This article highlights Red Rock Canyon State Park in California!
The American West, or to be more specific, the Colorado Plateau, is renowned worldwide because of its reddish landscapes and mind-bending rock formations.
The best representation of the area’s aesthetic is located in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Many dream of visiting places like Zion, Bryce, Arches, Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde.
But, what about California? Is that state associated with red rocks? To be honest, it is not. But, since I love to add a magic twist to everything, I would say it is not associated with red rocks but we do have areas with red rocks.
In a remote area of the Mojave Desert, where the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Mountains, cliffs, buttes, and rock formations rise from the arid floor. A lot of the rocks in the area have red tones due to a high concentration of iron. That is why 27,000 acres of terrain has been designated as the Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Table of Contents
Red Rock Canyon Location
Red Rock Canyon is located in Cantil (or in the vicinity of this population center, this is Kern County). Cantil is located about 120 miles from Los Angeles and 80 miles from Bakersfield. The park is closer to the cities in the Antelope Valley (Lancaster and Palmdale).
As you can see, a considerable amount of time will be involved in reaching the place from a big city. In addition, the paved areas can be toured by car in about an hour. So, it is not necessarily a day trip material.
However, if you are driving to and from Los Angeles to cities located along the US-395 (Mammoth Mountain, for example), a stop in this park is worth your time. The same goes for people who like camping and riding off-road vehicles.
As a matter of fact, that is what happened to us. We were driving home back from Bishop and we decided to stop.
Touring Red Rock Canyon
The red, pink, and green rocks of Red Rock Canyon can be seen from the freeway. Once you enter, red and white cliffs will welcome you. There is no fee to walk along the paved road or the Hagen Canyon Trail. In my opinion, this is the most scenic part of the park.
It is easy to see why. Just look at how those rocks!
The most famous formation in the park is called Turban Rock. Can you see it? Maybe a little bit of imagination is needed (but it is pretty obvious to me).
Once you get back on the road, you can continue to the Ricardo Campground. Now, a fee is charged to enter this day-use area (or you can pay to camp). The road in here was built to connect the campgrounds but you can drive it to see the formations.
If you want are interested in only a quick look, I recommend not paying the day-use fee. As mentioned, for a short stop and some super cool photos, the free area will suffice.
Now, paying the fee will make sense if you are some kind of travel junkie that wants to see everything (that would be me), a geology lover, or a person who is interested in hiking. In that case, head to the ranger station located inside the campground and ask for hiking recommendations.
On the other side of the road, across the park’s main entrance, there is another series of formations called Red Cliffs. This is a free zone too.
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
If you are interested in spending more time around this wonderful part of the state, take into consideration the following hikes:
Easy
- Red Cliffs Trail (1 mile) – Access through the Red Cliffs area (free)
- Ricardo Campground (1 mile) – This consist of walking the loop connecting the different campsites inside the park (fee)
- Hagen Canyon Nature Trail (1.2 miles) – The trailhead is located before the park’s entrance (free). Do not miss the walk/hike since this is one of the best parts of the park
Moderate
- Ricardo Campground South Loop Trail (1 mile) – Provides views of badlands and beautiful rock formations
- Nightmare Gulch Overlook Trail (10 miles) – Access through the Red Cliffs area (free)
Red Rock Canyon Details
The park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14. Signs indicated where to turn.
Please follow the rules since they help to protect this ecosystem.
There are separate day use and camping fees (of course, no need to pay the day use if you are camping).
The free areas are very scenic so, you are able to enjoy this place for free.
Keep in mind the summer months’ temperature can be brutal in the area.
Bring enough water for each person at your party. It is a good idea to have something to eat in the car (good ideas include fruit, granola bars, protein bars, and such) and carry a cooler with essentials.
Wear the proper footwear if you are expecting to go beyond the parking lots. Even if your walking is minimal, you will need non-slippery, sturdy shoes.
