SerpApi.Org
Best of all, it's just two hours from Los Angeles.
Key Points
- Red Rock Canyon State Park in California is an underrated desert destination near Los Angeles known for colorful sandstone cliffs and dramatic Mojave landscapes.
- Visitors can hike scenic trails, camp among rock formations, and enjoy exceptional stargazing in the park’s remote, dark-sky setting.
- Best visited in spring or fall, the park offers mild temperatures, wildflowers, and opportunities to spot desert wildlife like tortoises and lizards.
Located near the town of Ridgecrest, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park might not catch your eye at first as you drive along Highway 14. But if you turn down the road to the park, you’ll be greeted by towering stone spires, sweeping desert vistas, and some of the most colorful sandstone outside of Death Valley.
In my opinion, Red Rock Canyon is one of the most underrated state parks in California. It has stunning scenery that rivals nearby national parks, and it’s one of the quietest, calmest areas in the region. I’m not the only one who appreciates its beauty. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Depeche Mode have filmed music videos amid the park’s rock formations, and the stark landscape has also served as the set for movies such as “Jurassic Park” (1993). But as breathtaking as the scenery may be, sightseeing is just one thing you can do in Red Rock Canyon.
Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Red Rock Canyon State Park.
What to Do
Unless you have some filming in mind, most people visit Red Rock Canyon State Park to hike in the Mojave Desert. Trails like the Hagen Canyon Nature Trail and the Red Cliffs Trail wind through the park, providing hikers with expansive views of the dramatic desert landscape. Steep red cliffs, striped sandstone buttes, and hidden fissures make Red Rock Canyon feel like another planet, especially given the fact that the park is dozens of miles from large towns or cities.
It’s that remoteness that makes Red Rock Canyon State Park a world-class destination for stargazing. Stick around after dark to watch the typically crystal-clear night sky, and don’t forget to bring your camera and tripod. I’ve found it’s best to set up camp among the rock formations at Ricardo Campground, which has 50 primitive tent sites, pit toilets, and drinking water for $25 a night.
While you can easily spend a weekend exploring the badlands in Red Rock Canyon State Park, you may want to save time to check out other nearby attractions; Death Valley National Park is less than two hours away. For an even closer look at the local ecology, stop by the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of California’s state reptile, an endangered species native to the Mojave Desert.
As far as indoor attractions, Red Rock Canyon is 40 minutes from the town of Ridgecrest, a hub for recreational activities and your best bet for a bite to eat. Snag a table at Ven—known for its far-ranging menu featuring everything from salads and burgers to jerk chicken tacos. Alternatively, you can sample classic Filipino dishes like pansit and adobo at Bahay Kubo.
Best Time to Visit
Given the fact that Red Rock Canyon State Park is located squarely in the harsh Mojave Desert, I recommend visiting in the spring or fall. Nighttime temperatures can regularly drop below freezing in winter, while summer daytime temperatures spike well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the spring, temperatures typically range between the 60s and 70s, and you may spot seasonal wildflowers like Mojave asters and desert dandelions. Fall brings similar temperatures, and the weather is clear and calm, perfect for stargazing and hiking. Most desert animals are more active during cool conditions, too, so you’ll have a better chance of seeing tortoises, chuckwalla lizards, and other native wildlife.
No matter when you visit, make sure to bring plenty of water and avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day. A sunrise or sunset hike is often the best option for incredible views without the soaring temperatures.
How to Get There
Red Rock Canyon State Park is located along Highway 14, around two hours northeast of Los Angeles. The closest commercial airport is Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in the city of Bakersfield, about a 1.5-hour drive away from the park. You will likely find more options from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), though the traffic getting out of Los Angeles is always rough.
If you’re starting from BFL, rent a car and take CA-58 east to CA-14; from there, it’s about a 20-mile drive to the park. Turning left onto Abbott Drive will bring you to Ricardo Campground and many of the hiking trails. Much of the rest of Red Rock Canyon’s attractions are located off Iron Canyon Road, a right turn if you’re driving CA-14 north.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
