Red Rock Canyon State Park, California

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a unique landscape surrounded by a scenic desert setting. The park features magnificent desert cliffs, buttes, and vivid rust and tan color rock formations. It is located in California’s Mojave Desert, at the point where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Range.

Historically this area was once home to the Kawaissu Indians, who left behind Petroglyphs and other evidence in the El Paso mountains of their presence. In the early 1870s, these colorful rock formations provided a landmark for 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped for in the area for water. The park preserves some of the significant sites of the 1890s era mining operations.

This park is a hidden gem and not a very busy tourist destination, such as Red Rock Nevada. It is a small park that provides camping opportunities, day-use areas, photographing, stargazing, and hiking trails.

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How to get there

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The park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave, California, on Highway 14, near Cantil. After driving for 25 miles, turn left on to Abbott Drive, and then continue driving westbound for 1/4 mile on Abbott Drive. Signage indicating the turnoff is visible on Highway 14.

The park is 120 miles north of Los Angeles, via Interstate 5 and Highway 14.

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Camping

Camping is allowed in designated areas only, there are approximately 50 campsites, with portable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Visitors are required to bring their own firewood or purchase it at the visitor centre. Note: There are no RV hookups or showers.

Camping is $25 per night per site, maximum 8 people are allowed per site. One vehicle is allowed per site, and there is additional $6 cost for extra vehicle.

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Useful Links

If you are in the Red Rock Canyon Park area make sure to visit Burro Schmidt Tunnel (Read more in our other post).

Red Rock Canyon State Park – California Department of Parks and Recreation

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