You’ll find some of Southern Utah’s most accessible desert adventures waiting at Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, where ancient red sandstone formations meet surprisingly easy trail access. Whether you’re planning a quick family outing to see real dinosaur tracks or gearing up for a challenging backcountry ride, these trails offer something beyond the typical desert hike. But before you lace up those boots, there’s essential information you’ll need to make the most of your visit.
Easy Trails for Families and First-Time Visitors
Whether you’re bringing toddlers or grandparents, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve delivers trails that won’t intimidate anyone.
Start with Jenny’s Canyon, a quick 0.2-mile walk into a stunning slot canyon. You’ll spend more time taking photos than hiking. The Sand Dunes Trail offers another short adventure at just 0.3 miles, where kids can play in deep sand while you soak in the scenery.
For something longer, try the Whiptail Trail’s 3.1 paved miles—it’s completely handicap accessible and flat throughout. Red Reef Trail stretches 1.44 miles through towering red rocks and seasonal waterfalls, manageable for ages one to ninety-two. Entry costs just $5 per car, or it’s free if you have a National Parks Pass.
Don’t miss Dino Cliffs Trail, where actual dinosaur footprints wait just 200 yards from the trailhead. It’s an easy half-mile round trip that’ll thrill everyone.
Moderate Red Cliffs Routes Through Slot Canyons
When you’re ready to venture beyond the beginner routes, Red Cliffs’ moderate trails deliver slot canyon magic without requiring expert skills. Prospector Trail spans 3.4 miles through a narrow slot canyon, showcasing stunning red rock formations along its sandy single-track route. You’ll find the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility here.
Cottonwood Canyon Trail takes you 2.3 miles to a hidden canyon with towering cliffs and unique rock formations. The route follows Quail Creek drainage into wilderness areas where bicycles aren’t allowed. These water-carved canyons showcase the geological forces that have shaped the conservation area’s distinctive landscape over millennia.
Red Reef Trail offers 3.5 miles of winding canyon exploration with deeper pools beyond Moki steps. You’ll navigate around an 8-foot sandstone wall using rope, adding mild technical challenge to your journey through this rugged backcountry slot.
Challenging Single-Track Trails for Experienced Hikers
For experienced hikers craving serious adventure, Red Cliffs’ challenging single-track trails push your skills to the limit with technical terrain and exposed desert conditions.
HighPointTrail in Broken Mesa demands maneuvering through steep rocky inclines and deep sand, gaining over 350 feet when connected with Yellow Knolls. You’ll tackle LangesDugway’s extreme challenges, using your hands through chimneys and traversing faint paths with dangerous drop-offs.
RedReefTrail spans 5.74 miles with technical chimneys testing your balance, while petroglyphs reward your effort. ParadiseRimTrail connects with Chuckwalla and Gap for extended loops featuring exposed cliff edges. DinoCliffsTrail’s 3.5-mile route leads to ancient dinosaur footprints through sandy climbs and rocky scrambles. The landscape showcases dramatic red sand formations alongside contrasting black and white rock throughout the terrain.
None offer shade or water. You’ll face extreme heat, flash flood risks, and rugged terrain that separates casual hikers from true adventurers.
Hiking to Dinosaur Tracks and Anasazi Ruins
Just 100-200 yards from the trailhead, you’ll discover 17 well-preserved dinosaur footprints frozen in Jurassic sandstone—evidence of bipedal, meat-eating theropods that roamed this landscape millions of years ago.
The Dino Cliffs trackway showcases three distinct dinosaur types:
- Grallator – Small, agile predators
- Kayentapus – Medium-sized hunters
- Eubrontes – Larger carnivorous theropods
- Best viewing times – Morning or evening light (midday sun washes out details)
This easy 0.5-mile round trip takes just 15-35 minutes. Follow the sandy trail downhill to the first wash where well-marked signs guide you. The formations themselves were shaped by water erosion, creating the unique landscapes visible throughout the reserve today. While Anasazi ruins aren’t specifically located on the Dino Cliffs Trail itself, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve contains various historical sites worth exploring throughout the area.
