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Nice campgrounds that are only a couple hours away from LA! Found it when we were looking for somewhere to camp for a night to break up the drive to Mammoth and found this perfect little spot. Plenty of spots open, clean and well kept grounds. There doesn't seem to be any running water so be prepared and always pack out what you pack in! Did hear a pack of coyotes, so will want to keep your dogs leashed.
On Memorial weekend, we're decided to explore California sceneries, took a long drive from Fremont to Red Rock Canyon State Park. The Red Cliffs Nature Trail and the Hagen Nature Trail. These sceneries were so beautiful. We visited in the afternoon and in the morning to see with both morning light and afternoon light. They're both wonderful to see. From the Bay, Apple Car Play took us on 101 instead of 5. It was hot but not too bad. We booked a place to stay in Mojave CA-56 and Highway 14, it's only 24 miles to the trails. We started at 11AM and got to the trails at 5PM. Red Cliffs Nature Trail: It's the first one on the right from highway 14 north and it's so windy in the evening, the wind practically blew us away, the rocks formations are so unique, the color was so beautiful, we keep looking at all the rocks and mountains. Hagen Nature Trail: as soon as we drive out to HWY14, the trail is on the other side, we need to turn left to park. The rock formations over here are different. From here, we can drive to Ricardo Camp Ground, but we didn't stay. California is beautiful and we will try to see all the nature beauties that it has. Next stop, Sequoia Grizzly Falls.
Amazing!! Great hiking, but don't go when it's hot! Go to the visitor center first and pay your fee and then you can go anywhere within the park to hike. We went back out onto Abbott Dr and parked and hiked from there and we also drove across the highway to the other side.
Red Rock Canyon State Park, Cantile, CA, March 26, 2024 We took an hour and a half trip up to Red Rock Canyon State Park out of Barstow. We got an early start because we weren't sure how far north we would go. We drove west for about 45 minutes until we came to a turn off that takes you through California City and up to Red Rock Canyon State Park, which features scenic red rock desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park consists of approximately 27,000 acres and is located along State Highway 14 in Kern County, about 80 miles east of Bakersfield and 25 miles north of Mojave, where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails with impressive scenic views right off the main highway. You can also drive into the park to the visitor's center where you can purchase a day pass and check out their wildlife Museum and gift store. They also have a Campground there.
I came here on the way to the Death Valley National Park, and I'm glad I did. The scenery is not a thing to be missed! There are such beautiful layered rock formations to view. You can park in the empty areas as you came in the entrance and take few photos. If you go further in, there's a Visitor Center and parking lot. There's a simple Ricardo Nature Trail to walk near the Visitor Center.
Talk about stunning! The red rocks and beautiful rock formations in this canyon are magnificent! It's off the beaten path and far less traveled which equals minimal crowds. And there is soooo much to explore here! The views seem to be endless. I stopped here during a trip to Death Valley National Park, and this stop was absolutely worth it. There are actually several different trails in this park, but the most popular trails are the Red Cliffs, Hagen Canyon, and Ricardo Campground Trail. I was able to do all three (they're all pretty short and doable), and the trek through Ricardo Campground was my hands down my favorite area to hike in. The Red Cliffs trail is the most popular and also the most photographed since you can see the Red Cliffs right from the parking lot. This trail is family friendly and features a short incline up a hill that presents a wonderful panoramic view of the Red Rocks. This is also a great place to take a quick stop if you're just driving along the road and want to stop off for pictures and a break. There are restrooms near the parking lot and plenty of parking. The Hagen Canyon Trail is located right across the street from the Red Cliffs trail. This trail is also pretty short and family friendly, but you'll have to actually hike in to capture most of the best views. The trail is about a mile or so and it's a loop trail. You'll be inside of the canyon which will allow from cascading views of the red rocks. This part of the park also has the most unique rock formations with many of them resembling animals and faces. The trail map at the beginning of the trail will identify many of these unique formations and where you'll find them. The Ricardo Campground Trail is an explorative trail that you can extend or shorten to your liking. If you have some time to kill and are serious about getting a good workout in, this is the trail that you should be on. The trail begins at the campground and follows dirt path through a gorgeous desert garden. It then inclines up a steep hill where you can choose from several different connector paths to explore your heart out. But be forewarned; some of the connecting trails are not well maintained. Also if you have a fear of heights, there are some narrow ridge paths with steep drop offs on both sides. Yeah... I was freaked out by some of these trails, but the views were marvelous! This is where you'll get those 360 degree landscape views. You can get really high up in the mountains and you can also hike deep down into the wash. I did both and it was so amazing. A bit scary, but so incredible. You can clearly see where the water used to be when this canyon was actually an ocean. It's so damn impressive. This park is small and huge all at the same time. Small compared to something like Death Valley National Park, but it feels huge when you are smack dab in the bottom of the canyon looking up. I'm talking jaw dropping visuals here, folks. Also, if you do plan on hiking into the canyon, you'll get be up close and personal with the red rocks. It's fantastic. I'd recommend downloading a map for specifics (AllTrails works pretty well). Without making this review a novel, I'll just say that this park is astounding and I can't believe that more people don't frequent this place. Even the campground was damn near empty. But that's okay because this is what makes it so peaceful and serene. In any event, you should definitely plan to visit this beauty (especially on your way to the Sierras and/or Death Valley National Park). Trust me, it's worth it!
