Red Cliffs Recreation Area

Living in Southern Utah has its advantages. First of all, one is always near a variety of National Parks. Secondly, there are plenty of state recreation areas nearby that provide beautiful scenery and unique rock formations. One of my favorites is Red Cliffs.

Red Cliffs Recreation Area gets its name from the color of the cliffs that comprise the area. Located near Silver Reef (another great place to visit), Red Cliffs offers fairly easy hiking, and some climbing. To get to Red Cliffs, take the Leeds exit off I-15 and head south on the frontage road. You'll go through Harrisburg and there will be signs that direct you along a narrow road under the freeway and to Red Cliffs. There is a decently-sized campground at Red Cliffs. If you go in late March or early April, or if you go after Labor Day, you will find few people at the campground. During late May through Labor Day, the area is fairly crowded.

The nature trail leads you up the canyon, alongside a stream. The water is pretty well dried up by the end of April. However, the desert location and the elevation of between 2,000 and 3,000 feet means that it is fairly warm by early April. There are two pools of interest at Red Cliffs. The first is one that is deep enough that many people enjoy jumping off a prominence about 30 feet up (don't try this without first testing the depth), and the second features a fairly deep little pool that has a natural "waterslide" that is fun to slide down. The water has worn the slide smooth enough that it rarely rips your clothing.

As you go further up the canyon, you have to decide whether to climb up onto the top (which is possible further in), or whether you want to continue at the bottom. This does require some slogging through the stream. I prefer canvas shoes for this hike. It is not strenuous, and the canvas shoes are good for walking through the water. There are also some cliffs that are ideal for climbing. Some people use ropes, and some even free climb, although I wouldn't recommend this.

Red Cliffs is a fun day activity. It is a great picnic area, and a fun place to explore. There are other hikes besides the main hike up the canyon, and there are ways to loop around the top of the canyon and come down on the other side of the campground (although there is no trail to do this). Go before the water dries up, and you can enjoy the different look flowing water gives to the whole area.