Red Rock Canyon SP

State Park

Due to department budget cuts and service reductions, Red Rock Canyon SP Visitor Centers' hours of operation are from 7:00 to Sunset until June 30th 2010. There are no other reductions.

The public can assist us by hauling their own trash and leaving the facilities clean for the next park visitor to reduce workload on remaining staff.

Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors.

Historically, the area was once home to the Kawaiisu Indians, who left petroglyphs in the El Paso mountains and other evidence of their inhabitation. The spectacular gash situated at the western edge of the El Paso mountain range was on the Native American trade route for thousands of years. During the early 1870s, the colorful rock formations in the park served as landmarks for 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped for water. About 1850, it was used by the footsore survivors of the famous Death Valley trek including members of the Arcane and Bennett families along with some of the Illinois Jayhawkers. The park now protects significant paleontology sites and the remains of 1890s-era mining operations, and has been the site for a number of movies.

After wet winters, the park's floral displays are stunning. This winter was very dry so the wildflowers should be sparse this year, but the beauty of the desert, combined with the geologic features make this park a camper's favorite destination. Wildlife you may encounter includes roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels.

Camping
Camping in developed sites only in Ricardo Campground. The campground is tucked up against the base of dramatic desert cliffs, with 50 primitive campsites, potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Bring your own firewood, or purchase it from a ranger or at the visitor center. There are no RV hook-ups or showers. A maximum of 8 people is allowed per site (there are no group sites).

Camping is first-come, first served; there is no reservation system. The campground can fill up on weekends in the spring and fall, especially if the weather is nice or on holiday weekends, so arriving on a Thursday evening or Friday morning is recommended.

The dump station will be closed until further notice.

Camping is $25 per night per site, which includes parking for one vehicle per site, or $23 per night with seniors (62 years old or older). Additional vehicles are $6 each. There is a 30 foot maximum on RVs. Self-registration/payment is required before setting up camp or parking. Vehicles (including OHV) must be parked within the rock lined areas provided at each campsite. No horses or livestock allowed in the campground. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am; generators must be off from 8 pm to 10 am.

The day-use parking area, open sunrise to sunset, is $6 per vehicle per day. Overnight parking in the day-use lot is not permitted.

Day Use
Miles of trails meander through the dramatic landscape of the park, and hiking is an intimate way to experience the desert. Use desert safety precautions- bring twice as much water as you think you need, and layered clothing for sudden fluctuations in temperature.

Equestrian Use
Horses are allowed on all trails in the park, with the exception of seasonally closed areas (see side bar). Horses are not allowed in the campground, however horse camping is available by arrangement at Donely Horse Camp. Call the Mojave Desert Information Center to make arrangements.

Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation
All licensed vehicles (street legal and OHV with green stickers) may travel on the primitive (dirt) road system within the park. All drivers of vehicles (street legal and OHVs) within the park must be licensed, with the exception of Cantil Wash and the frontage road south of Cantil Wash, which are open to unlicensed operators of OHV green sticker vehicles when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please watch for Closed Route signs and check maps for open routes (please do not create new routes). Drinking and driving laws apply both on the paved and primitive dirt roads.

Location/Directions
The park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14, near Cantil. Go west 1/4 mile on Abbott Drive. Signage indicating the turnoff is clearly visible on Highway 14.

