High Desert Wildlife Sanctuaries Trails

Located in the high desert of Antelope Valley are eight County wildlife preserves. Activities at these sanctuaries include bird watching, hiking and horseback riding. Visitors can view spectacular floral displays normally in bloom between mid-March and late May. Wildlife seen on the preserves vary from earthbound creatures such as the horned lizards, chuckwallas and rattlesnakes, to majestic prairie falcons and golden eagles. 

In the spring, Joshua trees and other large shrubs provide nesting sites for a variety of songbirds. Other protected animals which may be seen are the kit fox, desert tortoise and Mojave ground squirrel. All areas are closed to any sort of vehicle entry. No camping allowed. No drinking water available.

• Alpine Butte
• Big Rock Wash
• Butte Valley
• Carl O. Gerhardy
• Jackrabbit Flat
• Mescal
• Phacelia
• Theodore Payne