Posted on 04/02/2005 10:59:09 AM PST by BenLurkin
Though spring's wildflower tourist season brings droves of admirers to the Valley's picturesque landscapes, some of the best kept secrets among our magnificent vistas are our little-known state parks. These local treasures are facing tremendous governmental budget cuts, and need as many visitors and volunteers as they can get - besides, warm weather is finally here and it's time to get outside!
The California State Parks Mojave Desert Information Center at 43779 15th St. West, Lancaster, offers brochures, maps, books, information on numerous state parks, and many additional items dedicated to Mojave Desert history.
Group tours can be reserved at all state parks, often at no cost, and most offer well-equipped campsites. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, the parks office can be reached at (661) 942-0662 for details.
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is 15 miles west of Lancaster on Lancaster Road, an extension of West Avenue I, open from sunrise to sunset. Its Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Peak viewing period for blooming wildflowers is in mid-April; no dogs, horses or mountain bikes are allowed on the trails. Recorded wildflower information is available at (661) 724-1180.
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is at 15071 East Ave. M, between 150th and 170th streets east, Lake Los Angeles. Its museum, picnic area, gift shop and self-guided nature trail are open through the second weekend in June; the season beginning the second weekend in September.
Piute Butte property remains closed, however, for resource assessment.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Docent-guided tours can also be scheduled Tuesdays through Thursdays. Admission is $2 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger and school groups. For details, call (661) 946-3055 weekends, (661) 942-0662 weekdays.
The Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is approximately 5 miles west of the Poppy Reserve on Lancaster Road (an extension of West Avenue I), 1 mile south of State Highway 138 via 210th Street West. The park, open sunrise to sunset, features spectacular views of Joshua trees and wildflowers. For details, call (661) 942-0662.
Providence Mountain/Mitchell Caverns State Recreation Area, formerly a private resort, is 56 miles from Needles on Interstate 40, near Essex Road. Spectacular and intricate limestone formations include stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, lily pads, draperies, curtains and popcorn. For details, call (760) 928-2586.
Red Rock Canyon State Park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14. Their Spring Walk and Talk Program includes themed campfire and nature walk family activities every weekend through May. For details, call (661) 942-0662.
Saddleback Butte State Park is 17 miles east of Lancaster on Avenue J. The park features many native species no longer living in most of the Valley and will host the ninth annual California Trail Day Equestrian Ride and Lunch at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 23. Registration is at 7 a.m.; bring a picnic lunch and meet at the horse staging area, ½ mile south on 200th Street East. For details, call (661) 942-0662.
Due to the environmentally sensitive nature of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, the site is available to the public by tour only. Led by trained volunteers on weekends during spring and fall, tours begin with the Errea House at 311 South Green St., Tehachapi, and include a 12-mile drive to the park. For details, call (661) 942-0662.
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