Experience red rocks, waterfalls and spectacular views

In some regards, this family-friendly hike inside the Red Cliffs Recreation Area is a microcosm of southern Utah. Not too long, and not too short. Not the most difficult hike, but not a walk in the park either. It’s a desert hike, for sure, but features a pleasant creek, a pair of picturesque waterfalls, and a refreshing swimming hole for adventure seekers.

This out-and-back trail is said to be a total of 2.2 miles – about a mile in, and a mile back.. We walked the trail with some out-of-town visitors in March. And while we didn’t record the trip on GPS, the distance felt accurate. Elevation gain is minimal, making it a perfect trail for young kids. In fact, the biggest hill is at the very start of the trail where it exits the campground. After that, a couple of gentle ups and downs make it just interesting enough to keep your attention, but not difficult enough to be overwhelming.

The trail follows a small creek that leads to a small waterfall visible off a short spur. The amount of water flowing over the rocks varies by the season. In summer it slows to a trickle. Don’t be fooled though: thunderstorms pop up quickly when it’s hot, causing flash floods on a moment’s notice.

Backtracking a short distance back to the main trail will put you on the path to the trail’s main attraction. Along the way you’ll notice the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to preserve this area’s natural beauty from the crowds that descend upon the trail all year round. Ropes on stakes mark the path to keep people from wandering off into the rocks and brush. Wire cages protect fragile trees and cacti from curious kids and pets. A sign along the trail shows the impact humans have had on the land. Please do us all a favor and stay on the trail to protect the natural beauty!

When the water level is low, you can cross the creek a few times by stepping on the rocks that go from one side to the other. At other times, there’s no way to get to the other side without getting your feet wet. It just depends on the season, and whether there’s been a recent thunderstorm upstream. Either way, the water is warm and pleasant. And truth be told, you’ll dry off quickly – especially when it’s hot.

The main trail ends a little further up the creek where the narrowing canyon opens up to another waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your way around the right side of the pool and scramble up the red rock to the top of the waterslide. I’m not gonna lie: this place is crawling with adventure seekers in the summer when the water is flowing after a thunderstorm. So, if you’re seeking solitude, pick another hike, this one ain’t it!

The Pros

There are many good things to say about this little hike. It’s a great option for kids, especially for those with small kids. The water is appealing, but not too dangerous. The waterfalls are a definite “plus” and a “must-see”. The red rocks are gorgeous, especially when contrasted against a bright blue sky, which happens quite a bit in southern Utah. And the trail is a short drive away from St. George. Go north on I-15 to the Leeds exit and follow the signs to Red Cliffs Recreation Area.

The Cons

As appealing as this trail is, if you are looking to get away from the crowds to find a little solitude in the desert southwest, this isn’t the hike for you. The campground and adjacent parking lot are nearly always full. Because of the volume of visitors, there’s a lot of crowd noise. If that doesn’t bother you, great! If you get annoyed by screaming kids, boisterous teenagers and barking dogs, try some of the hikes in and around Snow Canyon State Park instead.