Another State Park off my bucket list! Red Rock Canyon is a small state park with smaller red rock buttes and gothic cathedral formations. The camping ground site is beautiful, it looks like an ideal place to bring the family to camp. There were plenty of restrooms available. I am assuming one must reserve a camping space in order to stay overnight. We were able to climb on the rocks and take pictures of the scenery. It's an easy hike for kids/adults, plenty of open space and some cool "caves". This was a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, CA. This was a short but well worthy trip.
Pretty cool spot with plenty of photo ops, but for those of you coming over for only for this, just expect there isn't much else to see or do in this area. That might make it less of an incentive for people with a long drive to make it out here since its not a huge park. We came from LA so it wasn't too bad of a drive, and made some pit stops in Lancaster for food. You can easily see the "attractions" here without needing much of a hike, so its friendly for the whole family. The Red Cliffs Trail isn't much of a hike for avid hikers, and you pretty much see the entire view from the parking lot already. And there's restrooms available there. We drove over to Hagen Canyon Trail, which is on the other side of the 14. It's also really accessible and free to enter. You can walk right up to the cliffs, which is pretty cool. For those wanting a longer hike, there are a few trail options in the Ricardo Campground. Also bathrooms available here, which are basically outhouses with toilet paper. There are also tables for picnicking. But the rocks weren't as red or cool in my opinion compared to the first 2 places we went to. The office has maps placed outside if you want to grab one to read up more on this place. Overall very convenient, although a very short stop that's easily doable in an hour or less if you wanted to rush through it. Or you can take your time, and it was nice that it was never overly busy here, with plenty of parking spots. Definitely recommend as a quick stop if you're on the way to anything else and passing by the area.
Nothing beats a free experience with a bathroom. Simply pulling off the 14 and parking in their large maintained dirt lot is all that's required.. You have free reign to climb on the rocks and take some really awesome pictures. This is a 30 minute max experience. NOTE - Be sure that you pull off into the correct parking lot for the easiest view of red rocks.. Put "Red Cliffs Natural Area" into Google maps.. should be off the 14 in California... - There's also a nature trail attached to the parking lit. The trail was a bit rundown.
Can you believe it? All of what we see now used to be under water, the entire area was at the bottom of a massive lake millions of years ago! We passed through Red Rock Canyon on our way to Mammoth lake. Not gonna lie, I wanted to come when we were on our way back from Death Valley a couple of months ago, but we didn't have enough time to stop by. So, I feel like I had to plan for a visit this time, and luckily, it turned out amazing. The camel rock reminds me of Cappadocia in Turkey, and the Turk's turban rock looks even more beautiful in person. We didn't have time to check out window rock this time, but I feel like Red Rock Canyon would be a great destination for RV camping and stargazing. How lucky we have such an amazing place in Cali, and it's only less than 3 hours away from LA!
We have passed this place soooo many times on our way from LA to Mammoth but we finally did a quick stop on the way home. The visitor center was closed but from the little side road you can get some nice views. We'll come back again when we have more time.
