Red Reef Trail

74 miles (one way) Approximate Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet From the Red Reef Trailhead The Red Reef Trail follows the Quail Creek drainage as it enters the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness and then passes into the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness of the Dixie National Forest. 6-mile section of trail each spring when snowmelt from the Pine Valley Mountains creates short cascades of water that pools in slickrock bowls of the beautiful red Navajo Sandstone. To continue beyond this popular destination, hikers must use a series of small toe holds carved into the sandstone to ascend this first obstacle.

4 miles the route will leave the Quail Creek drainage and enter a side canyon on the left. 3 miles) from there the trail will fan out into five different trails. The Red Reef trail is sandwiched between the Cottonwood Canyons and Prospector trails.

Be sure to follow early trail markers to make sure you are on the correct route. The Red Reef Trail will then enter the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness and follow along a tributary of Cottonwood Creek. 74 miles) includes difficult sections with steep and rugged terrain where hikers will need to use their hands to navigate steep chimneys and various obstacles.

Technical climbing gear is not required, but some hikers may use ropes for additional safety. Be prepared for class 2 to class 3 hiking. A good pair of hiking shoes with traction is highly recommended.

Within designated Wilderness areas, the route is not signed and may require route finding. Parking Day-use parking in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area is extremely limited and will fill to maximum capacity on weekends, holidays, and most days during the spring and fall months. To avoid being turned away, be sure to arrive early in the morning to find a designated parking space.