We’ve been wanting to come here for years. Every time we drive thru Nevada or Arizona on our way to California we debate staying at Red Rock Canyon State Park. We’ve mostly held back because there are no hook-ups, flush toilets or showers. Today we finally decided to pull the trigger and just go for it. Yes, that is how desperate I am for hot weather - and Wolfgang makes it so much easier to camp not hooked up.
We pulled in before noon and were able to snag this sweet spot at the base of the cliffs. This campground is a first come-first serve so we were delighted to get a site on a busy spring break weekend.
Red Rock Canyon State Park is known for it’s epic hoodoos, fluted folded cliffs and badlands. During the 1870’s it was a landmark for the 20 mule team freight wagons for water. In more recent years it has been used for the location of many movies and tv shows...Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers, Jurassic Park, Zoro Rides Again, Twilight Zone and Lost in Space to just name a few.
The cliffs were calling so we decided to take a hike up to the top. What we didn’t count on was the 25 mph winds, which were in fact quite bone chilling at the ridge.
Here’s a pic of the campground at the base of the cliffs.
Making our way up the path to the ridge, looking back at our campsite. The red circle is where Wolfgang is parked.
Hiking up to the ridge was exhilarating.
Our plan was to hike farther along the ridge until we were looking directly down on our campsite. However, the fear of heights and strong winds made me chicken out. This path was right along the ridge with a sharp drop off on both sides. This path is above the cliffs! The red arrow is where we are camped.
Ned looking rather wind blown and cold, at the top of the ridge looking out towards the valley. Note hat in hand to keep it from blowing away.
We decided to explore the slot canyons instead. One could make their way up to the top of the cliffs thru one of the many slot canyons. Yeah, we did not....
Josh & Marlina, you little mountain goats, I can see you two climbing to the top in no time at all.
Late afternoon - early evening the winds died down and we had drinks on the veranda.
So fun to finally use Wolfgang for warm weather outings and not just camped in damp, wet forests (i.e. our last trips to Port Reyes, Humboldt and Sugar Loaf Ridge).
This place is known for its dark skies so we are looking forward to epic stargazing tonight.