Beautiful creation. Breathtaking. It is a MUST see. It is worth the trip. I didn't know that we have one here until a client of mine mentioned it. My daughter and I went on a road trip one summer day and this is our last stop.
My friend and I came up here in April because it was advertised as dog-friendly on the website, but it's not exactly. The campground itself is, and a couple of service roads, but dogs are not allowed on the trails. The pictures you see with my dog are at a beautiful trailhead, but we could not go further because the trail signs said no dogs. We did see a lot of other dogs when we checked out the camp grounds, so it seems like a popular place for campers and their dogs. In terms of amenities, the campsite is very basic. I don't remember seeing any showers. There was one restroom by the visitor's center, but it's a bit of a walk from the campsites, if that's important to you. It definitely looks nice and would be a good day trip to hike around. I personally wouldn't bring my dog back unless there was someone who wanted to camp but not hike because he couldn't go many places.
If you're looking to camp and you don't want to drive too far from Los Angeles, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a great option. They have several campgrounds which is first and first serve. There's also several hiking spots in the area, which are less than a mile. There's also a visitor center, which has a lot of information about the park and clean bathroom. Great spot for photos! read more
+ Interesting hiking spot. There isn't one defined trail at Ricardo Campground. Rather, it's more like a network of paths. Please come and create your own adventure. + The highlight of this hiking area is the badlands that resemble Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Lotta ridges and cliffs formed by millennia of erosion. . 2 restrooms by the trailhead. First hiking parking lot restrooms I've seen without roofs. Has its own pros and cons: + The stench doesn't condense in one room. - But no weather protection. + Easier to communicate for help in case of emergency. - Less privacy. Also, - Hot, dry climate. - No shade. + Nice that there are restrooms throughout the grounds, - but the water fountains aren't working. -- Have to pay $6 digitally to park there. Can't we just slip $6 in physical bills somewhere and call it a day? Better yet, make it $2 or free altogether? lol read more
Beautiful state park offering a cute Visitor Center, plentiful hiking trails, and a campground. Entrance fee as of Feb. 2026 is $5.00, payable at the Visitor Center, and is required to park anywhere in the park. Known for its striking red cliffs, this park also offers great wildflower viewing. I hiked the Hagen Canyon Trail, which already had flowers blooming in what is technically still winter! Highly recommended. read more
Nice campgrounds that are only a couple hours away from LA! Found it when we were looking for somewhere to camp for a night to break up the drive to Mammoth and found this perfect little spot. Plenty of spots open, clean and well kept grounds. There doesn't seem to be any running water so be prepared and always pack out what you pack in! Did hear a pack of coyotes, so will want to keep your dogs leashed. read more
On Memorial weekend, we're decided to explore California sceneries, took a long drive from Fremont to Red Rock Canyon State Park. The Red Cliffs Nature Trail and the Hagen Nature Trail. These sceneries were so beautiful. We visited in the afternoon and in the morning to see with both morning light and afternoon light. They're both wonderful to see. From the Bay, Apple Car Play took us on 101 instead of 5. It was hot but not too bad. We booked a place to stay in Mojave CA-56 and Highway 14, it's only 24 miles to the trails. We started at 11AM and got to the trails at 5PM. Red Cliffs Nature Trail: It's the first one on the right from highway 14 north and it's so windy in the evening, the wind practically blew us away, the rocks formations are so unique, the color was so beautiful, we keep looking at all the rocks and mountains. Hagen Nature Trail: as soon as we drive out to HWY14, the trail is on the other side, we need to turn left to park. The rock formations over here are different. From here, we can drive to Ricardo Camp Ground, but we didn't stay. California is beautiful and we will try to see all the nature beauties that it has. Next stop, Sequoia Grizzly Falls. read more
1 year ago
Amazing!! Great hiking, but don't go when it's hot! Go to the visitor center first and pay your fee and then you can go anywhere within the park to hike. We went back out onto Abbott Dr and parked and hiked from there and we also drove across the highway to the other side. read more
8 months ago
Red Rock Canyon State Park, Cantile, CA, March 26, 2024 We took an hour and a half trip up to Red Rock Canyon State Park out of Barstow. We got an early start because we weren't sure how far north we would go. We drove west for about 45 minutes until we came to a turn off that takes you through California City and up to Red Rock Canyon State Park, which features scenic red rock desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park consists of approximately 27,000 acres and is located along State Highway 14 in Kern County, about 80 miles east of Bakersfield and 25 miles north of Mojave, where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails with impressive scenic views right off the main highway. You can also drive into the park to the visitor's center where you can purchase a day pass and check out their wildlife Museum and gift store. They also have a Campground there. read more
