Barker Dam (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barker Dam
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Barker Dam and full reservoir in 1978
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Twentynine Palms, California |
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| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Barker, C.O.; Keys, W.F. |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000173 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1975 |
Barker Dam, also known as Big Horn Dam, is a special place in Joshua Tree National Park in California. It's a dam that creates a reservoir, which is like a big pond for storing water. Early cattle ranchers, including C. O. Barker, built the dam in 1900. Later, in 1949, a rancher named William F. Keys made it taller.
The dam is located between Queen Valley and an area called the Wonderland of Rocks. It's a popular spot for desert animals to gather, especially birds and desert bighorn sheep. Visitors can easily reach the dam by taking a short loop trail from a parking lot. Along the trail, you can also see ancient petroglyphs, which are drawings carved into rocks by Native Americans. If you enjoy bouldering, which is climbing on large rocks, there are good spots near the dam too. Park rangers sometimes lead special nature hikes around Barker Dam.
Building the Dam
The first part of Barker Dam was built in 1900. It was about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. This original section was made of concrete and covered with stone on the side facing downstream.
In 1949 and 1950, the dam was made even taller. Rancher William F. Keys and his family added another six feet (1.8 meters) of concrete. You can still see an inscription at the top of the dam that says: "Big Horn Dam Built by Willis Keys, W.F. Keyes, Phyllis M. Keys, 1949–1950."
Exploring the Barker Dam Trail
The Barker Dam Loop trail is a fun way to see the dam and the surrounding area. It's about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long, which is a round trip, and it's mostly flat. The trail starts at the parking lot and leads you past the dam itself.
As you walk, you'll find great areas for bouldering and a wall covered with ancient petroglyphs. The trail is also a good place for birdwatching, especially near the reservoir and in bushy areas. Because it's so interesting and easy, the trail can get quite busy, especially in the middle of the day.
A Historic Landmark
Barker Dam is recognized as an important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's considered a significant part of the history and culture of the United States.
See also
