Red Cliffs Recreation Area

Short, scenic and fun, this little trail leads from the campground at Red Cliffs Recreation Area into a narrow canyon beside a small stream. As you hike, the canyon narrows until it is just a few feet wide and a beautiful little waterfall blocks the trail. But it is easy to climb around and the trail continues into the canyon.

Spring and fall are ideal times to hike here. Afternoon temperatures are very hot in summer, and the stream may completely dry up. Summer mornings can be pleasant and it is great fun to play in the stream during warm weather. Climb around the waterfall and then slide down the natural shoot.

Red Cliffs Recreation Area

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Red Cliffs WaterfallThe Red Cliffs Recreation Area is located just off Interstate 15, 14 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. Tucked up against the red sandstone cliffs and straddling Quail Creek, this recreation area is a pleasant surprise for most visitors. The backdrop of the looming cliffs and the voluminous riparian habitat is an unexpected if not welcome relief in the desert. The picnic area is amply covered by large cottonwoods for a shady respite. If you’re looking for more activity, hike the ½ mile to the Red Cliffs Anasazi Site to see the remnants of a Virgin Anasazi habitation. Or hike the almost six mile Red Reef Trail into the Cottonwood Wilderness Study Area. For a taste of pioneer history, visit the Orson Adams House just down the road. To go back even further in time, check out the dinosaur tracks from the Early Jurassic period.
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is inside the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Please respect the wildlife and stay on designated trails.

Day Use Amenities
Red Cliffs Recreation Area
  • Vehicle Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Fire Rings with Grills
  • 2 Vault Toilets (ADA Compliant)
  • Dumpster
  • Self-Pay Register Kiosk

Red Cliffs WaterfallRed Cliffs offers several marked hiking trails that will lead you through beautiful red rock formations and narrow canyons filled with pools of water.  The Silver Reef lookout trail is approx 0.5 miles long and leads to red rock lookout, which overlooks the Sliver Reef Valley.  Sliver Reef is the only known place in the United States where commercial deposits of silver ore are found in a sandstone formation.  To the west of the parking lot is a trail head that offers a beautiful hike through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls and will lead you to several pools of water.  These pools could offer a quick cool down for those willing to brave the cold water.  If you're planning on hiking this trail be sure to watch the skies as I would suspect this is not a place you would want to be in a severe rain storm.

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