I came here on the way to the Death Valley National Park, and I'm glad I did. The scenery is not a thing to be missed! There are such beautiful layered rock formations to view. You can park in the empty areas as you came in the entrance and take few photos. If you go further in, there's a Visitor Center and parking lot. There's a simple Ricardo Nature Trail to walk near the Visitor Center. read more
Talk about stunning! The red rocks and beautiful rock formations in this canyon are magnificent! It's off the beaten path and far less traveled which equals minimal crowds. And there is soooo much to explore here! The views seem to be endless. I stopped here during a trip to Death Valley National Park, and this stop was absolutely worth it. There are actually several different trails in this park, but the most popular trails are the Red Cliffs, Hagen Canyon, and Ricardo Campground Trail. I was able to do all three (they're all pretty short and doable), and the trek through Ricardo Campground was my hands down my favorite area to hike in. The Red Cliffs trail is the most popular and also the most photographed since you can see the Red Cliffs right from the parking lot. This trail is family friendly and features a short incline up a hill that presents a wonderful panoramic view of the Red Rocks. This is also a great place to take a quick stop if you're just driving along the road and want to stop off for pictures and a break. There are restrooms near the parking lot and plenty of parking. The Hagen Canyon Trail is located right across the street from the Red Cliffs trail. This trail is also pretty short and family friendly, but you'll have to actually hike in to capture most of the best views. The trail is about a mile or so and it's a loop trail. You'll be inside of the canyon which will allow from cascading views of the red rocks. This part of the park also has the most unique rock formations with many of them resembling animals and faces. The trail map at the beginning of the trail will identify many of these unique formations and where you'll find them. The Ricardo Campground Trail is an explorative trail that you can extend or shorten to your liking. If you have some time to kill and are serious about getting a good workout in, this is the trail that you should be on. The trail begins at the campground and follows dirt path through a gorgeous desert garden. It then inclines up a steep hill where you can choose from several different connector paths to explore your heart out. But be forewarned; some of the connecting trails are not well maintained. Also if you have a fear of heights, there are some narrow ridge paths with steep drop offs on both sides. Yeah... I was freaked out by some of these trails, but the views were marvelous! This is where you'll get those 360 degree landscape views. You can get really high up in the mountains and you can also hike deep down into the wash. I did both and it was so amazing. A bit scary, but so incredible. You can clearly see where the water used to be when this canyon was actually an ocean. It's so damn impressive. This park is small and huge all at the same time. Small compared to something like Death Valley National Park, but it feels huge when you are smack dab in the bottom of the canyon looking up. I'm talking jaw dropping visuals here, folks. Also, if you do plan on hiking into the canyon, you'll get be up close and personal with the red rocks. It's fantastic. I'd recommend downloading a map for specifics (AllTrails works pretty well). Without making this review a novel, I'll just say that this park is astounding and I can't believe that more people don't frequent this place. Even the campground was damn near empty. But that's okay because this is what makes it so peaceful and serene. In any event, you should definitely plan to visit this beauty (especially on your way to the Sierras and/or Death Valley National Park). Trust me, it's worth it! read more
1 year ago
6 years ago
Another State Park off my bucket list! Red Rock Canyon is a small state park with smaller red rock buttes and gothic cathedral formations. The camping ground site is beautiful, it looks like an ideal place to bring the family to camp. There were plenty of restrooms available. I am assuming one must reserve a camping space in order to stay overnight. We were able to climb on the rocks and take pictures of the scenery. It's an easy hike for kids/adults, plenty of open space and some cool "caves". This was a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, CA. This was a short but well worthy trip. read more