Best Multi-Use Trails for Mountain Biking and Horses
You’ll find some of the reserve’s most versatile riding in Paradise Canyon, where short loop options let you sample the terrain before connecting to longer Red Cliffs trails. The Grapevine Area delivers excellent multi-use routes like Spanish Wash and Coachwhip that weave through classic desert landscapes perfect for both bikes and horses. For a more extensive adventure, the Mill Creek Trail Network opens up miles of interconnected paths where you can customize your ride based on skill level and time.
Paradise Canyon Loop Options
When you’re looking for the perfect multi-use adventure in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Paradise Canyon Loop delivers an outstanding 4.5-mile experience that welcomes both mountain bikers and equestrians. You’ll start at Chuckwalla Trailhead and navigate through diverse terrain that’s perfect for sharing the trail.
Your loop includes these key segments:
- Chuckwalla Trail (0.9 miles) – moderate two-track access with compacted sandy surface
- Beck Hill (1.4 miles) – easy scenic connector accommodating various users
- Paradise Rim (1.2 miles) – popular single-track with advanced technical sections
- Halfway Wash (1.0 mile) – easy return route suitable for multiple user types
You’ll encounter technical climbs on Paradise Rim, where some riders dismount for challenging ledge series. The trail’s well-marked paths make navigation straightforward throughout your half-day adventure.
Grapevine Area Multi-Use Routes
As a critical connector in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Grapevine Trail serves as your gateway to an extensive network of multi-use routes perfect for both mountain biking and horseback riding. You’ll cover 2.5 miles one-way along this easy two-track maintenance road, gaining 435 feet in elevation. The trail links directly to Bracken’s Loop and provides access to stellar rides like Prospector Trail, Church Rocks, and Dino Cliffs. Mountain bikers love the varied terrain, from sandy stretches to rugged sandstone sections. Equestrians appreciate the wide, generally level path with manageable inclines. You’ll find the trailhead off I-15 Exit 13, with ample parking at the gated access point. Watch for construction trucks and always carry extra water for desert conditions.
Mill Creek Trail Network
The Mill Creek Trail Network stands out as one of Red Cliffs Desert Reserve’s premier multi-use destinations, offering 5 miles of out-and-back terrain that welcomes mountain bikers and equestrians alike. You’ll navigate sandy utility roads and canyon washes with 328 feet of elevation gain, creating perfect conditions for shared trail experiences.
Your Multi-Use Options Include:
- Middleton Powerline – 3.5-7.3 miles of service road connections
- Mustang Pass – 2.7 miles following an old dam site horse route
- Cottontail – 0.6-mile sandy connector linking trail networks
- Elephant Arch – Accessible side destination from the main path
You’ll find well-marked routes throughout, though HiiKER provides extra navigation assurance. The trailhead at 37.144165, -113.509517 serves as your gateway to infinite loop combinations and out-and-back adventures.
Getting Maps and Permits at the St. George Visitor Center
Planning your adventure in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve starts with gathering the right resources, and you’ll find everything you need at the Red Cliffs Visitor Center in downtown St. George at 10 North 100 East. This is your primary information hub for trail details, desert ecology, and tortoise protection guidelines.
You can purchase the RCDR trails map here for just $5, or download it free online before your visit. The staff provides information on hikes, rides, and area ecology. They’ll help you understand the Reserve’s zones—the Upland Zone permits cross-country travel and primitive camping, while the Lowland Zone requires staying on designated trails.
Need detailed NCA maps? Visit the BLM Interagency Office at 345 E. Riverside Dr. instead.
Conclusion
You’ll find incredible adventures waiting at Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re exploring slot canyons with your family, tracking down ancient dinosaur prints, or tackling challenging single-track routes, there’s something here that’ll get your heart racing. Don’t forget to grab your maps and permits at the St. George Visitor Center before heading out. Now it’s time to lace up those boots and hit the trails!
