A weekend escape to Red Rock Canyon

Image of Red Rock Canyon State Park in Kern County, California.

If you’re chasing a weekend escape from the city grind, Red Rock Canyon State Park in California might just be the perfect spot. Tucked in the northern Mojave Desert, this rugged park is a haven for hikers, photographers, and anyone who just wants to breathe in some desert air.

“The rock formations are insane—you feel like you’re in another world.”

Last month, Jake Morales, an avid hiker from Los Angeles, made the drive up for a quick weekend getaway. “I’d heard about Red Rock Canyon from a friend, but seeing it in person was next-level,” he says. “The rock formations are insane—you feel like you’re in another world.”

Red Rock Canyon isn’t your typical crowded park. Its scenic drive and 35 miles of hiking trails weave through canyons, cliffs, and desert landscapes, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to find their own quiet corner. The park is also famous for its towering red and white sandstone cliffs, which change color with the shifting sunlight. Hikers like Jake find themselves stopping every few minutes just to snap photos—or, more often than not, just to stare.

“I started my morning on the Hagen Canyon Trail,” Jake says. “It’s moderate, not too long, but it winds through this amazing canyon where the rocks almost look sculpted. I passed a few other hikers, but it was mostly me and the birds. You can hear your own footsteps echo in the canyon walls—it’s peaceful in a way you don’t get in the city.”

For those planning a visit, the park’s trails cater to all levels. From short nature walks like the Fire Canyon Trail to longer, more challenging hikes like the Red Rock Canyon Loop, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re into wildlife, keep your eyes peeled: desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and a variety of lizards call this park home. “I saw a family of bighorn sheep just grazing near one of the cliffs,” Jake says. “That was definitely a highlight—it makes you feel connected to the desert in a really real way.”

“The cliffs glow red and gold—it’s like the desert is putting on a show just for you.”

Beyond hiking, the park offers picnic areas, campsites, and a scenic drive that loops 9 miles through some of the park’s most striking landscapes. Sunset is particularly stunning here. “I stayed until the last light,” Jake remembers. “The cliffs glow red and gold—it’s like the desert is putting on a show just for you.”

Red Rock Canyon State Park is easy to reach from Los Angeles or Las Vegas, making it a convenient weekend escape. With minimal crowds, dramatic desert landscapes, and a variety of trails, it’s a spot that encourages slow exploration. As Jake puts it, “It’s not just a hike—it’s a chance to unplug and soak in the desert. You don’t have to climb a huge mountain to feel accomplished. Just walking among these rocks is enough.”

For anyone craving wide-open spaces and a touch of adventure, Red Rock Canyon is a spot that rewards patience, curiosity, and a love of the outdoors.