Pretty cool spot with plenty of photo ops, but for those of you coming over for only for this, just expect there isn't much else to see or do in this area. That might make it less of an incentive for people with a long drive to make it out here since its not a huge park. We came from LA so it wasn't too bad of a drive, and made some pit stops in Lancaster for food. You can easily see the "attractions" here without needing much of a hike, so its friendly for the whole family. The Red Cliffs Trail isn't much of a hike for avid hikers, and you pretty much see the entire view from the parking lot already. And there's restrooms available there. We drove over to Hagen Canyon Trail, which is on the other side of the 14. It's also really accessible and free to enter. You can walk right up to the cliffs, which is pretty cool. For those wanting a longer hike, there are a few trail options in the Ricardo Campground. Also bathrooms available here, which are basically outhouses with toilet paper. There are also tables for picnicking. But the rocks weren't as red or cool in my opinion compared to the first 2 places we went to. The office has maps placed outside if you want to grab one to read up more on this place. Overall very convenient, although a very short stop that's easily doable in an hour or less if you wanted to rush through it. Or you can take your time, and it was nice that it was never overly busy here, with plenty of parking spots. Definitely recommend as a quick stop if you're on the way to anything else and passing by the area. read more
Nothing beats a free experience with a bathroom. Simply pulling off the 14 and parking in their large maintained dirt lot is all that's required.. You have free reign to climb on the rocks and take some really awesome pictures. This is a 30 minute max experience. NOTE - Be sure that you pull off into the correct parking lot for the easiest view of red rocks.. Put "Red Cliffs Natural Area" into Google maps.. should be off the 14 in California... - There's also a nature trail attached to the parking lit. The trail was a bit rundown. read more
4 years ago
Can you believe it? All of what we see now used to be under water, the entire area was at the bottom of a massive lake millions of years ago! We passed through Red Rock Canyon on our way to Mammoth lake. Not gonna lie, I wanted to come when we were on our way back from Death Valley a couple of months ago, but we didn't have enough time to stop by. So, I feel like I had to plan for a visit this time, and luckily, it turned out amazing. The camel rock reminds me of Cappadocia in Turkey, and the Turk's turban rock looks even more beautiful in person. We didn't have time to check out window rock this time, but I feel like Red Rock Canyon would be a great destination for RV camping and stargazing. How lucky we have such an amazing place in Cali, and it's only less than 3 hours away from LA! read more
We have passed this place soooo many times on our way from LA to Mammoth but we finally did a quick stop on the way home. The visitor center was closed but from the little side road you can get some nice views. We'll come back again when we have more time. read more
Beautiful creation. Breathtaking. It is a MUST see. It is worth the trip. I didn't know that we have one here until a client of mine mentioned it. My daughter and I went on a road trip one summer day and this is our last stop. read more
3 years ago
My friend and I came up here in April because it was advertised as dog-friendly on the website, but it's not exactly. The campground itself is, and a couple of service roads, but dogs are not allowed on the trails. The pictures you see with my dog are at a beautiful trailhead, but we could not go further because the trail signs said no dogs. We did see a lot of other dogs when we checked out the camp grounds, so it seems like a popular place for campers and their dogs. In terms of amenities, the campsite is very basic. I don't remember seeing any showers. There was one restroom by the visitor's center, but it's a bit of a walk from the campsites, if that's important to you. It definitely looks nice and would be a good day trip to hike around. I personally wouldn't bring my dog back unless there was someone who wanted to camp but not hike because he couldn't go many places. read more
Wow!!! What an Amazing place just Right off the 14. Red Rock Canyon is a must see! There's the Visitor Center and of course hiking, camping, and plenty of photo opportunities. You drive in and pick up your visitor info and pay your fees. Now your set to go explore! A great place for the whole family to Experience. The rock formations are amazing and so beautiful! Lots of different trails to take from flat lands to hiking up on your own. Kids found a few rock formations that look like different things. One that looked like a cupcake, another that looks like a camel or llama, one that looks like a frog, and one that looked like a toadstool or mushroom. So cool to see the kiddos having a blast. Definitely making a trip back here again! It was a lot of fun and so beautiful absolutely breathtaking! read more
