Spring Wildflowers at Red Rock Canyon State Park
Hi friends! The California Spring wildflower season is underway, and this week I’m excited to share a special spot you might not think of when you think “wildflower superbloom”, but it’s a favorite spot of mine to see the bright pops of color up against spectacular rock formations & desert cliff sides. Join me on an adventure to witness a rare flowery sight at Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Spring wildflowers at Red Rock Canyon State Park
Location
Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in Kern County about 20 minutes north of Mojave, CA and sits where the southwest edge of the El Paso Mountains meet the Sierra Nevadas. The park covers over 27,000 acres of stunning desert landscape and it’s less than a 2-hour drive from both Los Angeles and Bakersfield, making it a perfect SoCal day trip getaway. Two of the park’s most popular features and trails are easily accessible and found right off Highway 14 – Red Cliffs Nature Trail and Hagen Canyon Nature Trail.
Desert Spring wildflowers along Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
Wildflowers
Red Rock Canyon State Park is famous for its stunning red rock formations, towering cliffs, and unique desert landscapes...although it can also be home to beautiful Spring wildflowers. The climate here is characterized by intense hot summers and mild winters, but after a heavy winter rainy season, you can see a wide variety of wildflowers here generally from late-March through April (and occasionally into May). Currently (as of 3/30/24), the hills here are blanketed with vivid yellow Goldenfields, which are the most prominent flowers, as well as Bigelows Coreopsis, California Coreopsis, Red Rock Tarweed, and Tall Evening Primrose. Purple hues are currently harder to spot, but Desert Royal Lupine, Mojave Indigo Bush, Lacy Phacella, and Desert Monkeyflower can be seen here if you keep a close eye out.
Hagen Canyon Nature Trail wildflowers at Red Rock Canyon State Park
Hiking & OHV Trails
At only 1.2 miles long with an elevation change of less than 50 feet, Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Red Rock Canyon State Park. As of 3/30/24, this trail is one of the most easily accessible and best spots to see the wildflowers. Red Cliffs Trail is another easy, otherworldly hike at just under a mile with 100 feet in elevation change, however the only flowers you’ll find here are on the west side of the cliff formations, closest to Hwy 14. The Ricardo Trail is also sprinkled with beautiful wildflowers and easily completed in just over a mile, as is the Desert View Trail. Right now I recommend combining both of these hikes to enjoy the incredible topography and stunning wildflowers. OHV trails are also popular here, including the 13-mile Last Chance Canyon and 10-mile Burro Schmidt's Tunnel.
For more information on Hagen Canyon and Red Cliffs Nature Trails, check out my Red Rock Canyon - CA’s Most Underrated State Park blog post.
Hagen Canyon Nature Trail with wildflowers in Red Rock Canyon State Park
Camping
Camping is available at Ricardo Campground. This campground is tucked up against the base of dramatic desert cliffs with 50 primitive campsites, potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Bring your own firewood or purchase it at the visitor center. There are no RV hook-ups or showers, and a maximum of 8 people is allowed per site (there are no group sites). Camping is first-come first-served with no advanced reservation system, so plan on showing up early to snag your desired spot, particularly on weekends. Camping is $25 per night per site, which includes parking for one vehicle per site. There is a 30 foot maximum on RVs.
Stargazing at Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park
Stargazing
I would highly recommend checking out the Ricardo Campground. The skies are extremely dark here, making it a perfect spot for astrophotography. Nate and I have enjoyed many nights in the park, capturing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and full moons. The park technically closes after sunset to non-campers, so if you’d like to enjoy the starry skies here, nabbing a campsite is your answer.
Red Rock Canyon State Park desert wildflowers
Spring wildflower superbloom at Red Rock Canyon State Park
History
Red Rock Canyon has a fascinating history. Long before it was named Kern County’s first state park in 1968, scientists believe that this whole area lay under water at the bottom of a massive lake millions of years ago. Many types of fossils have been found here...everything from alligator lizards to sabertooth cats! The bright red colors found here are due to high iron content in some sediment layers. As the iron oxidizes (rusts) it turns red, and on the rare occasion of heavy rainfall the rust color trickles down and collects in small streams making it appear like the cliffs are bleeding. Native Americans used this as part of a trade route for thousands of years.
If the otherworldly landscape looks familiar, it’s probably because Hollywood has been filming here since the 1930s. Classics, including The Big Country, The Outlaw and The Ten Commandments, used Red Rock Canyon as their backdrop. More recently, both Jurassic Park and The Mummy were filmed here.
Red Rock Canyon State Park with Spring wildflowers
Know Before You Go
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• Official park hours are sunrise to sunset.
• Overnight camping is available at Ricardo Campground for $25 per night on a first come first serve basis (no reservations).
• The visitor center at the north end of the park (near the campground) offers helpful maps & information.
• Fossil Falls is also another great stop less than an hour away.
• Horseback riding is allowed on the trails.
• There is very little shade at the park, so plan accordingly (bring plenty of water and sun protection).
• Weather fluctuations can occur quickly, including excessive heat in the Summer and flash flooding during Winter.
• Off-road biking is not allowed anywhere at the park.
• Collection of any artifacts, plants or cultural features are prohibited without a proper permit.
• The terrain is sandy and eroding in many areas, so proper footwear is necessary for exploring red rock.
Red Rock Canyon State Park rock formations along Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Red Rock Canyon State Park. For a virtual visit of what the desert wildflowers currently look like, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Desert Spring wildflowers near Red Cliffs Nature Trail
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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