USA Red Cliffs

Red Rock Canyon State Park showcases a number of very colorful eroded cliffs. The Red Cliffs section is one of the prettiest and most accessible parts of the park.

Red Cliffs faces southeast, so morning light provides the brightest illumination and best colors. This image was taken at about 10:00 a.m. in early October 2020 under clear clean desert skies.

Red Rock Canyon State Park straddles California Highway 14 about halfway between Mojave and Indian Wells. This is an easy drive-to park from Central and Southern California and makes a great side-trip for travelers along Hwy 395.

The visitor center and campground are across the highway, about a mile (1.6 km) slightly north and west of the Red Cliffs area.

Please note that summer afternoon temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C) and can exceed 110°F (43°C), so bring water, sun screen, a hat, etc. Alternatively, visit in winter, spring, or fall instead.

The park has a network of well- to roughly-graded dirt roads that allow exploring the backcountry within and beyond the park boundaries. Some of these roads are suitable for passenger cars, some are suitable for high-clearance vehicles, and some are suitable for high-clearance vehicles with off-road tires. However, please be aware that rocks can be sharp and scraping against one of these with the side wall of a street tire or light off-road tire can rip open said side wall. Ask me and my Jeep how I know this. :-)

Here is the link to the park's website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631