Best National Park Lancaster Near Me

4worldlovers: Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland, seven miles west of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, protects and preserves an impressive stand of native Joshuas and junipers which once grew in great abundance throughout the valley. Donated to the State by farmer Arthur "Archie" Ripley in 1988, few stands of this majestic woodland community remain in the valley, the rest having been cleared for farming, housing, and green energy.

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 agave family (and formerly in 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.

Please note, this park is not the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster.

Picnicking: The park features a picnic table under a shade ramada, which offers sun and wind protection.

Hiking: There are two flat, easy nature trails with self-guided brochures.

The Ripley Nature Trail is 1/4 of a mile, starting at the end of the picnic area. Follow the self-guided tour page or click here to download the Ripley Nature Trail brochure (formatted for legal-size paper).

The Rare Juniper Trail is just under one mile, and starts 100 yards up the Ripley Nature Trail. The brochure highlights unique specimens of California Juniper found in the park, click here to download brochure (formatted for legal size paper).

Enjoy the interpretive displays illustrating the natural and cultural history of the park. There is an outhouse available, but no running water.

4worldlovers:
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $3 for adults (cash or credit cards only). Kids age 12 and under are free.

View a map with directions to the museum. If 150th Street East is closed due to flooding, you can still access Avenue M and the museum entrance from 170th Street East.

Have you visited the museum recently? Please complete a short visitor survey.

Guide to the Antelope Valley Indian Museum available in the museum Gift Shop.

View the museum's collection online. Learn about the Native Americans of the Great Basin.

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a unique and eclectic folk art structure located in northeastern Los Angeles County. The museum houses objects created by the Native American cultures of the western Great Basin, California, and the Southwest.

Find other Native American cultural centers, museums and parks to visit in the region.

Take this virtual tour of Kachina Hall. View more virtual tours of the museum.

Built in the 1920s among towering rock formations in the Mojave desert, the museum is a unit of the California State Department of Parks and Recreation system.

4worldlovers:


First proposed in 1985, the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is the result of the efforts of many local residents and the Lancaster City Council. This scenic location nestled within an urban area has been established to provide visitors an opportunity to learn about the animals, plants and the region in which we live, as well as a place to simply relax and enjoy nature.

The new exhibition designed by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH), explores each of the major areas the center has traditionally included such as fauna, flora, geology, native peoples, and historical figures -- while increasing audience engagement through a more interactive experience.

New to the interpretive center is a petroglyph and pictograph wall where visitors are invited to make their own pictographs in chalk. In addition, the preserve now offers an excavation station which includes replica bones, artifacts, and genuine geodes; an expanded library and reading area for children and adults; a reimagined touch table where guests can have a hands-on experience with real animal hides, horns, and antlers; and regular workshops inspired by the landscape.

The Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center phone number is (661) 723-5928. When the Center is closed, please call the Museum of Art of History at (661) 723-6251.

The trails ARE NOW OPEN WITH TEMPORARY HOURS. The park hours will now be 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The exceptions would be times of heavy rain or snow. The Preserve has an area of about 120 acres with over three miles of trails.

• No dogs are allowed on the trails (not even on a leash).

• No wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs or baby strollers. This means no bicycles, motor bikes, skates, skate boards or scooters.

YOGA FOR "EVERY BODY" | Every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. | $5 donation to instructor welcome.

Re-energize your mind, body, and soul with our slow-flowing gentle yoga practice and meditation set in the serene and secluded pavilion at the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. This donation-based class is perfect for beginners or those who enjoy a slower more mindful-based practice. For more information, please call 723-6077. *Except on holidays.

Fees to attend presentations will be collected at the door of the Interpretive Center on the day of each presentation. All presentations & walks last approximately one hour. Presentations are free for children three years & under. Meet at the Interpretive Center at posted times for all group walks. Call (661) 723-6230 for more information.