Barker Dam Road
Barker Dam Road is a very scenic drive located in the Joshua Tree National Park, in Southern California, USA, leading to the Barker Dam, a water-storage reservoir constructed by ranchers in the early 1900's.
This short desert scenic drive is 1.5 miles long. The road is pretty rugged and remote and is open for two-lane travel along its entire length. The dam, also known as the Big Horn Dam, lies at an elevation of 1.301m above the sea level. It is situated between QueenValley and the Wonderland of Rocks near the Wall Street Mill. As of February of 2013 the dam was closed to public access due to numerous instances of graffiti and carvings on the dam itself, but is since reopened. The drive is definitely worth it. A drive not to be missed! It’s a beautiful area full of many interesting things to see. Drive carefully and obey posted speed limits. Many wild animals, including the threatened desert tortoise, have been killed by speeding cars. There are many excellent photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera with lots of film/memory, fully charged batteries and an empty memory card!
Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. Storms and flash floods can be powerful and sudden. The road can be closed anytime due to flash flood damages caused by torrential rainstorms. Avoid canyons and washes during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running across dips in the road. Remember: turn around, don't drown. A few venomous animals live in the park, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders. When hiking or climbing in the park, always look before you place your hands or feet. Avoid stepping or reaching into places you cannot see.