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


Interpretive Program Schedule Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Day Hiker's Trails Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association Red Rock Canyon General Plan In-Progress Mojave Desert Information Center	Red Rock Canyon SP State Park Due to department budget cuts and service reductions, Red Rock Canyon SP Visitor Centers' hours of operation are from 7:00 to Sunset until June 30th 2010. There are no other reductions. The public can assist us by hauling their own trash and leaving the facilities clean for the next park visitor to reduce workload on remaining staff. Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors. Historically, the area was once home to the Kawaiisu Indians, who left petroglyphs in the El Paso mountains and other evidence of their inhabitation. The spectacular gash situated at the western edge of the El Paso mountain range was on the Native American trade route for thousands of years. During the early 1870s, the colorful rock formations in the park served as landmarks for 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped for water. About 1850, it was used by the footsore survivors of the famous Death Valley trek including members of the Arcane and Bennett families along with some of the Illinois Jayhawkers. The park now protects significant paleontology sites and the remains of 1890s-era mining operations, and has been the site for a number of movies. After wet winters, the park's floral displays are stunning. This winter was very dry so the wildflowers should be sparse this year, but the beauty of the desert, combined with the geologic features make this park a camper's favorite destination. Wildlife you may encounter includes roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels. Camping Camping in developed sites only in Ricardo Campground. The campground is tucked up against the base of dramatic desert cliffs, with 50 primitive campsites, potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and tables. Bring your own firewood, or purchase it from a ranger or at the visitor center. There are no RV hook-ups or showers. A maximum of 8 people is allowed per site (there are no group sites). Camping is first-come, first served; there is no reservation system. The campground can fill up on weekends in the spring and fall, especially if the weather is nice or on holiday weekends, so arriving on a Thursday evening or Friday morning is recommended. The dump station will be closed until further notice. Camping is $25 per night per site, which includes parking for one vehicle per site, or $23 per night with seniors (62 years old or older). Additional vehicles are $6 each. There is a 30 foot maximum on RVs. Self-registration/payment is required before setting up camp or parking. Vehicles (including OHV) must be parked within the rock lined areas provided at each campsite. No horses or livestock allowed in the campground. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am; generators must be off from 8 pm to 10 am. The day-use parking area, open sunrise to sunset, is $6 per vehicle per day. Overnight parking in the day-use lot is not permitted. Day Use Miles of trails meander through the dramatic landscape of the park, and hiking is an intimate way to experience the desert. Use desert safety precautions- bring twice as much water as you think you need, and layered clothing for sudden fluctuations in temperature. Equestrian Use Horses are allowed on all trails in the park, with the exception of seasonally closed areas (see side bar). Horses are not allowed in the campground, however horse camping is available by arrangement at Donely Horse Camp. Call the Mojave Desert Information Center to make arrangements. Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation All licensed vehicles (street legal and OHV with green stickers) may travel on the primitive (dirt) road system within the park. All drivers of vehicles (street legal and OHVs) within the park must be licensed, with the exception of Cantil Wash and the frontage road south of Cantil Wash, which are open to unlicensed operators of OHV green sticker vehicles when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please watch for Closed Route signs and check maps for open routes (please do not create new routes). Drinking and driving laws apply both on the paved and primitive dirt roads. Location/Directions The park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14, near Cantil. Go west 1/4 mile on Abbott Drive. Signage indicating the turnoff is clearly visible on Highway 14. The park is 120 miles north of Los Angeles, via Interstate 5 and Highway 14.	Park Features Icon Legend Max Camper Length: 30 Feet Max Trailer Length: 30 Feet Hours The park is open sunrise-sunset for Day-Use. The campground is open 24-hours. The Visitor Center is open Friday-Sunday; hours vary. Guided nature hikes are offered on Sunday mornings at 9 am during the spring and fall, as well as campfire programs on Saturday evenings at 7 pm. County Kern Region Deserts Park Info: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center (661) 231-4389 Mojave Desert Information Center (661) 942-0662 Camping: First-come, first-served camping. Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is closed during the winter months. Park Programs: Guided nature hikes and campfire programs are offered during the spring and fall. For current program schedules, contact the park. Collecting All plant, animal, natural and cultural features are protected. Collection is prohibited without a permit. Biking Bicycle riders must stay on all improved and primative roads; off-roading is not allowed. Firearms Shooting and hunting, or possesion of firearms or any explosive device is not permitted. Dogs Dogs must remain on a 6-foot maximum leash and be accompanied by a person at all times. Dogs are not allowed on established trails. They must be cleaned up after and cannot be left unattended. Fires Fires are only allowed in provided metal fire rings in the campground. Please do not make rock fire rings or import metal fire rings anywhere in the park. Nightmare Gulch Closed Feb-June Nightmare Gulch is closed or restricted seasonally for raptor species sustainablility. Open to pedestrians & equestrians only: July-January, first half of month Open to motor vehicles: July-January, second half of month Volunteer! Volunteers are always needed for projects within the park. If you are interested or for more information, please leave a message for the Red Rock rangers at 661-942-0662.