One of my favorite places to camp. A classic area for OHV off roaders for decades. The proximity to LA makes it a great escape and while a day trip out here could suffice, the real magic is staying overnight and seeing the rock formations lit up by the moonlight. The park is only on a lightly trafficked area with campsites tucked up against the base of desert cliffs. 50 spots, pit toilets and fire rings. Fee is $25 per night, basically drive through and look for an open campsite then go to the office to pay for it. The Eastern Sierras start here and it only gets prettier as you go up. read more
4 years ago
Came to this place for the first time recently and I loved every minute of it! No reception made it really enjoyable to experience the environment. Staff at the visitor center were super friendly and knowledgeable about the park. Definitely coming back real soon! read more
Spectacular and inspiring these rocks look like temples in Egypt or other worldly places. If you have never been to Utah or northern Arizona, here is a small slice of red colored rocks that is found in great abundance in Utah. The rocks are not really rocky but a mixture of sand and red colored conglomerate. Just a very sharp 90 degree turn off the 14 hwy heading north, this place is worth a visit if you have some time to spare. The color of the rocks might be muted on grey days but spectacular when the sun is out. The rocks over on the west side of the freeway where the camp ground sits, is not as spectaclar. read more
7 years ago
This review is about my visit to the Red Rock Canyon visitor center on Thanksgiving Day 2019. We came with a Chinese tour so there are maybe 40 of us. We arrived at the visitor center parking lot at around 12:10pm on Thanksgiving Day 11/28/2019 looking to use the restroom. There're 2 restrooms: 1) an outdoor restroom without roof - see picture 2) restroom located inside the visitor center. The lady worker refused to let us use the restroom inside, and she stood at the restroom entrance blocking people to go inside. I asked her what is the reason of not letting people use the restroom? She couldn't explain herself well, claiming that the restrooms inside are not working (in fact, it is very well working). I just can't believe what was happening. It is 2019 and this is California. I don't understand why people still discriminate based on your racial ethnicity? I mean, I don't mind using the outdoor restroom if it's not snowing! There's ice on the ground so it's very slippery. I couldn't help but wonder who is going the bear the responsibility if an older person slipped and fell while using the restroom? State of California and/or this lady worker? While we were at the bus, we saw a couple drove in. The woman took a look at the outdoor restroom and went inside with her companion. She was not turned away like some of us were. This is just saddening to witness the different treatment and experience this horrible incident on this so-called "Thanksgiving Day". read more
Red Rock Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Southern California. It's slightly north of Mojave, CA right alongside California State Route 14. It's a great day trip if you drive up from Los Angeles. Here's what I loved about visiting the park: - Stunning canyon views and red rock formations - Rugged, scenic desert hiking trails - Only 2 hours northeast of Los Angeles - Lightly trafficked area I visited Red Rock Canyon State Park on a sunny winter day and hiked the 11-mile Nightmare Gulch Loop trail. Note that this rugged, cross-country trail is unmarked so you will have to rely on a map and compass to make it from beginning to end. For that reason, I suggest to apply caution. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and start this hike early in the day. You don't want to be in a race against the clock and run the risk of having to finish the hike in the dark -- which will be risky. The Nightmare Gulch Loop trail is not advised for novice hikers or children. Also note that part of the Nightmare Gulch Loop trail is closed from February 1 to July 1 as birds of prey will be nesting and you won't be able to enter part of the park. I recommend parking at the park's entrance right alongside state route 14. Heading north, use the small parking area on the right, immediately after the camping area on the left side of the road. When parked, walk up the small hill and then hike clockwise, starting at Black Rock Canyon. This will be the most strenuous part of the trail as you will almost immediately venture straight up a hill without a trail or clear route. Once you make it up the hill, you will have the most spectacular views from cliff into the canyon. It took my breath away. It's an otherworldly experience. The descent meanders through desert slopes and ATV roads that take you down into the Nightmare Gulch that's just a gorgeous hike. The entire gulch route is lined by layered rock and drip formations that are simply awesome. This part of the trail is flat but extremely rocky. The gulch ends in the scenic canyon that also is accessible via car. You will have also some gorgeous views here of the area that is so unique. I finished the loop trail in about 4 hours and I kept going at a steady pace. There's so much beauty to discover in California and Red Rock Canyon State Park is by far one of the state's best kept outdoor secrets. Definitely a place I intend on coming back to again. read more
4 years ago
