Park Update August 20, 2023: Please be advised that trails within Red Rock Canyon State Park have been affected by recent severe weather from Tropical Storm Hilary. Visitors are urged to exercise caution while hiking, wear appropriate sturdy footwear for uneven terrain, and carry ample drinking water, even on milder days. Certain areas remain closed due to storm damage and should be avoided for your safety.
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, a jewel in the California desert, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery featuring dramatic desert cliffs, striking buttes, and uniquely shaped rock formations. This natural wonder is situated at the convergence of the southernmost Sierra Nevada and the El Paso Range, creating a diverse landscape where each canyon offers its own distinct character and vibrant colors.
This area in Red Rock Canyon, CA, holds a rich history, once serving as home to the Kawaiisu Indians. Evidence of their presence, including petroglyphs in the El Paso Mountains, remains today. For millennia, the prominent canyon at the western edge of the El Paso range acted as a vital Native American trade route. Later, around 1850, it became a path for weary survivors of the arduous Death Valley trek, including members of the Arcane and Bennett families, along with some of the Illinois Jayhawkers. In the early 1870s, the park’s distinctive and colorful rock formations served as crucial landmarks for the 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped here for essential water supplies. Today, Red Rock Canyon State Park in CA protects significant paleontological sites and remnants of 1890s mining operations, and has even provided a stunning backdrop for numerous films.
Following wet winters, Red Rock Canyon, CA, bursts into life with stunning floral displays. The combination of desert beauty and unique geological features makes this park a highly sought-after destination for campers and nature enthusiasts. Wildlife encounters may include roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice, and squirrels, adding to the park’s natural charm.
Camping at Ricardo Campground
Camping within Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, is exclusively available in designated campsites at Ricardo Campground. Nestled against the base of impressive desert cliffs, Ricardo Campground offers 50 primitive campsites equipped with potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Visitors need to bring their own firewood, although it is available for purchase at the visitor center. Please note that RV hook-ups and showers are not provided. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of 8 people, and group sites are not available.
Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, without a reservation system. The campground often reaches full capacity on spring and fall weekends, particularly during pleasant weather or holiday periods. It is advisable to arrive on a Thursday evening or Friday morning to secure a spot.
Camping fees are $25 per night per site, which includes parking for one vehicle. Seniors (62 and older) can avail of a reduced rate of $23 per night. Additional vehicles are charged at $6 each. RVs are permitted up to a maximum length of 30 feet. Self-registration and payment are required before setting up camp or parking. Vehicles, including OHVs, must be parked within the designated rock-lined areas at each campsite. Horses and livestock are not allowed in the campground. Quiet hours are observed from 10 pm to 6 am, and generators must be turned off between 8 pm and 10 am. Overnight parking is prohibited in the day-use parking lot.
Day Use and Hiking in Red Rock Canyon, CA
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, offers miles of trails that wind through its dramatic landscapes, providing an immersive hiking experience within the desert environment. When exploring Red Rock Canyon, remember to prioritize desert safety. It’s crucial to bring at least twice the amount of water you anticipate needing and wear layered clothing to accommodate sudden temperature changes.
Shaded picnic tables are conveniently located in the day-use area near the Visitor Center, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The day-use parking lot and picnic area are open from sunrise to sunset, with a fee of $6 per vehicle per day.
Equestrian and Off-Highway Vehicle Use
Horseback riding is permitted on all roads within Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, excluding seasonally closed areas. However, horses are not allowed within the campgrounds. Equestrian day use is still permitted from the Red Cliffs parking area, but overnight camping is not allowed in the Red Cliffs day-use area.
For off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, all licensed vehicles (street legal and OHVs with green stickers) are permitted on the primitive (dirt) road system within the park. All vehicle operators, whether driving street legal vehicles or OHVs, must possess a valid driver’s license. Please be vigilant for Closed Route signs and consult park maps for designated open routes, and refrain from creating new routes. Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced on both paved and primitive dirt roads within Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA.
Location and Directions
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, is situated 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14, near Cantil. To reach the park entrance, turn west onto Abbott Drive for approximately 1/4 mile. The turnoff is clearly marked with signage on Highway 14.
For visitors traveling from Los Angeles, the park is located 120 miles north via Interstate 5 and Highway 14, making it an accessible escape to the desert’s unique beauty.
District Superintendent Orders
Please be aware that District Superintendent Orders are in effect within Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA, ensuring the preservation of this natural treasure and the safety of all visitors.
