This past Sunday we drove 90 minutes outside of LA to the Western Mojave desert to Saddleback Butte State Park. Our destination was a short climb up the 3,651’ Saddleback Butte Peak. This butte dates back to the Cretaceous period about 70 million years ago. The hike was a short but sweet 3.7 miles round trip with an elevation +/- of 1,020’. I think the hardest part of this hike was walking through the desert sand. Once you start climbing up the butte, the trail fades in and out a bit. There are also some rock scrambles, but they’re pretty easy making the hike a lot of fun. In the spring, this area will be covered in wildflowers. It was a nice relaxing day. I’m looking forward to seeing this area again in the spring.
Sign at the trailhead.
Heading towards Saddleback Butte Peak.
There are some really old Joshua Trees here.
My husband trudging through the sand. It's no fun going up in this, but coming down is great because it's nice and soft.
Climbing up.
Getting our first great views.
Looking up at the peak.
One of the two USGS markers at the peak.
Views from the top.
The second USGS marker.
Heading back down.
Looking back at what we just climbed.
Going down and the peak getting further away.
Beautiful desert hike. Short and sweet!
