Red, White, and Hoodoos

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon State Park California

“Don’t stay on the trail” sounds like an odd suggestion, but it’s the best way to explore the crimson sandstone cliffs and hoodoos that crosscut Red Rock Canyon State Park in the northern Mojave Desert. Perfectly legal, too, in this otherworldly convergence of the Sierra Nevada and El Paso Mountains just 120 miles north of Los Angeles (although it would seem to be more at home in southern Utah). Eons of uplift here from the nearby Garlock Fault exposed an ancient lakebed’s sedimentary layers, which then eroded into the exotic shapes seen today.

Start your exploration on Hagen Canyon Nature Trail, one of the park’s most scenic walks—an easy 1.2-mile loop over washes and along intricate red and white sandstone “curtains” capped by dark lava flow. Distinct formations have names like Camel Rock and Turk’s Turban.

The park allows, even encourages, hikers to walk anywhere off-trail. So you can easily spend half a day here wandering side canyons and climbing cliffs.

Where the stone-lined trail starts looping back, two sandy washes lead farther west into vast badlands of white sandstone and igneous rock. Save for sparse vegetation, the landscape here is rugged and Martian, yet the sand underfoot is as pleasant as a Malibu beach. A single willow tree abides near where one wash dead-ends at a dramatic basalt lava wall. For lovers of exposed geology and the SoCal desert, spring in Hagen Canyon is truly nature at its finest.

TIP: Avoid the midday heat by hiking in the morning, when temperatures are still pleasant. Bring plenty of water.

STAY: Ricardo Campground, just north of Hagen Canyon, has 50 first-come, first-served campsites, many situated right beneath eye-popping fluted cliffs. Tables, potable water, pit toilets, and fire rings are provided. $25 per night.

To get to Red Rock Canyon State Park, take CA-14 24 miles north of the town of Mojave. Turn left on Abbot Dr. (it’s well signed) and follow it into the park. No dogs on trails.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Ernie's Walk

    Stretching 51 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach, the Los Angeles River has no shortage of walkways to enjoy. One segment that is particularly special is Ernie’s Walk in Sherman Oaks, a 0.3-mile stretch that is a delight to visit, and pay respect to its inspiration.

    View