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Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
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ARTHUR B. RIPLEY DESERT WOODLAND STATE PARK
ARTHUR B. RIPLEY DESERT WOODLAND STATE PARK
Lancaster, California   93536

Phone: 661-942-0662
Added to the State Parks in 1988, Ripley Desert Woodland is located a few miles west of the Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road at 210th Street West. Donated to the State by Arthur "Archie" Ripley, the park protects and preserves an impressive stand of native Joshuas and junipers which once grew in great abundance throughout the valley. Today, only remnant parcels of this majestic woodland community remain in the valley, the rest having been cleared for farming and housing.

The Joshua tree played an important part in cultural history of Antelope Valley, providing a vital source of food and fiber materials for the Native Americans that inhabited the region. The naming of Joshua as a "tree" is credited to early Mormon settlers who saw the tree with its upraised arms as Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Its actual classification, however, is as a member of the lily family. In early spring months, creamy white blossoms begin to grow on the ends of the branches of the Joshua. The blooms last for several months, growing larger and larger as the weeks go by. Set in a bed of wildflowers, the Joshua becomes a site of stately beauty. We invite you to walk through this majestic Joshua/juniper woodland, to enjoy its beauty and to share with others the importance of preserving this valuable resource.

For your enjoyment, the park features a picnic table and self-guided nature trail, with information about the desert wildflowers and animals of the Ripley Desert Woodlands. The trail is short with no elevation change. There is a pit toilet available; no running water.

History of the Area
Located in California, the park was established to protect and preserve native Joshua trees and junipers. Named after Arthur B. Ripley, a conservationist who donated land for its creation, it opened officially in 1988. It spans approximately 566 acres of desert woodland habitat that is home to various wildlife species.


Location
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is located near Castaic, Lancaster and Palmdale

Trails
1. Joshua Tree Trail: A 0.5-mile loop trail featuring a variety of desert plants, including the park's namesake Joshua trees.

2. Ripley Nature Trail: This is an easy 0.75-mile interpretive trail that provides information about native flora and fauna in plaques along its path.

3. Juniper Loop Trail: An approximately one mile long hike with moderate difficulty level; offers views of junipers, pinon pines and other high-desert vegetation types.

4- Pinyon Pine Pathway : Shorter than most trails at only half-a-mile but showcases some impressive examples of ancient Pinion pine species found within the park boundaries

5- Jackrabbit Flats Road - Approximately two miles round trip on flat terrain showcasing typical Mojave Desert landscapes

6- Antelope Valley Overlook - Roughly three quarters-of-a mile uphill trek to reach panoramic view over surrounding valley area

7-Sagebrush Scrubland Stroll- Easy quarter mile walk through dense sage scrub habitat popular for birdwatching opportunities

8-Cactus Garden Walkabout - Just under half a mile meandering pathway around diverse collection cacti varieties present in this arid environment

9-Ripley Woodlands Wander- Two-and-half-miles exploring deeper into woodland areas where more shade tolerant plant life can be observed

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Area Campgrounds
Lake Elizabeth Golf & Ranch Club
42505 Ranch Club Road
Lake Elizabeth, CA
661-347-0537
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
The park is located approximately seven miles west of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road (an extension of West Avenue I ), one mile south of State Highway 138 via 210th Street West.

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California
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California State Parks

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