Ladies, I do not recommend visiting in long dresses or skirts. Darker colors will work better.
Wear sun-protective gear (hats, caps, sunglasses) and sunblock. Combat the dry weather with body lotion, moisturizer (face), and lip balm.
Do not rely on having cellphone service.
As you may have noticed, I was able to see only a small area of Red Rock Canyon. Nonetheless, this is a very distinctive part of California, the state I proudly call home. This park is another fantastic example of the richness and life that can be found in our deserts.
There you have it. Now, you can explain the connection between California and red rocks!
More of the Area
More of California
Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
150+ Places to Go in Orange County
200+ Places to Visit in Santa Barbara
Have you visited a place like Red Rock Canyon or a place that has surprised you?
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Handmade in Israel says
I can definitely see Turban Rock. Wow, such incredible rock formations!
Ruth says
I am glad you see it! I wonder who come up with the name.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
What a beautiful and unique place! I would like to see it with your own eyes
Ruth says
Glad you find it unique. We are lucky to have a place like this in California.
Gentle Joy Photography says
What amazing rock formations! Great pictures.
Ruth says
Yes, they are so amazing! The desert is full of surprises!
Photo Cache says
Awesome! I would definitely put this in my bucket list. I love red rocks and this would be a lovely stop on or back from Vegas, right?
Ruth says
No, the park is on Hwy 14 which connects the 5 to the 395. It is one the way to Bishop or Mammoth Mountain (Eastern Sierra).
Lotusleaf says
Fantastic formations! The Turban rock really looks like the turban of a particular sect in India.
Ruth says
Ha, ha, it is funny how you put it. The park has a camel rock too but I was not able to find it.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
Beautiful rock formations. The red on some of the rocks is very pretty too! Thank you for sharing your photos of this amazing place!
Ruth says
The red is what makes this place unique. But, there are pinks, greens and yellows too.
ladyfi says
So unique and utterly stunning!
Ruth says
Thanks!
Rhonda Albom says
Your photos are lovely. The rock formations look like part of a melted multi layer cake. The alternating red layers and eroded white stone are striking. I had never been to this park when I lived in California. If I ever do the drive between LA and Las Vegas again, I think it is worth the detour time to see this amazing place.
Ruth says
The “melting of rocks” is a common thread thru the West. I have been to many places with a similar aspect. It is fascinating how rocks got that aspect.
Ryan says
Wonderful picture! Thank you for your sharing!
Ruth says
Your welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
carrie says
Beautiful photos ruth! I have never visited here, but I have a friend who has and her pictures were unreal!
Ruth says
Oh, that is so cool! I see it as an adventurer playground.
Van says
Wow this just looks insane!! I really need to visit California one day!!
Ruth says
That sounds like a good idea!
Christine @ The Journey of Christine says
Zion and Bryce are also on my short list of parks to visit but this park is just as beautiful! Love the crazy formations! #wanderfulwednesday
Ruth says
I want to go back to Zion and visit Bryce. If there are rock formations, I want to go.
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
So beautiful! When we visited Las Vegas a couple of years ago, one of my favorite things that we did was to take a trip to Red Rocks. All of the colors were just so beautiful! It’s nice to know that you can still find those red rocks in California as well!
Ruth says
I have been to the Red Rock area in Vegas. It is a beautiful park. I want to visit the Valley of Fire next.
Kristin says
I had no idea that there were such beautiful canyons and rock formations in California – and I grew up there! Now I have a new place to go explore whenever I go home to visit next! Amazing!
Ruth says
So cool you got to know about this place through this post! There are other parks with formations. I have to post about them.
Lolo says
One more place in California I never made it to! Looks beautiful though! #WanderfulWednesday
Ruth says
You have to come for a visit (and bring your husband).
Trekking with Becky says
The fusion of the colours and formations in a single structure are surreal. It’s hard to imagine it coming into being.
