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Red Cliffs Recreation Nature Trail

Hurricane, Utah

4.5/5
based on 12 reviews

Details

Distance

1.39 miles

Elevation Gain

266 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Thomas Burton

This Red Cliffs hike is a fun area to explore, and could be one of the best family hikes in Southern Utah.

Hike along streams that run through red sandstone - the blue water makes a fun contrast against the red rocks and sand.

To get to the trailhead, drive to the Red Cliffs Campground about 20 minutes north of St. George. There is a small fee to park or camp at the campground.

This trail starts in the Red Cliff Campground and is easy to follow with only a mild elevation gain. It follows the stream all the way up the canyon and you are able to walk past a few small waterfalls.

Towards the end of the main trail there is a waterfall and the trail continues along the steep sandstone with footholds dug out of the rock with a rope to help maintain your balance. It isn’t too difficult to get past this point but you may want to supervise children.

After this, the trail ends due to a pool of water covering the canyon floor. However you may continue hiking up the canyon if you want to get wet or are fairly good at rock climbing.

If the temperature is warm enough you can swim in the pools or slide down some of the waterfalls. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be leashed.

Note: The trailhead for the Nature Trail is also the trailhead for the Red Reef Trail. The Nature Trail is the beginning, family-friendly portion of the trail, which then continues as the Red Reef Trail for a total of 6 miles one-way from the Trailhead. 

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Features

Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Red Cliffs Recreation Nature Trail Reviews

Almost dog friendly... if your dog can transverse a ladder. I do not recommend bringing your dog to enjoy this trail just leave them at home other wise you have to turn back at the fun part. This trail was surprisingly clean for how many families and kids there are. Go early to beat the large crowds of children. Wouldn’t go out of my way to come here again but worth a stop if you are in the area.

Hiked to the end in January and early July. Plenty of water in January. Both pools were almost completely dried up in July.

Super fun hike, I enjoyed it a lot! If it was summer it would’ve been perfect to go swimming. Even in late December there were still a few people so it probably is pretty packed during peak seasons.

The hike was nice and easy, took our 10,6, and 3 year olds (plus a dog) and had no issues. Wish we would have had better shoes as It is pretty slippery near the ponds. We went in early March and it was actually pretty busy.

Really cool hike. I did it with a 4 year old on my back. Didn't go as far as I would have liked, but hope to explore it more without kiddo on back. Definitely a little bit of climbing so not totally kid friendly once you get to the climbing but awesome before that for toddlers and little ones.

This hike is really easy. The trail is wide most of the time and easy to follow. Lots of good views. There was a lot of people when we went (3.14.17), but it wasn't bothersome due to the large trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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