Hike Padre Canyon

Many people access the Padre Canyon hike in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve from the south, which has a parking pull-over just south of the Tuacahn Center main gate on Tuacahn Drive. The trail starts from the southwest corner, passing through a fence. Follow the trail around a prominent butte. Once around this butte, the canyon begins to narrow. The trail follows the right side of the canyon then crosses the dry wash to ascend the left side of the canyon. It may be necessary to descend and work your way up the wash depending on the trail condition. The goal is to ascend the saddle between two cliffs. The climb to the saddle is a short but steep section. Once atop the saddle, you have great views of the white rock cliffs in the north section of the park.  Descend slick rock benches until you reach the trail junction with the Three Ponds Trail in Snow Canyon State Park. Return the way you came. This hike is 3-miles one way.