Barker Dam (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Barker Dam
|
|
Barker Dam and reservoir
|
|
 Location in California
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Twentynine Palms, California |
|---|---|
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Barker, C.O.; Keys, W.F. |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000173 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1975 |
Barker Dam, also known as the Big Horn Dam, is a special place in Joshua Tree National Park in California. It's a dam that holds water, creating a reservoir. This reservoir is like a watering hole for many desert animals. It was built a long time ago by early cattlemen.
Contents
Barker Dam: A Desert Oasis
Barker Dam is a cool spot in Joshua Tree National Park. It's found between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks. This area is a gathering place for desert wildlife. You might see many kinds of birds here. You could even spot desert bighorn sheep!
What is Barker Dam?
A dam is a barrier that holds back water. Barker Dam creates a reservoir, which is like a small lake. This water is very important for plants and animals in the desert. It helps them survive in a dry environment.
Building the Dam
The dam was first built in 1900 by early cattle ranchers. One of these ranchers was C. O. Barker. The first part of the dam was about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. It was made of concrete and covered with stone on one side.
Later, in 1949, a rancher named William F. Keys made the dam taller. He added another six feet (1.8 meters) of concrete. There's even an inscription on the dam that says: "Big Horn Dam Built by Willis Keys, W.F. Keyes, Phyllis M. Keys, 1949–1950."
Exploring the Area
Visitors can easily reach Barker Dam. There's a short loop trail that starts from a nearby parking lot. This trail is a great way to see the dam and the surrounding desert.
Hiking the Loop Trail
The Barker Dam Loop trail is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long. It's an easy walk with not much uphill climbing. The trail takes you past the dam itself. You'll also see some good spots for bouldering, which is a type of rock climbing.
The trail is popular for bird watching. You can often see many birds near the lake and in bushy areas. Park rangers sometimes lead a special Barker Dam Nature Hike. This hike teaches you more about the area.
Wildlife and Ancient Art
As you walk the trail, keep an eye out for wildlife. The dam's water attracts many animals. A short distance west of the dam, you can also see ancient petroglyphs. These are drawings carved into rocks by Native Americans long ago. They offer a peek into the history of the area.
A Historic Landmark
Barker Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It's protected because of its history and significance.
