Anasazi Trail — A trail for locals and tourists alike

We rolled up to the Anasazi Trail on a Saturday morning and, no lie — the parking lot was packed. It’s clearly a popular pick for locals and visitors alike, which tells you two things: this place is beautiful, and you’re not going to have it all to yourself on a weekend.

Truth be told, we attempted to explore the nearby Babylon Arch trail that morning, but the wind had covered the already sketchy road to the trailhead. So, we opted to explore the Red Cliffs Recreation Area instead. Not a bad decision – even with the large crowds.

Anasazi Trail is a family-friendly walk with impressive views

The Anasazi Trail in the Red Cliffs Recreation area begins in the campground across the street from campsite 11. The trail is about one mile out-and-back and is very well maintained. Total elevation gain is just 114 feet – nothing to worry about. The path meanders through red sand footpaths, creosote bushes and yucca plants.  In some seasons you’ll cross small trickles of water not large enough to be called creeks.

A Glimpse Into Lives From Long Ago

The hardest part of the hike (if you can call it a hike) is the short hill that leads to the native American archaeological site. There, signs explain the locations and purposes of fire rings and pit houses belonging to people who lived in the area as early as 300 B.C. You can’t help but pause and wonder what life looked like in this desert long before paved roads and trail maps.

It’s not a full-on archaeological museum, but just enough to spark the imagination. That brief peek into another era — framed by red rock and dust — is what sets this hike apart from your typical red rock loop.

Views That Punch Above Their Weight

Speaking of red rock — the cliffs around this trail are jaw-dropping. The contrast between those sheer crimson walls and the sprawling valley below — stretching toward St. George and Hurricane — gives you that “Utah awe” feeling almost instantly. Whether you’re snapping photos or just standing there trying to soak it all in, the visual payoff is real.

Final Takeaway

The Anasazi Trail isn’t the longest or most technical hike in Southern Utah, but it is an interesting one. The trail is one of several short paths within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area – and one that shouldn’t be overlooked on a visit to the St. George area.

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