This campground is littler known and off the beaten path but so cool! All are FF but we went during the week and probably only 25% of the sites were full so we had our pick. We stayed at site 38 which had a hidden cave where we ate and hid from the wind! It had a flat enough spot for our 4 pp tent (though unfortunately it was wind advisory with gusts at 30-40mph so our tent blew in). Otherwise the trail and scenery is unmatched! So beautiful and if In he area would definitely stay again. (This campground is primitive with vault toilets and the one closest to this site was open air) read more
Red rock canyon spires are spectacular! Go hike around! Mind blowing 5 star topography! But I have a bone of contention with the park campground. I preface comments saying I get around, camping all over the west about 4-5 months a year. Make my day, read my camp reviews! I'm a reliable benchmark. Issues: 1) The 1-way road through all the camp sites is so dusty! When a vehicle / RV passes you are smothered in fine dust. Awful! Unfortunately many people (JERKS) drive by like a bat out of hell and you suck dust in your lungs an in your face--all through your camper--as they fly through! No signs posted to make them slow down. How about the park put in some gravel or pave the camp loop? Mainly because of dust I left after 1 day. 2) I went to visitor center for park information and hiking. It was like pulling teeth to get any information what so ever. No service with a smile. 3) RV Dump facility is not operational. 4) My truck had a flat tire--picked up a screw. I needed roadside assistance. AT&T Cell coverage is non-existent unless I get to the visitor center or climb the hill a 1/2 mile! The visitor center is supposed to open at 10 AM. As of 10:30 it was still closed. Many visitors came by and were turned off because the center was closed. I wanted in to get inside info on where to fix my flat. I digress! I get off my soap box! While this is a wonderful wilderness, the park needs to shape up. I doubt I will return. I would rather go to the Valley of Fire in nearby Nevada! read more
4 years ago
I have to admit straightforward, this was an unplanned stop on a way to Trona Pinnacles. It is visible from the road, has a bathroom on a parking lot and nothing much to do if you're not into the nature itself. There are few hiking trails on both sides of the road, but most of the people just make a quick 10 min stop, take few photos and leave. I feel guilty, because our day was planned to a minute, and sun being already high, we stayed 30 minutes too, but had lots of fun exploring the area around the parking lot. It's one of a kind, felt very humbled by those giants looking down at us. The centuries of changes they witnessed, the curious passengers they were admired by. Our lives are only a particle in a lengthy existence of these formations. Truly a miracle! read more
8 years ago
Well, I was right. Came here a second time, and it was a better e,experience than the first time. The Visitors Center was open this time, and she was pleasant. Lots of interesting information and exhibits are available inside. The scenery was beautiful once again even though the sunlight was not hitting all the rock formations the time we were there. Love the fact that so many of the beautiful sights were accessible for our parents. Were able to take many memorable photos of them with the lovely sights in the background. Red Rock Canyon State Park is absolutely worth visiting. You can stay as long or as short as you like. Just depends on how much you want to explore. read more
I've seen this mini Grand Canyon-looking place going to and from Mammoth for forEVAH but it wasn't until very recently that I actually decided to stop and take a look. After you turn off the hwy you go down this longish road that leads to the visitor center where you can take a nice potty break. They have exhibits describing the history and ecology of the area and there is a small campground a little off from there. Since this was just a brief visit my friends and I drove back out and parked in a little turnout and walked around the rock formation closer to the hwy. They're really cool; the wind and water erosion make them almost look like man-made structures in parts. I'd definitely love to come back and check out some of the hiking trails in the area and maybe camp there too! Probably will get very hot during the summer. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Awesome rock formations, right off Hwy 14! read more
I went there mid April. Late 80's degree out n no shade. So hot that I sweat in few min. But, the hike is worth it. Beautiful rocks with many different colors (red, pink, grey, black, cream n orange). Some have unique shape Great place for beginners rock climbing. But be careful the rock is soft Bathroom at visitors center (pit toilet on outside) (flush toilet inside visitor center) & along campsite drive Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is 1 mile loop - Easy - All Flat -Dirt Parking lot on left right after turn into the street. -Open and no shade at all on trail -Few resting bench -There are caves w/ shade -No bathroom on trail Red Cliff Natural Trail - Easy & short hike with a little incline -Dirt Parking -Bathroom @ Beginning of Trail -Open & no shade at all on trail -Shade / Cooler standing or lend on the rock read more
