Red Cliffs Trail (Red Rock Canyon State Park, California)
Hikes Around Mt Whitney

Red Cliffs Trail Hike - Red Rock Canyon SP

  • 0.9 miles - Easy Effort
  • 30 Minutes (Total)
  • 120 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 2,489 feet
  • No Dogs Allowed

what does this mean?

The Red Cliffs Trail is an easy 1 mile loop hike in a unique Mojave Desert landscape. You'll pass the namesake Red Cliffs, rock formations of eroded sandstone, mudstone, and volcanic rock, thrusted up above the desert floor by faulting. It's also been the backdrop of many movies and television shows. The Red Cliffs Trail is a great place to stretch your legs if you're traveling between LA and the Eastern Sierra or Death Valley.

In this Guide:
  • Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
  • Maps For the Hike
  • How to Get to the Red Cliffs Trail
Quick Links:    Red Rock Canyon State Park - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Mar 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Getting to the Red Cliffs Trail

The trailhead address is: Red Cliffs Natural Area, Cantil, CA, 93519, USA. It's a great option for a roadside rest stop and hike.

Red Cliffs Trail California
Follow the road from the turnoff on Rt 14 to the parking lot.

There are free bathrooms here, and there's primitive camping across the street by the Hagen Canyon hike.

Red Cliffs Trail California
There's bathrooms here, as well as picnic benches. A good spot for a break on a long drive.

Gear for the Red Cliffs Trail Hike

This is a short hike and you don’t need any special hiking gear. In the summer it can get really hot. You're basically on the border of the Mojave Desert, the Eastern Sierra Nevada, and the western El Paso range. Bring water, even though it's a short hike.

Top Spring 2023 Gear Picks

Osprey Waistpack

Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon  )
As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My March 2023 Top Gear Picks

What To Know About the Hike

Desert Tortoise Red Cliffs
Keep your eyes open for the desert tortoise. They're hard to spot, but how cool would it be if you actually saw one? Photo from the BLM.

Red Cliffs Trail Maps

Click Here To View

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools:  GaiaGPS - AllTrails

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)
Hiking With Gaia GPS For BeginnersHiking With Gaia GPS For Beginners
How-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints on GarminHow-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints on Garmin
How To Read a Topographic MapHow To Read a Topographic Map
Red Cliffs Trail California 3d map
The hike takes you along the base of the cliffs (on the left), then up onto a ridge where you get nice views across to the Red Cliffs.

Red Cliffs Hike Directions

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Video Directions

Turn by Turn Hike Directions

Red Cliffs Trail California
The parking lot is massive. The trailhead is on the side closest to the cliffs.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Once you park, the red cliffs will be looming over view to the north.
Red Cliffs Trail California
The trailhead is well marked. Start the hike at the sign.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Most of the trail is marked with stones on either side. Lots of stones and footprints.
Red Cliffs Trail California
There are also occasional little trail signs, keep your eyes open for them.
Red Cliffs Trail California
After you climb a gentle grade, you'll come to the first junction, marked by a small sign. Keep going straight.
Red Cliffs Trail California
You'll go downhill for a few minutes and hit the next trail junction, marked by a low sign. Stay right on the well-trodden trail. There are smaller trails that go straight that you should avoid.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Here's a closeup of the sign at the last junction.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Keep an eye out as the trail makes a right turn up the ridge. There's a marker too.
Red Cliffs Trail California
The trail will climb through a grove of Joshua Trees.
Red Cliffs Trail California
There are nice photo opportunities with the Joshua Trees and the Red Cliffs in the background.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Towards the top of the trail bear left and head to the top of the ridge.
Red Cliffs Trail California
When the trail reaches the top of the ridge, you'll have great views.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Continue down the ridge trail. There's a nice bench where you can rest and check out views of the Red Cliffs.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Continue on the ridge trail as it starts to descend.
Red Cliffs Trail California
When you reach the junction, make the hard right toward the parking lot.
Red Cliffs Trail California
The trail is marked with stones on its sides as it heads back toward the parking lot.
Red Cliffs Trail California
Keep following the trail back to the parking lot. That's the hike!

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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