Best trails in Red Rock Canyon State Park, California

Red Rock Canyon State Park is known for its spectacular rock formations. The park can be found where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada connect to the El Paso Range. This about 120 miles north of Los Angeles via Interstate 5. The park is well worth a visit for the scenic desert cliffs, buttes, vivid colors, and the petroglyphs left by the Kawaiisu Indians. The Native American history in the park is extensive. A spectacular gash that can be found in the El Paso mountain range was on the Native American trade route. During the mid to late 1800s, the colorful rock formations served as cairns for 20-mule team freight wagons. It was also along the route of the Death Valley trek that was undertaken by members of the Arcane and Bennett families and a few Illinois Jayhawkers. Due to the extensive history, the park features significant paleontology sites and remnants of late 1800's mining operations. After a good solid wet winter, the park's floral displays should not be missed. Wildlife you can see in this park include roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels. The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot maximum leash and be accompanied by a person at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the nature trails. The park is tucked between Mojave and Ridgecrest along Highway 14. Some of the red sandstone cliffs are visible from the highway, but these glimpses do not fully do justice, and it is worth a full trip. The park has campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails in addition to a visitor center and pit toilets. This is a fee area requiring payments.