Hiking the Red Reef Trail in St. George, Utah

If you’re looking for an easy and fun hiking trail for the whole family, then you don’t want to miss the Red Reef Trail just north of St. George, Utah. This picturesque hike is easy enough for a toddler but adventurous enough for any adult. Check it out!

*Waterfall near the end of the Red Reef Trail*

Our family has hiked this fun trail a couple of times and it’s always a treat. Whether in the summer or the winter, we have always loved it. Plus, it is easy enough for our three-year-old. She hiked the entire way! Check it out.

At a glance: Red Reef Trail

Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $5 per vehicle (unless you have a National Parks Pass)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 0.6 miles one way (can continue to hike the entire 5.7 miles one way but most people just turn around after the first 0.6 miles)
Location: Leeds, Utah. From I-15 northbound, take exit 22 for UT-228 north toward Leeds, then turn right onto Old Highway 91. Continue for 2 miles, then turn right onto west Red Cliffs Campground Road. Follow the campground road 1.5 miles to access day-use parking along the campground loop. The Red Reef Trailhead is located between campsites two and three.

About the Red Reef Trail

This beautiful hike is part of the Red Cliffs National Recreation Area. The entire trail is actually 5.7 miles one way but most people just hike 0.6 miles to the small waterfall that forms into a pool of water during the wet season. It follows the Quail Creek drainage and offers 360 views of majestic red rock cliffs.

*Sunshine peaking over red rock cliffs on the Red Reef Trail*

Parking for the hike is limited

During the busy spring and fall seasons and on weekends and holidays, day-use parking is super limited. It fills up pretty fast. The parking lot is right next to the Red Cliffs Campground and you actually have to walk through the campground to get to the trailhead.

There is however an overflow parking lot but it will essentially double your hiking time. So, I suggest dropping off everyone near the trail head and then just having one person park the car. It will limit the amount of complaining from the kids, ha ha.

Shuttling hikers back to the overflow parking lot — *Shuttling a group of random hikers back to the overflow parking lot.*

What time of year is best to hike the trail?

Most people love to hike this trail during the runoff in late spring. It creates a beautiful waterfall cascade and fills the slickrock bowls with water. Spring break in Utah is a particularly busy time. There are foot holds carved into the rock. Anyone up for an adventure can climb up and slide down the waterfall into the pool of water.

*Waterfall formed during the spring runoff*

However, this hiking trail is super beautiful any time of year. We also visited towards the end of December. Although there was no waterfall, it was still fun to climb around the red rock and soak in the gorgeous landscape. Plus, there was plenty of parking and we didn’t have to use the overflow.

Other tips and tricks to hiking Red Reef

Don’t miss the dinosaur tracks. As you are walking through the Red Reef Campground before you reach the official trailhead, you will see signs for dinosaur tracks. It’s a quick detour but worth it to see actual dinosaur tracks!
Restrooms are available. Before you get started on your hike, there are pit toilets available as part of the campground. There are some right by the dinosaur tracks.
Try camping. The Red Cliffs Campground has 11 campsites that are tent-camping only for just $15 per night. You can book up to six months in advance.

Dinosaur track in the red rock. — *Dinosaur tracks in the red rock.*

Tortoises and Gila monsters. Keep an eye out for Mojave desert tortoises and Gila monsters. You’re lucky if you spot one but stay on designated trails.
Bring a lunch. Day-use picnic tables are scattered around the campground area nestled among the cottonwood trees. It’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch.
Be careful on the slick rock. Carved-out foot holds make it easier to climb the slick rock near the waterfall, but be careful. It can still be slippery and when it’s crowded, it can be easy to slip and fall.
Toquerville Falls. If you’re up for an even bigger adventure, head over to Toquerville Falls about one hour north. But you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to traverse the rocky trail.