Carlton Peterson Park

Rate this place

Parks

California

Nearby: Country Crossing Park Pantera Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carlton Peterson Park is a beautiful hidden gem located in California.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is one of the best places to visit in the state for its natural beauty and unique features. The park is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, diverse plant species, and wildlife.

One of the main reasons to visit Carlton Peterson Park is to explore its hiking trails. The park has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and fishing in the park.

The park is home to several unique features, including the historic St. Bernardine's Monastery, which was founded in 1894 and has been restored to its former glory. The park also has a museum that showcases the history of the area and its significance to the region.

Interesting facts about Carlton Peterson Park include its location in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including Joshua Trees, yuccas, and cacti. Wildlife in the park include coyotes, jackrabbits, and desert tortoises.

The best time of year to visit Carlton Peterson Park is during the spring and fall seasons. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the plant life is in full bloom. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter can be cold and snowy.

In conclusion, Carlton Peterson Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty, hiking, and outdoor activities. Its unique features, interesting history, and diverse wildlife make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References