Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park

Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park Enjoy a picnic or a nature hike in one of the last pristine Joshua Tree/California Juniper forests in Park along Lancaster Road and walk in by the main gate.

This rare Joshua tree-California Juniper habitat once covered much of the valley floor, but most was lost to the agricultural boom beginning in the late 1800’s. The habitat is a haven for animals, and in favorable conditions, the Joshua trees bloom with a soft white pineapple-shaped flower. Enjoy the self-guided nature trails and educational display, and relax in the shade of the picnic ramada. Free admission.

01/31/2026

Single and ready to mingle? Do you like a man who will serenade you? One with a long, curved beak? Well, Ripley has the bachelor for you! He goes by the name California Thrasher and is active and vocal right now at the park. Named thrashers for the sound they make as they use their long, curved beak to flip over leaf litter. This guy has come out looking to settle down with someone nice before Valentine’s Day. Listen and enjoy the sounds of nature enjoying this unseasonably warm weather.

Storm blowing in on January 7th above the Joshua trees.
01/21/2026

Storm blowing in on January 7th above the Joshua trees.

It is still winter in the Mojave, but early winter rains and warm temps kick started plant growth. Tiny pink red stem fi...
01/07/2026

It is still winter in the Mojave, but early winter rains and warm temps kick started plant growth. Tiny pink red stem filaree are opening and the leaves of annual purple flowered chia have pushed up from the soil. Winter and early spring are notorious for brutally chilly strong winds, so check the forecast before going for a winter desert stroll.

One of our wonderful volunteers braved the storm on 12/26/25 and snapped a photo of 2 flower buds growing on the Joshua ...
12/27/2025

One of our wonderful volunteers braved the storm on 12/26/25 and snapped a photo of 2 flower buds growing on the Joshua tree at Ripley. Rare blossom formation in December. A true Christmas present.

This account is intended to be a limited forum for communication and discussion between California State Parks and membe...
08/20/2025

This account is intended to be a limited forum for communication and discussion between California State Parks and members of the public about specific park-related topics. Comments should be respectful and courteous for other users and California State Parks staff to facilitate connecting people with meaningful memories and experiences.

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Any content posted may be subject to public disclosure upon request. Activity on this account is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies. As a reminder, California State Parks does not necessarily agree with or endorse comments that individuals post and reserves the right to determine what is respectful and courteous.

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California State Parks offers free entrance to veterans, active & reserve military personnel on Memorial Day Monday, May...
05/23/2025

California State Parks offers free entrance to veterans, active & reserve military personnel on Memorial Day Monday, May 26th. Upon arrival to the park, present your proof of service for free entry.
On Memorial Day, we honor those that have fallen in the service of our country. Please take a moment of silence for remembrance at 15:00 on May 26th.
History: Although individual cities and states observed this holiday earlier, the first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868 and was to honor and mourn the U.S. military forces who died in the Civil War. In the 20th Century, the holiday was expanded to honor all Americans who have fought and died in military service. The National American Legion adopted the red 'Flanders' poppy (Papaver rhoeas- native to North Africa and Eurasia) as its official symbol of remembrance in 1920.
For info about our lifetime Distinguished Veteran's Pass visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30958

The Joshua trees at Arthur B Ripley Desert Woodland are in full bloom. Currently, this is the best place in the valley f...
03/27/2025

The Joshua trees at Arthur B Ripley Desert Woodland are in full bloom. Currently, this is the best place in the valley for a hike. Come out, but check the weather including the wind. Wear layers :)

Although very little is blooming at the Poppy Reserve, just 7 miles down the road at Ripley, the Joshua trees have start...
03/11/2025

Although very little is blooming at the Poppy Reserve, just 7 miles down the road at Ripley, the Joshua trees have started to bloom.

The incoming storm yesterday
03/11/2025

The incoming storm yesterday

Big shout out to Expedition Alpine for installing a citizen science photography Chronolog as part of her thesis research...
10/31/2024

Big shout out to Expedition Alpine for installing a citizen science photography Chronolog as part of her thesis research. The station is placed in an area to track Joshua Trees and monitor changes in their landscape. We expect to see seasonal changes, including adjacent native and possible invasive species. We may also learn new things about our public lands!
How to use the stations: This is super easy!
- Just turn your phone horizontally and insert it in the cut-out of the bracket.
- Once it's sitting square in the bracket, take a photo of the landscape with the phone on a regular landscape view (not zoomed in or out, not portrait setting, etc).
- Then, use the QR code or email info to send the photo to us! It will automatically be entered into the time lapse based on the date and time stamp attached in the photo's meta-data. You will receive a thank you email with more info about the project and a link to the complete time-lapse!
- Come back and submit more photos whenever you visit. The more data points, the better!
Want to see what has been submitted? https://www.chronolog.io/site/GBD101
https://www.chronolog.io/site/GBD102

08/28/2024

Let's get ready to... REGISTER!!!! Fall registration for California teachers begins on September 3 at 3:30pm. Out-of-state teachers can register on September 6.

What PORTS program are you excited to share with your classroom this year?

Address

20501 Lancaster Road
Lancaster, CA
93536

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

+16619466092

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