Destination Wild

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. Ten of thousands of visitors hike this first 0.6-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. After 0.4 miles the route will leave the Quail Creek drainage and enter a side canyon on the left.

Hikers will begin on the Cottonwood Canyon trail (0.3 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.

The full route (5.74 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.

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. Parking on vegetation or along the road is prohibited.
Please be respectful of other visitors by not parking in, or walking through, reserved campsites. If all designated day-use parking is full, visitors may use the White Reef Trailhead as an overflow lot.

Vault toilets are located near campsite seven in the Red Cliffs Campground, and at the Cottonwood and White Reef trailheads.

Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash outside of the Wilderness boundaries. Pet waste disposal bags are provided at each of the trailheads. Be responsible and carry waste bags with you until they can be deposited into a trash receptacle. Never leave them on the side of the trail.

Quail Creek has a high potential for flash flooding. Flash floods are a sudden increase in the depth and speed of water in rivers or streams due to heavy rain from thunderstorms. Always check the weather forecast and flash flood potential before entering a narrow canyon.
Leave an itinerary with someone and check in when you are done.
The depth of the water in pools can vary, especially after flood events. Never jump into a pool without first verifying depth. Severe ankle and knee injuries have occurred.
The desert is an extreme environment. Carry enough water, one gallon per person per day, and drink it.
Cell phone reception is extremely limited.

Keep food away from all wildlife, and never approach or touch a wild animal.
Protect the canyon walls, rocks, and trees from graffiti and vandalism.
Stay on established trails to protect vegetation and fragile biological soils.
Protect the natural sounds of the canyon by talking softly and using headphones for music.
Drones are not permitted within the National Conservation Area or within any designated Wilderness areas.

Activities