The best walks and hikes in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
5.0
(2)
32
hikers
Hiking trails in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park traverse a unique woodland environment in the western Mojave Desert. This area is characterized by its flat terrain and serves as a transition zone between desert and mountain climates. The park is home to well-preserved stands of Joshua trees and California junipers, alongside diverse desert flora. The landscape offers accessible paths for exploring this distinctive ecosystem.
Best hiking trails in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
26.8km
06:57
150m
150m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
17.4km
04:44
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
hikers
9.23km
02:30
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
3.57km
00:59
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.06km
01:22
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Watch for a sharp 90 degree turn to the east, which might be easy to miss if walking at night, as the metal aqueduct pipe has become invisible underground where it switches to a buried and closed square concrete channel. Follow the concrete.
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Where it meets with the open flowing California Aqueduct the trail turns a sharp 90 degrees straight east to follow the open water to a bridge. Even if it can seem tempting in the heat, life hazard signs warn to not swim in the aqueduct as the water is cold and moves swifly, the banks are too steep and slippery to get back out, and exit ladders are only every 1000 feet (330 meters).
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This 8-mile trail winds its way through the park, showcasing a diverse array of beautiful wildflowers along the route. This particular section stands out as the high point of the preserve, featuring elevation gains and offering breathtaking panoramic views.
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In this desert cross the two main water supply lines, the nearby piped Mulholland and here the open California Aqueduct, backbone of agriculture in the desert-dry Californian inland areas, and for the thirsty Los Angeles basin.
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Even this desert-dry landscape is used for farming, with irrigation and mechanization, some wrecks of which are rusting along the trail.
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State park parking is $15 per car. Parking on the main street is free, it takes about 2 x 10 minutes longer walk. Most flowers can be seen in spring from March to April. Otherwise you have a fantastic view over the country.
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When you learn about the Los Angeles Aqueduct for the first time, you imagine this water pipe going on for miles and miles. In reality, the stretch along the PCT where you actually walk on or next to the pipe is pretty short. If you don't want to stumble over the pipe in the dark of the night, you can also hike on the road right next to it.
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For a short segment the PCT joins the right bank of the California Aqueduct, which brings water in an open channel to Southern California, mostly for irrigation. This section of the PCT cuts through what looks like desert but is actually a working cattle farm. This is roughly in the middle of the 233 miles-long aqueduct. The aqueduct’s construction began in late 1907, and the first waters from it flowed into Los Angeles on November 5, 1913, six years later. It has no pumps for lifting water over hills or mountains; it is a 100% gravity powered water delivery system– the longest in the world. A detailed historical writup is at https://www.californiadroughtupdate.org/william-mulholland-and-the-building-of-the-los-angeles-aqueduct
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park?
There are 5 hiking routes available on komoot for Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park. These trails offer a range of experiences, from shorter, easy walks to longer, more challenging loops, allowing you to explore the park's unique desert woodland.
What are the easiest hikes in the park?
The park is known for its generally flat and easy terrain, making it accessible for many. Two excellent options for an easy hike are the Hiking loop from Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve, which is about 3.6 km long, and the Hiking loop from Bus and Overflow Parking, covering about 5.1 km. These trails are perfect for a gentle introduction to the park's unique flora.
Are there any circular routes for hiking?
Yes, several of the routes in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your steps. For example, the Antelope Loop Trail offers a moderate 17.4 km circuit, while the Mulholland pipe - LA Aqueduct – Hikertown loop from Holiday Lake is a more challenging 26.8 km option.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
While the region research does not explicitly state the dog policy for Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park, State Parks generally require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet and to be confined to developed areas, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads/trails. It's always best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current regulations before your visit. You can find more information at parks.ca.gov.
Is Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The park's easy, flat terrain and well-maintained trails make it an ideal location for family-friendly exploration. The self-guided Ripley Nature Trail (0.4 km) and Rare Juniper Trail (1.6 km) are particularly suitable for all ages, offering an engaging way to learn about the unique desert flora. There's also a picnic area for convenience.
What unique natural features can I expect to see?
The park is a vital sanctuary for impressive stands of native Joshua trees and California junipers, a rare woodland community in the western Mojave Desert. You'll also discover diverse desert flora like California buckwheat, golden bush, Mormon tea, blue sage, and beavertail cactus. Following wet winters, the park bursts with vibrant wildflowers such as chia, rock cress, golden gilia, and coreopsis.
What is the best time of year to visit for hiking?
For optimal viewing of wildflowers and milder temperatures, spring and fall are considered the best times to visit Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park. The park is a day-use area, open from sunrise to sunset, so plan your visit to enjoy the cooler parts of the day during warmer seasons.
Are the trails accessible for everyone?
The park is particularly well-suited for accessible exploration due to its easy, flat terrain and well-maintained trails. The Ripley Nature Trail and Rare Juniper Trail, in particular, offer a gentle experience with no elevation change, making them suitable for a wide range of visitors.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter?
While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the park's diverse flora and unique ecosystem suggest it supports various desert wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to look for animal trails as they explore. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles, and small mammals that thrive in this desert environment.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, the park provides visitor convenience, including parking facilities. The Ripley Nature Trail starts near the picnic area, and the Rare Juniper Trailhead is a short distance from there, indicating accessible parking for visitors to begin their hikes.
What do other hikers say about the trails here?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars based on 2 ratings. Hikers often praise the unique desert woodland environment, the well-maintained trails, and the opportunity to experience the rare Joshua trees and California junipers up close.
Most popular routes in Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
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