Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Added to the State Parks in 1988, Ripley Desert Woodland is located a few miles west of the
Poppy Reserve
on Lancaster Road at 210th Street West. Donated to the State by Arthur "Archie" Ripley, the park protects and
preserves an impressive stand of native
Joshuas
and
junipers
which once grew in great abundance throughout the valley. Today, only remnant parcels of this majestic
woodland community remain in the valley, the rest having been cleared for farming and housing.
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 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 woodland,
to enjoy its beauty and to share with others the importance of preserving this valuable resource.
