This Stunning California State Park With Colorful Canyons Is A Favorite Among Locals

With 283 state park units in California to choose from (including three new locations), it shouldn't be too hard to find one that suits your interests. California has more state parks than any other state, stretching from the rocky shoreline of Pelican State Beach in the north to Border Field State Park on the U.S.-Mexico border in the south. Sitting somewhere in between is the colorful yet underrated Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Covering more than 27,000 acres in Kern County, the park puts on a brilliant display of color all year-round thanks to its red sandstone cliffs and striped buttes, with carpets of blooming wildflowers brightening up the arid desert landscape in spring. Its striking scenery isn't the only reason it's popular among locals. At just a couple of hours drive from Los Angeles, it stays relatively crowd-free compared to some of the better-known state parks, and is ideal for a weekend getaway.

Once home to the Kawaiisu people, it became a California state park in 1968. So distinct are the colors and shapes of the rock formations that they were used as landmarks for 20-mule team freight wagons during the 1870s. Located 35 miles south of Ridgecrest along Highway 14, Red Rock Canyon State Park sits on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. An alternative airport to LAX would be Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, about 85 miles away.

Remote it may be, but there are plenty of reasons to make the journey to Red Rock Canyon State Park. If the colorful rock formations and narrow canyons look familiar, you may recognize them from "Jurassic Park," or one of the more than 150 movies that have been shot there. Appealing to real paleontologists and not just Dr. Alan Grant, fossils of extinct animals dating back millions of years have been found in the park, some of which are on display in the visitor center.

Hitting the trails is the best way to get panoramic views of the canyon landscape as well as wildlife spotting. The 1.2-mile Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is an easy loop that takes in the stunning red cliff faces and famous rock formations like Turk's Turban and Camel Rock. Budding photographers arriving at sunrise or sunset will get some superb shots. Arrive in spring and blankets of goldfields brighten the canyon floor along with desert royale lupine and desert monkeyflower. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy the 0.9-mile Red Cliffs Trail where layers of sandstone and volcanic rock show off the striped cliffs.

The 8.9-mile Nightmare Gulch Loop Trail is a wonderful journey through some of the park's most distinctive canyons. Put on your adventurer's hat and explore some of the hidden nooks and gullies. Unlike some other state parks, you can wander off trail here, but it helps to have some decent navigational skills. The Mojave Desert is home to some unique and interesting wildlife. Look out for desert tortoises, lizards, roadrunners, bobcats, and coyotes. Many animals are drawn to the Joshua tree thickets scattered around, which provide some much-needed shelter from the sun.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, not to be confused with Arizona's Red Rock State Park or the top ranked U.S. destination for climbing, Red Rock Canyon in Nevada, is one of Southern California's best places for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies around. Keen astronomists should head to Ricardo Campground for the best views, where regular star parties are held by China Lake Astronomical Society. Set amongst the dramatic backdrop of the White House Cliffs, the campground has around 50 primitive sites, with fire rings and picnic tables. Operating on a first come, first stay basis, sites cost from $25 per night. 

Day visitors looking for a picnic table should head to the visitor center where there are a few shaded areas. If Ricardo Campground is full, free dispersed camping is available nearby on Bureau of Land Management land at Jawbone Canyon, Dove Springs, and Last Chance Canyon. Otherwise, you'll find a selection of hotels in Ridgecrest, as well as some popular local restaurants such as Olvera's for Mexican food or Mon Reve for French-inspired dining.

The park is open all year round and entry costs from $6. Dogs are allowed in the campground, picnic areas, and roads, but not on the trails. The Mojave Desert brings with it extreme temperatures that can reach well over 100°F during summer, while plummeting to below freezing at night during winter. The best time to visit is during spring or fall when weather conditions aren't as harsh. That said, you should come prepared with plenty of water and wear layers no matter the time of year, and keep a look out for rattlesnakes during the summer months.