Ruth says
That is true Becky! Looks like this is the result of erosion (doesn’t look like volcanic activity to me).
sallie says
Brings back memories Ruth — we’ve been there, but it was a long long time ago (when we lived in Oregon before we retired, we made many trips to California and loved exploring the amazing diversity of the state).
Ruth says
Glad you visited! Not a lot of people know about this park.
jesh StG says
Thanks for coming by:) Then to think that we came by on the 5 or 99 at least twice a year shuttling back forth between Los Angeles and Sacramento – we have never seen this! First I thought you meant Red Canon in Utah, but hey California has (almost) everything!!
Ruth says
Right, I think I have heard about that Red Canyon in Utah. Good you agree California is almost perfect.
klara says
this looks amazing! I am fascinated with rock formations in USA. if I visit again US, that is definitely something I would love to visit.
Ruth says
Thanks Klara! Nice to know you like this side of the States. Hope you come back soon.
jill says
Wow! I didn’t know there was such rock formations – with such color- in Southern California. Thanks for sharing, Ruth!
Ruth says
Your welcome Jill! This is a true surprise. Friends of mine saw the photos and they couldn’t believe it.
Cherie Rose Martin says
What stunning photos! I’ll have to check it out as I frequent California!
Ruth says
Great! Will be nice if you can make it there one day.
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
What amazing rock formations- I’ve never seen anything like them. And those reds?! wow! #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
I believe these formation are very unique. But, I still have to see a lot of the West.
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
Wow, those rock formations are amazing! I’ve never seen anything like them before. And those reds? Wow! #FlyAwayFriday
Moira says
I had no idea this park existed! Thanks for sharing – can’t believe how blue the sky is in some of the photos… #flyawayfriday
Ruth says
Here in California, we are notorious for our blue skies. I love it when it is blue and bright and you are able to enjoy the outdoors because of that.
Katherine says
I keep saying that I have to get to Zion but maybe I just have to take a (long) drive from San Francisco to Rock Canyon instead? the rock formations look pretty cool. #flyawayfriday
Ruth says
Well, the only thing is that Zion is a big park. This place is small, so, you have to combine the trip with something else.
Sharon Wagner says
The formations look like they should be inside a cave. What a photo feast! I love red rock.
Ruth says
I get that! Imagine how the rocks were hundred of year ago!
Pat --Mille Fiori Favoriti says
I did not know Red Rock Canyon exiisted in California! Such a prehistoric looking landscape. We see many red rock formations here in Colorado, and I never tire of seeing them.
Ruth says
That is one of the reasons why I want to visit Colorado. I am sure I will fall in love with the state.
Wendy says
Wow the rock formations are unbelievable!! One of my goals for this year is to do more road trips and enjoy the outdoor! Loved the photos and the tips on how to save money! Thank you! This is definitely on my list 🙂 #flyawayfriday
Ruth says
That is one of my goal too. Well, I think it is a goal I have every year. I had problems with my car but, now, I am back at the game. I hope to go on a road trip soon.
Jo says
Those photos are absolutely stunning thank you for sharing with #WeekendTravelInspiration. Thanks for the pin its on my board would love to visit one day.
Ruth says
Thanks Jo! You are so sweet! I am trilled you like the post.
Klara S says
Amazing place and beautiful captures. Thanks for sharing.
Ruth says
Cool! Thanks for stopping by.
Allison says
Wow, those rock formations are amazing! It always amazes me that they are able to form that way. #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
That is true! I have visited places were the formation process is explained and it is very interesting.
Anda says
I visited this place some years ago, but only took pictures because the light wasn’t good. We just passed by the Red Rock Canyon coming back from Lake Tahoe a month ago but didn’t have time to stop this time. I am very envious looking at your beautiful pictures. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Thanks Anda! I forgot you can go to Tahoe by this route.
Courtney @ Travel Daze says
Those rock formations are CRAZY. Seriously so cool. I love visiting places like this. 🙂 #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
I love visiting places like this too! I have others on my bucket list.
