Set aside to protect the Mojave Desert tortoise and other rare plants and animals, the reserve sits at the merging of three great ecosystems: the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. The Reserve is biologically rich with a unique array of animals and plants.

Hiking or riding in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve provides a wide range of experiences suited for a variety of users. Trails vary from easy to extremely strenuous and involve significant challenges when adequate preparation is not made.

The sprawling 60,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (which includes the designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area) contains a one-of-a-kind convergence of multiple different desert ecosystems, jaw-dropping scenery and protected species seldom seen elsewhere.

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve provides many opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. However, direct and indirect impacts to wildlife and plants – trail erosion, trampling of vegetation and delicate soil crusts, and the disruption of animal’s foraging – caused by improper human use can undermine the ecological health of the reserve.

The NCA is an important component of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a multi-jurisdictional land base that has been collaboratively managed by BLM, the State of Utah, Washington County, and local municipalities since 1996 to protect populations and habitat of the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise and other at-risk native plant and animal species ...

Want to find the best trails in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 58 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

The eastern reaches of Red Cliffs Desert Reserve include multiple sections of the reserve: White Reef, Babylon and the Hurricane Cinder Knolls. Each of these zones holds its own flavor of desert textures, vistas, colors and experiences.

Typical low land desert landscape, lots of red rocks, and a cool arch at the end that does strangely look like an elephant’s trunk! Desert tortoises are also found along the path so please be ready to share the trail.

Hikers enjoy exploring the trail’s unique rock formations as well as connecting with other trails that expand into the area. Desert tortoises, rabbits, eagles, and other wildlife are often spotted along the path. Chuckwalla is a great trail that takes hikers right into nature.