enjoying the surroundings. The mountain is 3,651 feet tall and towers over the Antelope Valley. The park is located 17 miles east of Lancaster on the western edge of the Mojave Desert.

The day use and camping areas are separated by about a mile. The day-use area has around 20 picnic areas and is situated in Joshua Trees. Each site has a ramada, table, and a parking spot that can fit your van or short RV. The visitor center is up the little hill and offers a great view of Saddleback Butte and the surrounding area. 

The state park was created in 1960 to protect the mountain butte, the native Joshua Trees, and other plants and animals that were once common throughout this high desert region. Please be mindful while hiking in the park and practice leave no trace behind.

Hiking

You can hike to the top of Saddleback Butte Summit by taking the Little Butte Trail for 2.5 miles or the Saddleback Butte Peak Trail for 2-mile.  Both trails are easy at the beginning but get more challenging as you reach the summit. But once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with 360º views of the Antelope Valley and the Mojave Desert.

Camping

There is a campground with 37 sites located here that is first-come, first-served. The campsites feature a table, ramada, BBQ grill, and fire ring.  Potable water faucets and full restrooms with a flush toilet and sink are located throughout the campground.  No showers.

RVs/Trailers: All parking slots can accommodate up to 30′.  Slots are angled for ease of backing in. 

  • Fee: $6 per vehicle; $20 camping
  • RV dunp station $10 (credit card only)
  • Address: 170th Street East, between East Avenue J and East Avenue K

Directions:

Saddleback Butte State Park is 17 miles east of Lancaster on 170th Street East, between East Avenue J and East Avenue K.

From Highway 14: Take the Avenue K exit and go east to 170th street East. Turn left, and the campground entrance is shortly on the right; the day-use area is 1 mile further down at Avenue J.

From Highway 15: Take Highway 138 west, and turn right on 165th Street East. It curves around and becomes 170th, continue on 170th to East Avenue K and J.

References and Links:

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