Saddleback Butte State Park

Saddleback Butte State Park ranks 1st on the list of amazing places to go camping near Los Angeles. Set 3,651 feet above the Antelope Valley, on the western edge of the Mojave desert, this state park boasts some features that are similar to Joshua Tree NP—without the hordes. It has Joshua Tree woodlands, mountain-lined panoramas, and great high desert wildlife including the super deadly Mojave Green rattlesnake. The state park surrounding Saddleback Butte was created in 1960 to protect the butte and examples of native Joshua Tree woodlands and other plants and animals that were once common throughout this high desert area. The best time to visit is in the springtime (February through May) when wildflowers are apt to put on a beautiful display of color. Autumn (October and November) is pleasant as well, although temperatures may vary widely and change rather suddenly.

Saddleback Butte State Park is home to many once-abundant desert species that are slowly being extinguished by hunting, agriculture, and increased population; such as coyotes and kit foxes, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, many kinds of snakes and lizards, and the occasional badger or skunk. One special highlight of the park is the Desert Tortoise, which is often seen by those park visitors that have curiosity and patience enough to learn the quiet, unhurried ways of this age-old desert animal. If seen, however, the tortoise must be left alone as it is now listed as threatened on the Endangered Species List.

Location: Lancaster, Lake Los Angeles, USA