Colorful Geologic Past of Red Rock Canyon

The view of Red Rock Canyon, in the Mojave Desert’s El Paso Mountains, may very well seem like deja vu to visitors. Cliffs and canyons in these parts have appeared in the background of many Western movies over the years.

A black-and-white movie of Red Rock Canyon would be dramatic: shadow and light playing over the canyon walls. But technicolor might capture more vividly the aptly named red rock, along with the chocolate brown, black, white and pink hues of the pleated cliffs.

Red Rock Canyon is about 125 miles north of Los Angeles off California 14, at Red Rock Canyon State Park.

The park is situated at a biologic crossroads between the Mojave Desert to the south and the High Sierra to the northwest. Red Rock is also at a geologic crossroads, between the Mojave and Great Basin deserts, having formations common to each.

Gold fever in the 1890s prompted exploration of almost all the canyons in the El Paso Mountains. During this era, Rudolph Hagen acquired much land in the Red Rock area. He named the little mining town/stage stop “Ricardo” after his son Richard. The Ricardo Ranger Station is at the site of the once-thriving town of Ricardo.

Red Rock Canyon became a state recreation area in 1969. When it was obvious that off-road vehicles were damaging the hills and canyons, Red Rock was upgraded to park status in 1980.

The best places to hike are in the park’s two preserves, which are closed to vehicles. You’ll find some trails to hike, but this park lends itself to improvisation.

Hagen Canyon Natural Preserve is a striking badlands, the dramatic cliffs capped by a layer of dark basalt. A two-mile loop trail explores the canyon.

Red Cliffs Natural Preserve protects the 300-foot sandstone cliffs east of California 14. A mile of trail leads through the preserve.

The park nature trail, a 3/4-mile path, tells the geologic story of the area, and points out typical desert flora. It’s keyed to an interpretive pamphlet available at the trail head. Join the nature trail at the south end of the park campground.

Red Rock Canyon State Park is 25 miles north of the town of Mojave off 14. To reach the park, turn northwest off 14 onto the signed road for the park campground. Follow this road a short mile to Ricardo Ranger Station, which has a small visitors center with nature exhibits.

Hike with John McKinney’s “Walk Los Angeles: Adventures on the Urban Edge “ ($14.95). Send check or money order to Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Dept. 1, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.

El Paso Mountains, Mojave Desert

Hagen, Red Cliffs Preserves

Where: Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Distance: 1-2 miles round trip

Terrain: Steep-walled gorges, badlands

Highlights: Colorful cliffs, natural preserves.

Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Precautions: Cary plenty of water, inquire about dirt road conditions.

For more information: Call the State Department of Parks & Recreation office in Lancaster at (805) 942-0662.