8 years ago
Located right off the 14, red rock is a beautiful natural wonder well worth a stop, if for nothing else than for you to stretch your legs and take a break from the car and your travels. For the more adventurous, you can hike, camp and explore. read more
Gorgeous area but if you visit in summer, prepare for some intense heat. Didn't even get to the SP but enjoyed some sights along the highway and now am thinking of returning to see the starry nights above the rocks!!! Don't forget the camera!!!! PHOTOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING: Lots of great formations to see even before you get close to the park area. Bring a wide angle to capture the depth and perspective of this timeless red rocks. Many have shapes that resemble buildings and more.... if you have the time, visit twice to scout out the sun position and direction, so you can get the max colors/beauty of the rocks without the bothersome shadows. read more
RIDGECREST, CA is a small city with a population of about 28,000. To the southwest is Red Rock Canyon State Park, located nearby on Route 14, and to the northeast is Trona Pinnacles, located nearby on Route 178. Red Rock Canyon has more things to see, and the astonishing "gothic cathedral" geologic formations can be found at the west edge of Route 14 and also at the east edge of Route 14. COMPARISON WITH DEATH VALLEY. Death Valley National Park also has similar "gothic cathedral" geologic formations, and these are located at the end of Golden Canyon Trail, and this geological formation is called, "Red Cathedral." But the gothic cathedral formations at Red Rock Canyon are much, much, much, much better. During my three years in southern California, I made 6 trips to Death Valley, and soon found that the only interesting things (to me) were Mesquite Dunes and Badwater. Unfortunately, Red Rock Canyon State Park is unfairly under-appreciated. But on the plus side, you will not find hoards of mindless tourists tromping around (as is the case in Death Valley). Why do I say, "mindless"? Because they romp and frolic all over the western half of Mesquite Dunes, creating countless footprints and totally ruining any chance for landscape photography. Fortunately, this does not make my 8-hour drive to DVNP a total waste, because tourists almost never go to the eastern half of this dune field. THE WEST SIDE OF ROUTE 14. The pay gate at Red Rock provides access to the camping area and to a little nature trail. But in the pay area, you will not find any of the glorious gothic cathedrals. To see the gothic cathedrals, you just park (for free) just inside of the west entrance, and you can look at the red-colored gothic cathedrals lining the dirt road, and then you can walk to the south and spend a couple of hours exploring a broad, shallow valley called HAGEN CANYON. SIGHTS IN THE FREE PARKING AREA AT THE EAST SIDE OF ROUTE 14. At the east side Route 14 is a large parking area that is free. There are plenty of glorious and unusual stone formations within a five minute walk of the large parking area, and any person devoted to photography can easily spend an hour taking pictures in this area. In this area, I've used by 21 mm lens, 50 mm lens, and 300 mm lens, with my camera and a sturdy tripod. The 300 mm lens enables me to capture panoramic photographs of the red and gray-colored gothic cathedrals, but without having to tilt the camera upwards. I just stand 300 feet away from the gothic cathedrals, and the panoramic view looks more natural and not tilted. OTHER SIGHTS AT THE EAST SIDE OF ROUTE 14. After you park, you can walk north along the edge of Route 14, and after ten minutes you will reach a huge clearing, and at the far north border of this huge flat clearing are many glorious gothic cathedrals, plus some Joshua trees suitable for jazzing up your photos. read more
6 years ago
Awesome place to go for a hike, and also at night You able to see the stars. A great place to meditate and to appreciate Mother Nature read more
5 years ago
Great stop for a quick stretch of the legs on our way to Death Valley. Spent less than an hour here but saw some pretty awesome rock formations - Turk's Turban is right off the road, camel rock and Hagen Canyon Window Rock are a little further up the trail, and the red cliffs are everywhere. Definitely worth a stop. Not many people there because I don't think that this state park abs the read more
8 years ago
Beautiful but overlooked Red Canyon State Park! Cool day hikes! Nice gift shop information building! Camping $23! read more
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More info about Red Rock Canyon State Park
37749 Abbott Dr
Cantil, CA 93519
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(661) 946-6092
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http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631
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Is this a first come first serve campsite?
Yes, the campsites are first come, first served. No reservations. Refer to the website: http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631
