Red Rock Canyon State Park

Discover the stunning and fiery-red landscape of Red Rock Canyon State Park, formed at least 3 million years ago.

Encompassing 27,000 acres within the Mojave Desert in California is Red Rock Canyon State Park, an arid expanse that was formed 3 million years ago. The park is a playground for the outdoorsy comprised of rust-colored cliffs, towering hoodoos, and rippling rock formations that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The region was once home to the Kawaiisu people and petroglyphs discovered in the mountains also indicate that Coso people were also early inhabitants.

There are a few hiking trails that weave through the park, most of which are easy in difficulty. The Red Cliffs Trail is 1 mile and brings hikers past cliffs made of sandstone and volcanic rocks. The Nightmare Gulch Loop Trail, as you can probably decipher from the name, is a more intense hike at 9 miles in length that awards hikers with unbelievable panoramic views of the high desert landscape. Camping under the starry skies at Red Rock Canyon is another unforgettable activity. The Ricardo Campground has 50 scenic sites that are available at a first come first-served basis. The park also has a diverse bird population, so bird enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for species such as red-tailed hawks and prairie falcons.

Whether you come for the day to appreciate the ancient rock formations or to spend the night amongst the dramatic scenery, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a remarkable destination for those seeking an escape into California's desert landscape. The best times to visit are late autumn, winter, and spring since temperatures easily reach the 100s in the summer. Grab your camera, your sense of adventure, and let the geological wonders of Red Rock Canyon State Park amaze you.