Colorful cliff-and-butte badlands where the southern Sierra Nevada meets the El Paso Mountains on the western Mojave. Soft sedimentary layers eroded into red, white, and brown freestanding formations; classic California desert state park with visitor center, Ricardo Campground, short hikes, and paleontology significance. Historic 20-mule-team water stop and film location.
Field facts
| Region | Kern County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35.3734, -117.9901 |
| Access | CA-14 ~25 mi NE of Mojave; Abbott Dr west ~0.25 mi to visitor center / day-use |
| Managing agency | California State Parks |
| Day-use fee | Yes (self-pay); Ricardo Campground first-come |
| GNIS canyon | feature_id 248072 Red Rock Canyon (Valley, Kern) |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Visitor centerVisitors Station4.6 km away
- RestroomRestrooms4.7 km away
- ParkingParking Area5 km away
- RestroomRestroom6.5 km away
- Rec areaJawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area8.1 km away
- Rec areaDove Springs OHV Area8.1 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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