The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Red Cliffs Recreation Area offers campers a unique canyon and desert experience. The area, which is home to sandstone cliffs, unique waterways, dinosaur tracks, and an archeological site, is preserved by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Located just 34 miles west of Zion National Park, it’s no secret that Red Cliffs is a hotbed for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearest city, St. George, Utah, is just 14 miles southwest of the recreation area.
Red Reef Trail is divided into two distinct parts. The lower section of the trail follows a small stream into a narrow section of Cottonwood Canyon. The first part of the trail ends at a waterfall. Many hikers hike over this small hurdle so that they explore the upper section of the canyon and the nearby swimming hole.
Length: 5.74 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Silver Reef Trail is a short, easy trek that leads to a scenic outlook. The relatively easy course features multiple dinosaur tracks. This makes it a popular exploration site for families with young children.
Length: 0.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The White Reef Trail is a scenic trek with very few inclines. It is a popular spot for horseback riding and biking. Keep in mind that the lack of nearby trees leaves hikers exposed to the elements.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This Red Cliffs Recreation Area trail serves as a short, scenic pathway to a treasured archaeological site, a well-preserved Virgin Anasazi Puebloan village.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Cottonwood Canyon’s Quail Creek drains into a reservoir at the nearby Quail Creek State Park. Here, campers will find ample opportunities for fishing and boating. The reservoir is regularly stocked with fish, including rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie.
Red Cliff Recreation Area offers ample rock climbing opportunities, including several bolted sandstone routes. Moe’s Valley features several bouldering routes. Spots like Chuckwalla and Turtle Wall boast plenty of built-in pockets. Southwest Utah is a climbing mecca with routes to please athletes of every skill level.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Common sightings include hawks, eagles, coyotes, lizards, snakes, mule deer, and raccoons. Bobcat and mountain lion sightings are rare but are not unheard of. Remember to respect the animals while they roam their natural habitat.
The Red Cliffs Recreation area offers a shady cottonwood-lined picnic area. There are a few picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Bathrooms, water, and dumpsters are located at the nearby ranger’s station.
Southern Utah is one of the best places to stargaze. The conditions are just right for viewing the night sky. Bring along a telescope, and you’ll be sure to get a glimpse of the Milky Way in all its glory.
There are multiple Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds within the Red Cliffs Recreation area. There are a total of 11 official campsites, including three with pull-through parking. If you’re looking for even more amenities or weren’t able to score one of the first-come-first-serve BLM sites, you’ll want to check out the nearby Quail Creek RV Park. They offer 43 hookup sites and two luxury pull-through sites. The Zion West RV Park, Leeds RV Park & Motel, and St. George/Hurricane KOA Journey also serve as excellent launch points for any Red Cliff vacation. There are plenty of RV campsites in and around Red Cliffs for those looking for BLM camping near me.
While no dispersed camping is permitted in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Bureau of Land Management free camping is widely available throughout southern Utah. Sand Cove is a free yet permit-restricted primitive camping area located 20 miles from St. George. Dispersed camping is also allowed in parts of the Upland Zone of Red Cliffs; however, vehicle access is very limited here. There’s also ample dispersed camping available on State Trust Lands along the Arizona border. Campers must not stay in one spot for more than 15 consecutive days.
The Red Cliff Recreation Area offers a unique and varied landscape, but the intense desert conditions can be a bit of shock. Be sure to bring plenty of water, food, and layered clothing. Keep in mind that access to the main park is restricted by a series of narrow tunnels. Vehicles must be less than 12 feet wide and 12 feet high. Moreover, vehicles with trailers are not permitted to travel beyond the White Reed Trailhead. Parking is limited, especially during fall and spring.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is ecologically fragile. BLM expects visitors to leave no trace as such behavior helps protect native plants and animals. Camps must be left as they were upon arrival. Waste can be carried out or disposed of up in the proper on-site receptacles. Visitor compliance helps ensure that the BLM can preserve this beautiful park for years to come.
To reach Red Cliffs from St. George, Utah, get on I-15 North. Continue to I-15 N to Hurricane. Then travel to 5300 West/SR-318 until you see the sign for your destination.
Address: 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790
Ready to visit Red Cliffs Recreation Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night. There, you'll be able to enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
