01
Best desert summit workout
Saddleback Butte State Park
East Of Lancaster In The High Desert • High-Desert State Park With Open Vistas • Best For Wide-Open Desert Hikes And Summit Views
A straightforward but demanding climb up Saddleback Butte rewards you with sweeping views over the Antelope Valley and Edwards’ test ranges.
The main trail up Saddleback Butte is a local favorite when you want a real workout without driving into the mountains. Expect sandy, exposed switchbacks, scattered Joshua trees, and a big 360-degree panorama from the top on clear days. Go early in the morning, especially in warm months, and pack more water than you think you’ll need.
02
Most dramatic desert scenery
Red Rock Canyon State Park (Hagen Canyon Area)
Along Highway 14 North Of Mojave • Dramatic Badlands-Style Canyon With Short Loop Trails • Top Pick For Photogenic Geology
Short, easy trails weave through rust-colored cliffs and hoodoos that feel surprisingly wild for being right off the highway.
The Hagen Canyon and nearby loops at Red Rock Canyon State Park are perfect when you want big desert scenery without a long, punishing hike. Families and casual hikers can wander through sculpted rock formations, dry washes, and side slots while still staying close to the car. Light is best in the first and last couple of hours of the day, when the cliffs glow and photos really pop.
03
Best spring wildflower walk
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
West Of Lancaster Near Antelope Valley • Rolling Grassland Preserve With Paved And Dirt Paths • Seasonal Favorite For Mellow Scenic Loops
Gentle trails wind over low hills that, in good years, explode with California poppies and other Mojave wildflowers.
When the bloom is on, the poppy reserve is one of the easiest high-reward walks you can do from Edwards. The network of short loops lets you choose anything from a quick stroll on paved paths to a longer circuit that links several ridges. Wind can be fierce here, so bring layers and expect crowds on peak weekends when the flowers are at their best.
04
Most convenient on-base option
Branch Memorial Park & Edwards AFB Nature Trails
On-Base, North Of The Main Housing Area • Quiet On-Base Walking Paths And Nature Loops • Easiest Weekday Stretch-Your-Legs Option
A small network of signed paths offers a safe, close-to-home way to log miles without ever leaving the installation.
For those with base access, the trails around Branch Memorial Park and nearby designated hiking areas are ideal for routine fitness walks or quick lunchtime resets. The routes are mostly flat, with desert scrub, occasional wildlife sightings, and big-sky sunsets if you head out after work. Surfaces range from packed dirt to gravel, so they stay usable even when the surrounding desert gets muddy.
05
Best change of scenery
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
San Bernardino Mountains Above The Cajon Pass • Lakeside Mountain Park With Piney Slopes • Go-To Escape For Cooler Forest Air
Shaded lakeside and ridgeline trails offer a welcome break from the Mojave heat, with water views and patches of pine and oak.
When you are ready to trade sand and creosote for trees and shoreline, Silverwood Lake makes a solid day trip from Edwards. Trails range from mellow lakeside walks to longer routes that climb into the surrounding hills, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic. Summer weekends can be busy near the water, so start early or aim for a shoulder-season visit if you prefer quieter paths.