Red Rock Canyon - CA’s Most Underrated State Park
When I tell people about my love of Red Rock, they often think I’m talking about Nevada or Arizona…but few of my friends have experienced the beauty of Red Rock Canyon State Park located just off the beaten path in Cantil, California. Established in 1968, Red Rock Canyon was the first state park in Kern County. The park sits where the southwest edge of the El Paso Mountains meet the Sierra Nevadas…and because it’s less than a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, it makes a perfect day trip getaway. Join me below as we explore two of my favorite easily accessed spots in the park.
Red Rock Canyon State Park in California
Red Rock Canyon State Park north of Mojave, CA
Location
Red Rock Canyon State Park is located about 20 minutes north of Mojave, CA in Kern County. 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. The park is open from sunrise to sunset to day visitors, and overnight camping is available on a first come first serve basis at the Ricardo Campground, which I highly recommend!
Joshua trees and red cliffs along Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
“Turks Turbin” in Red Rock Canyon Nature Trail
Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
Hagen Canyon is probably the most popular spot in the park, and is named after German immigrant Rudolph Hagen who acquired this land by purchasing mining rights. Mr. Hagen is credited with starting the tourism movement in Red Rock. He built a campground, post office, diner, and offered maps of the magnificent rock formations to visitors. After he passed away, the land went on to become part of the state park.
At only 1.2 miles long with an elevation change of less than 50 feet, Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is an easy hike that can be completed in less than half an hour. However, I often find myself spending hours here exploring the red cliffs and canyons. This trail offers some of the most amazing rock formations in all of California, and because the park is located right off of the 14 freeway, it’s easily accessible by any vehicle for a quick pitstop or an all day adventure.
Window Rock in Hagen Canyon
Scrambling up rock formations near Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
Red Cliffs Nature Trail
Red Cliffs Nature Trail is also a popular place to visit here in Red Rock. It is fittingly named for the eroding sandstone, mudstone, and volcanic rock that shoots out of the ground over 300 feet at the trailhead. These giant cathedral like formations are my favorite part of the area, and I love (carefully) scrambling up the sandy crumbing terrain to explore the giant cracks and crevices up close. The Red Cliffs Nature Trail hike itself is less than a mile long. It’s a great place to stop and stretch your legs, but you can also forge your own path for hours on the unofficial trails nearby.
Red Cliffs in Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Cliffs in Red Rock Canyon State Park
Filming Location
If this unique 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…and more recently both Jurassic Park and Westworld were filmed here.
Rock formations along Hagen Canyon Nature Trail
History
The state park has a fascinating history…scientists believe that this whole area lay under water at the bottom of a massive lake 10 million 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.
Unique rock formations at Red Rock Canyon State Park
In the 1800s foot sore survivors of the famous Death Valley track passed through the area and brief prospecting was done as minors sifted through the sands. During the 1870s these rock formations even served as a landmark for the famous 20-mule team freight wagons. The canyon has also been used as a stage coach stop and a rail road route.
Red Cliffs in Red Rock Canyon State Park
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.
• The park offers an excellent environment for stargazing.
View from Red Cliffs parking area off Highway 14
In Summary
Thanks so much for exploring Red Rock Canyon State Park with me. For a virtual visit, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog Video at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Red Rock Canyon State Park
You might also enjoy:
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.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
Today we're exploring the Cap Rock Nature Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This is the perfect family friendly spot to take an easy hike and enjoy a bbq lunch at the picnic area amidst towering rock formations, cactus & endless Joshua trees. Read this travel guide to discover one of the top things to do and places to go in Joshua Tree on your next SoCal weekend road trip from Los Angeles.