Contact Information
43779 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
661-942-0662
Saddleback Butte, elevation 3,651 feet, is a granite mountain top that stands some thousand feet above the broad alluvial bottom land of the Antelope Valley about twenty miles east of Lancaster, on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. The 2,955 acre state park surrounding Saddleback Butte was created in 1960 to protect the butte (one of many similar land features in the Antelope Valley). Even more importantly, to preserve a representative example of the native Joshua Tree woodland and other plants and animals that were once common throughout this high desert area.Principle activities in the park include camping, picnicking, hiking, photography, bird-watching, and other desert nature studies. Hunting and shooting are not permitted, and there are no roads, trails, or other facilities in the park for off-road vehicles. No off-road vehicle use is permitted in the park or surrounding area.
A 4.5 mile horse trail skirts the lower north and west portions of the butte. The trail is outlined by a fence and rock. Horses must be kept within the designated trail and staging area.
The best time of year to visit this park is in the springtime (February through May) when wildflowers are apt to put on a fine display of color. Autumn (October and November) is also likely to be pleasant, although temperatures may vary widely and rather suddenly. Summer temperatures average 95 degrees F but occasionally range on up to as much as 115 degrees F. Average minimum temperatures during the winter is 33 degrees F - frost and subfreezing temperatures are common, and snow falls occasionally.
