Red Cliffs Nature Trail, nestled in Southern California, captivates hikers with its dramatic red rock formations and varied landscapes. The trail weaves through an enchanting mix of terrain, including beautifully layered red cliffs, desert flora, and rugged mountains. The vibrant red hues of the cliffs, created by iron oxide deposits, provide a striking visual contrast to the desert greenery of the surrounding vegetation.
This short and easy hike is ideal for all types of hikers. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, thanks to the mild temperatures and pleasant weather. Although summer can be quite hot and winter may bring cooler temperatures, the trail’s breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife make it a compelling destination throughout the year. With a convenient big parking area at the trailhead, exploring this scenic gem is both accessible and rewarding!
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Know Before You Go
Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in California’s Mojave Desert where the southern part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range meets the El Paso Range. It’s a short drive from Mojave, California and about a 2-hours’ drive from Los Angeles.
Millions of years ago, the area that is now Red Rock Canyon State Park lay at the bottom of a massive lake. Sediment from the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains settled here, gradually forming layers of rock rich in fossils dating back 55 to 65 million years. Tectonic activity later lifted and exposed these sedimentary layers, which wind and water eroded into the stunning badlands and cliffs visible today.
The vibrant red hues of the rocks result from high iron content; when oxidized, the iron rusts, giving the cliffs their distinctive color. During rare heavy rainfall, this rust color can trickle down, creating the illusion of bleeding cliffs.
For millennia, Native Americans traversed these lands, utilizing them as a significant trade route. Today, Red Rock Canyon State Park stands as a testament to both geological history and natural beauty in Southern California.
Other important things to know about this State Park:
- This State Park is open from sunrise to sunset for day use, and the campground is open 24 hours.
- Dogs (must be on 6-foot leash) are allowed only in the picnic area, campground, and primitive roads. Dogs are not allowed on trails.
- In the spring, the desert flora can be stunning. Wildlife you may see includes roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels.
- The day-use parking lot and picnic area (first-come, first served) is $6 per vehicle per day.
- Drones are prohibited within this State Park.
Desert Safety Precautions
It is recommended to hike the Red Cliffs Nature Trail in either spring, fall, or winter. Try to avoid hiking this trail or any other trail within Red Rock Canyon State Park in the summer due to extreme heat and lack of shade.
If visiting Red Rock Canyon State Park in the summer, always check the local weather forecast prior to going so you can plan your day around the heat. The smart thing to do would be explore and hike early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the peak summertime heat.
Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, and other items to replenish your electrolytes if you are out hiking in the heat and sweating a lot. Also, protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and SPF lip balm and wearing sun-protective clothing.
In the winter and rainy season, be cautious of flash flooding and make sure to bring extra layers for fluctuations in temperature.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Red Cliffs Nature Trail
Location: Red Cliffs Nature Trail is located in Red Rock Cliffs Natural Preserve within Red Rock Canyon State Park in California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1 mile with an elevation gain of 100 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 30 minutes to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: This hike is considered easy.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard-packed sand, soft sand, and sandy washes.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Red Cliffs Nature Trail is located off of Highway 14 about 25 miles northeast of Mojave, California.
Put this address in Google Maps: Red Rock Cliffs Parking Area, Red Cliffs Natural Area, CA-14, CA
Trail Directions
You will have closeup views of the beautiful red rocks from the parking lot. But for a better view of the entire cliffs from afar, take the trail!
The trail starts on the north side of the parking lot. You will see a sign that says, “Red Cliffs Nature Trail”.
Follow the trail until you reach a junction. Take a right and begin hike along a hill. The views are wonderful from here but keep going!
You will reach another junction in the trail. Continue straight and climb up a short yet steep hill. The views from the top are amazing!
To return back to the parking lot and finish the loop, head back down the hill. At the junction in the trail take a left. You will soon reach the parking lot.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Have time for another short hike?? Hagen Canyon Trail is close by and worth a visit. You will find more beautiful red rocks and amazing rocks formations!
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