Visit Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
This article is not endorsed by the bureau of land management or any other agency.
​What is Red Cliffs National Conservation Area?
The Red Cliffs is a conservation area characterized by its tall red walls of navajo sandstone (hence the name). The area features many hiking trails, campgrounds as well as many dinosaur tracks. The Snow Canyon State Park can also be found within the reserve.
Red Cliffs Conservation Area vs. Recreation Area
It can be confusing, but the Red Cliffs conservation area and recreation are two different things. The conservation covers a very large area with many attractions included within it (that article focuses on that). The recreation area on the other hand, is a developed area within the conservation area. In comparison to the conservation area, the recreation area requires an entrance fee.
How much does it cost?
The conservation area is free of access. However, the recreation area is charged $5 per vehicle. The pass America the Beautiful is also accepted. Note that Snow Canyon state park has its own entrance fees.
Conservation Area - The entry is FREE. There is no tolls or gate to pass.
Recreation Area - The entry costs $5. America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Snow Canyon State Park -
-
$15 per vehicle (Utah Resident)
-
$20 per vehicle (non-resident)
Where are the Red Cliffs?
The Red Cliffs reserve is located in southwestern Utah, adjacent to the city of St. George. The area is very large, and some parts are located right next to the houses of St. George, while others are in more remote areas.
How to get there?
It all depends on where you would like to go within the reserve.
Snow Canyon State park is located along highway 18, which connects to interstate 15 at St. George.
The recreation area is found at the end of the West Red Cliffs Campground Rd, which can be accessed from Highway 91 after exiting the I-15.
Things to Do & See in Red Cliffs
There is plenty to do in Red Cliffs NCA. The biggest one is hiking, but climbing, bicycling and camping is also possible.
Hiking in Red Cliffs
There are plenty of trails within the reserve. Some are accessible without paying the entry fee while others are located within the limits of Snow Canyon state park, or within the “charged” limits of the conservation area. These usually require paying an entrance fee.
Dino Cliffs Trailhead
Fan of the Jurassic-Era, this is for you. The Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track is a very short trail (about 0.2miles) taking you to the tracks of long extinct dinosaurs. If you decide to walk past the marks, you will be led to a viewpoint with sweeping views over the surrounding rock formations.
The trail is located within the recreation area, meaning an entrance fee needs to be paid.
Direction:
You will need to drive to the Red Cliffs Campgrounds where you will be able to park. To access the area, exit the I-15 to get on Highway 91. From there, turn on West Red Cliffs Campground Road. This road will take you to the recreation area where the trailhead is located.
A dinosaur track in Red Cliffs.
Address: Red Cliffs Campground, Hurricane, UT 84737
Red Reef Trail
The Red Reef Trail is among the most popular trailheads within the conservation area. It is notably popular after snowmelt, as it creates small cascades and water points within the red rock. Although the whole trail is 5.74mile back and forth, you only need to hike the first mile to see these phenomena and take pictures. The trail is not too difficult, but does involve a little bit of climbing.
Red Reef Trail is located within the recreation area, meaning you will have to pay an admission fee. Parking is available, but quickly filled.
Direction:
You will need to drive to the Red Cliffs Campgrounds where you will be able to park. To access the area, exit the I-15 to get on Highway 91. From there, turn on West Red Cliffs Campground Road. This road will take you to the recreation area where the trailhead is located.
During snowmelt several streams form, creating a beautiful mix between the red navajo sandstone and water. Note that during most of the year, the trail is dry.
Address: Red Cliffs Campground, Hurricane, UT 84737
Jenny’s Canyon Trail
Located within Snow Canyon State Park, Jenny’s canyon trailhead is a nice little trail taking hikers to a beautiful slot canyon made of red rock. There is not much to add, it’s beautiful and nice for families.
Located within Snow Canyon State Park, access is charged. There is a parking specificaly designated for the trail.
Direction:
Once inside Snow Canyon State Park, the parking to the trail is located on the right of Snow Canyon Dr (when ariving from south).
Address: Snow Canyon Dr, Dammeron Valley, UT 84783
Johnson Canyon (Arch)
Another easy, but slightly longer trail, the Johnson Canyon is a 2 miles roundtrip (out and back) taking visitors to a beautiful 200ft arch. It is also common to observe a waterfall at the end of the canyon following rainfalls. Note that the trail is only open seasonally from mid-september to mid-march.
It is located next to the south entrance of Snow Canyon State Park. Parking is available for the trail.
Direction:
.webp)
The parking for Johnson Canyon is located on the left when entering from Snow Canyon south entrance. The trail is located across the road.
Address: 340 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
More Activities
Although the conservation area is mostly popular for its hiking trails, there are also other activities.
Silver Reef Museum & Ghost Town
Like many states in the American West, Utah features some ghost towns. The town of Silver Reef was a mining boomtown that began in the late 1800s, but progressively faded away as the mines closed. The remnants of this past are now observable at the Silver Reed Museum & Ghost Town.
Admission to the museum costs $5.
Address: 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT 84746
.webp)
The Kiln
A 19th century charcoal kiln used during the days of Silver Reef. The charcoal is accessible via an easy 0.5miles trail named “Children’s Forest at the Kiln”. It is a nice trail to do with children.
Direction (From I-15):
From the I-15, exit on Silver Reed Rd and keep driving until N Oak Grv Dr. Keep going on Oak Grv Rd (on the right at the Y intersection) until you finally reach a small parking that will be on your right. Please note that the road is gravel from Oak Grv Dr.
%20(1).webp)
Address: Creek Kiln Trail #31035, Leeds, UT 84746
Santa Clara Volcanic Field
Technically, the Santa Clara Volcanic Field is not located within the limits of Red Cliffs NCA, but since it is nearby, we decided to include it in the list. The Santa Clara Volcano is the name of a volcanic field featuring two cinder cones, lava tubes and lava flows. The cinder cone trail allows hikers to get to the Diamond Valley Cinder Cone. A parking for the cinder cone trail is located next to highway 18.
The volcanic field is mostly located within the Snow Canyon State Park. The two cinder cones can be accessed without endering Snow Canyon State Park (no fee).
The north cinder cone (Santa Clara Volcano)
Direction:
For the lava tubes, you will need to get into Snow Canyon State Park (fee area). However, to access the cinder cone, you do not need to get in the park. From St. George, simply drive up long Highway 18 until you reach Diamond Valley Dr. The parking is on the right, a sign indicates the direction.
Google Map Coordinates: 69VC+5H, St. George, UT 84770
.jpg)