One Of California's Most Underrated State Parks Is A Vivid Red Rock Paradise Of Desert Sandstone Cliffs

California probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of red rock deserts. You're more likely thinking of Arizona's archaeological wonders at Wupatki National Monument, Utah's impressive Capitol Reef National Park, or even Nevada's Gold Butte National Monument. But the Golden State, true to its nature, has it all, including a red rock utopia that feels more like Mars or Venus. Red Rock Canyon State Park, with its sandstone cliffs, pinkish-red badlands, and rugged desert terrain, is one of California's most underrated natural gems. Tucked away between Sequoia National Forest's majestic greenery and the Mojave Desert's barren landscapes, the state park boasts striking scenery that rivals the Southwest's most famous red rock destinations. And while the state is known for its coastal redwoods and rolling vineyards, Red Rock Canyon is a stark contrast. It's 27,000 acres of campers', hikers', rock climbers', and desert lovers' paradise, and the adventures here simply do not end.

Red Rock Canyon's cliffs and badlands took millions of years to form. About 10 million years ago, this area was a vast valley where floods carried sediment from the Sierra Nevada and El Paso Mountains into an ancient lake. Over time, the heavy sediment compressed into sandstone, while volcanic eruptions left behind ash and basalt residue. Tectonic shifts along the Garlock Fault tilted the rocks, which exposed layers of geological evolution. The park is also home to animal and plant fossils — saber-tooth cats, horses, and palms once thrived here.

Despite its remote setting, getting to Red Rock Canyon State Park is surprisingly easy. From Los Angeles, drive inland toward Lancaster, then follow Highway 14 north — you'll reach it in about two hours. The small town of Cantil serves as your gateway to the state park.

Red Rock Canyon is best enjoyed when the desert heat isn't seemingly trying to melt you. Summer temperatures here can be brutal, with little to no shade, so plan your trip between fall and spring when the weather is cooler. Even then, the desert can be unpredictable, with warm days, chilly nights, and sudden wind gusts. Check the forecast, bring a jacket just in case, and always carry more water than you think you'll need. The sun is relentless, so don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

There are no restaurants, stores, or snack stops inside the park, so you have to bring your own food. Pack enough for your entire stay unless you want to leave the park every time you get hungry. Proper hiking shoes are a must — the area is rocky, uneven, and full of loose sand. You'll be climbing over boulders, walking through canyons, and traversing ridges, so dress the part.

Staying the night at Ricardo Campground is an experience in itself. Some sites are located beneath massive cliffs, while others are surrounded by Joshua trees or open to the sky. It's first-come, first-served, so don't expect a guaranteed spot, especially on weekends in spring and fall. With a total of 50 campsites offering fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, and pit toilets, the campground provides the essentials for a comfortable stay. However, there are no showers, RV hookups, or dump stations, and there's a 30-foot limit for those coming with their trailers. In any case, the starry nights make the whole camping trip worthwhile.

There's no better way to witness Red Rock Canyon State Park than by hiking. Nothing beats walking among the vivid rock formations up close. The Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is a must-visit and perhaps the most popular path in the park. Despite being a short 1.2-mile loop, there are more than enough incredible sights to soak in on the way. You'll hike past bright red sandstone walls, natural rock windows, and narrow passageways. You can even step off the trail to explore some of the hidden side canyons — watch your step, though, because the rock is loose and crumbly.

For an even quicker hike, the Red Cliffs Trail takes you toward layered cliffs of sandstone and volcanic rock. It can be quieter than the Hagen Canyon Nature Trail, but the vistas are just as commanding, with dramatic formations that look otherworldly. The Ricardo Camp South Loop Trail provides more of a climb if you want to take it slightly up a notch. The 1-mile trek starts at the campground and leads up to Whistling Ridge. The path gets steep, but once you reach the top, you'll get a 360-degree view of the desert stretching for miles.

Off-roading enthusiasts will love the craggy surface at Red Rock Canyon. With over 30 miles of backroads, you'll find paths like the Burro Schmidt's Tunnel Trail, a 10.5-mile route where you can go ride through the wilds, hike the unpaved route, and even catch a glimpse of birds. Better yet, tackle the Opal Canyon OHV Trail, an 8-mile dirt road that winds through areas where opals were once mined.