Red Cliffs Recreation Area
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is located just off Interstate 15, 14 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. Tucked up against red sandstone cliffs and straddling Quail Creek, this recreation area is a pleasant surprise for most visitors. The backdrop of the looming cliffs and the voluminous riparian habitat is an unexpected if not welcome relief in the desert. The picnic area is amply covered by large cottonwoods for a shady respite. If you’re looking for more activity, hike ½ miles to the Red Cliffs Archaeological Site to see the remnants of a Virgin Anasazi habitation. Or hike the almost 6 mile Red Reef Trail into the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. For a taste of pioneer history, visit the Orson Adams House just down the road. To go back even further in time, check out the Early Jurassic dinosaur tracks on the Silver Reef Trail.
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is inside the
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, which has been set aside to conserve, protect, and enhance ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources. Please respect these resources and stay on designated trails.
Access Note: Access to the Recreation Area is through tunnels that restrict vehicle size to less than 12 feet in height or width.
Parking Note: Parking for day use is extremely limited (33 spots only) and vehicles with trailers must park at the White Reef Trailhead (located approximately 1.5 miles south of the Recreation Area and the first right turn after the second tunnel). During Spring and Fall, the most popular seasons to visit the Recreation Area, traffic control measures may be used, causing some visitors to be turned away for lack of parking. Plan accordingly.
Camping Note: Camping is prohibited in the day use area and up to one mile from the recreation area.
Day Use Amenities
- Vehicle Parking
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Rings with Grills
- 2 Vault Toilets (ADA Compliant)
- Dumpster
- Self-Pay Register Kiosk
Directions
Take Interstate 15 north from St. George, Utah, to Exit 22*. At the end of the freeway off-ramp, turn right onto Old Highway 91 (frontage road). Travel south 2 miles and turn right after passing the sign for the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Continue under two freeway tunnels and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles into the campground.
*If heading south from Cedar City, Utah, take Exit 23. Turn left on Silver Reef Road, then turn right onto Main Street. Travel south for 3.5 miles on Main Street (which turns into Old Highway 91). Follow the remaining directions above.
