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Barker Dam is a water-storage facility located in Joshua Tree National Park in California. The dam was constructed by early cattlemen, and is situated between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks near the Wall Street Mill. It is a gathering place for desert wildlife, including many species of birds and Desert Bighorn Sheep. Visitors can reach the dam via a short trail from a nearby parking lot and can see Native American petroglyphs a short distance to the west. There is also good bouldering on side trails near the dam. The park offers a Barker Dam Nature Hike led by a ranger.
[edit] Hiking trails
The Barker Dam Loop trail is 1.5 miles roung trip and has very little elevation gain. It goes from the parking lot at Barker Dam and goes past the dam and several good bouldering areas and a wall of easily visible petroglyphs. The trail also offers good birding both near the lake and at several spots along the trail that are surrounded by brush. It is a very popular trail and is crowded during midday.
Barker Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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