Anisa says
The rock formations are really impressive. I had heard about Red Rock parks in other places, but didn’t realize there was one in California. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
It would be nice to visit the parks with the same name on different states.
Alan says
This is great. I learned something and I thank you for that.
Ruth says
Alan, that is great! I am happy because of that!
Kathy says
Wow these rock formations are extraordinary. I seen something a little similar in Geikie Gorge in The Kimberley region of North Western Australia. These were formed millions of years ago from the Ice Age.
Ruth says
Oh, that is another are full of red rocks and soil. Would love to visit.
Katy says
Nature is incredible. I can imagine you could spend hours looking at the different rock formations. Like Kathy above the landscape reminds me of some parts of Australia. Thanks for joining us on #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
So nice this park reminds you of Australia. I will like to visit those area one day.
Wandermust mummy says
Stunning – I would love to visit #wkdtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Good!
TheSterlingTraveler says
Incredible photos! I had no idea this was there and will have to go visit before it gets too hot!
Ruth says
Yes, the area will be burning hot during summer.
Andrea @ Topsy Turvy Tribe says
Wow, this place is amazing. Your photos are just stunning! #farawayflies
Ruth says
Thanks Andrea!
Anna says
Wow!! This is truly some of the most gorgeous rock formations I’ve ever seen. The turban rock is amazing and I can’t believe nature made something like that. I can’t believe this is so close to LA and I never knew about it. I wonder if I can convince anyone for a mini road trip when I’m back in LA in the fall!
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
Beautiful! I had never heard of this before now, and I grew up in California. Thanks for linking in this week at #wkendtravelinspiration!
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Wow. You have such epic landscapes in the US, don’t you? These cliffs really are extraordinary, Ruth and I love your tip about being able to see the best of it for free. Aren’t you lucky to have this in your own backyard? Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
Those rock formations are pretty amazing, wow! And they look especially beautiful against the pure blue sky, swoooon!
natalie says
So cool, I had no idea this park existed! I’ll definitely have to make a stop next time I’m driving down that way. I drive the 395 every so often to So Cal
Ruth Daly says
Great post – those rock formations are amazing. Your photos are so clear and nicely composed, too.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Gorgeous, Ruth! I have not been in that part of California in ages. Thanks for reminding me how beautiful it is!!
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
This takes me back to my geography and geology lessons at school and university. I am astonished at these rocks; they seem other worldly.
#farawayfiles
Laura says
I enjoyed your photos since it was dark when we passed through this area as we drove from LA to Death Valley last year. It was necessary to stay on schedule, but I knew we were missing some unique formations. Thank you for sharing them!
Lauren says
I’ve never heard of this park before, but looks like a great place to go exploring! Thanks for sharing and linking up 😀
David | Travelsewhere says
Honestly surprised I’ve never heard of Red Rock Canyon before as those rock formations are fascinating! Love the colour variations too. Another spot worth visiting in California it seems. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Bumble Bee Mum says
If I had flown there all the way from Singapore, I would pay that fee to enter the Ricard Campground! #FarawayFiles
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
Amazing! I have never even heard about this park. You know I love Bryce and Zion and Arches – good to know that there are super cool red rock formations right in Cali! Thank for sharing with #FarawayFiles
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Those rocks look like they are melting. Very cool. Growing up, I used to spend summers about an hour away from Red Rock Canyon, in a town called Lake Isabella. I don’t think we ever visited this place though, as I’m sure I would remember something so interesting.
Kana says
Wow gorgeous photos! For a second I thought it was going to be about the Red Rocks in Sedona but had no idea we had it here in California! I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this weekend! xo
Chloe says
wow this is so cool!! I’ve never even heard of this park and I’m a California native!! I’ll have to go check it out sometime!
Brian Joseph says
Such a wonderful information. It’s really a very good blog.