Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

The Red Cliffs area is located off Interstate Highway 15 and lies entirely within the Bureau of Land Management’s Red Cliffs Recreation site near Harrisburg in the Red Cliffs NCA. 

The area encompasses a campground, a day-use area, the large White Reef trailhead parking area for hikers/bikers/equestrians, multiple historic sites, interpreted archeological sites, two paleontological sites, drainages for Quail Creek and Leeds Creek, old mining ruins, protected habitat for federally-listed endangered plants, and 14 trails accessible for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

Visitors can enjoy views of the spectacular red rock cliffs and monuments directly to the west, the restored 1860s-era Adams House off the main entrance road, the remains of the 1950s-era “They Came to Cordura” movie set, dinosaur footprints, and the ruins of the old McMullin homestead and silver mining operations. Area trails are linked so as to give visitors maximum opportunities to enjoy suitable loop hikes or rides through the valleys and ridges that wind through and follow the Leeds Creek and Quail Creek drainages. 

The creeks carry water through most of the year, but may be dry during hot summer months and in times of drought.  Trails are typically level, old mining roads with some single tracks to allow access to specific sites.  Elevation change is negligible on many of the trails with exceptions on the Tipple, Adit, Silver Reef, Leeds Reef, White Reef and High Grade trails and modest ups and downs on the Anasazi and Red Reef East trails. 

Wildlife commonly seen in the area include hawks, eagles, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, mule deer, and an occasional snake.  Except for the main entrance and campground roads, travel by motorized vehicle is prohibited.  BLM charges separate fees for camping in the designated campground and day use throughout the recreation site.  The White Reef trailhead is now included in the recreation site boundaries.  See the individual trail descriptions for specific details and additional trail information.

Distance from WillowWind: 15 Miles