Red Reef Trail, Utah - A Gorgeous And Easy Day Hike

We just got back from a family reunion of sorts kind of trip to Utah. We went Off-Roading mostly but Jocelyn and I broke away for part of an afternoon to check out this supposedly really amazing hike that was about 20 minutes away from where we were staying in Hurricane, Utah.

First up Utah is amazing! Way better than I was expecting. I don’t know why but I was just expecting hot dry dirt and no shade. But man, we were surprised, and definitely for the better. It was the perfect weather there, about 65 to 75 Fahrenheit range every day. So early May is a strong recommendation from us on a good time of year to go there. You won’t be drenched in sweat during the day or freezing cold huddling inside.

Red Reef Trail Overview

Trail Length: 2.5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Optional Gear Recommendation: Trail Runners, Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt

The Red Reef Trail is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a stunning red rock slot canyon. The trail is an easy day hike, with only a few steep sections, and it's suitable for hikers of all skill levels including families with kids. Seriously, you are not going to need any fancy equipment for this hike. All I would recommend is shoes that get good traction on rock since there is so much of it on the trail.

The trailhead is located at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, where you'll find plenty of parking and restrooms. There are even camp sights there at the trailhead. Which would be a very cool place to stay on a road trip. If we didn’t already have an Airbnb for the whole big family we would have definitely tried to get one to those camp spots.

As you start the hike, you'll immediately notice the vibrant red and orange rock formations that surround you. The trail follows a small creek, which creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The canyon walls are towering above you, and you can't help but feel small in comparison. It also made me really really wish I brought climbing gear to Utah. The rock there looks absolutely incredible to climb on. The way it's all formed makes for some very interesting and fun lines. (Rock climbing term)

One of the highlights of the Red Reef Trail is the variety of scenery you'll encounter along the way. As you walk deeper into the canyon, you'll pass through lush vegetation, including trees, bushes, and cacti.

About halfway through the hike, you'll come across a natural arch, which provides a great photo opportunity. Make sure to take your time and explore the area around the arch, as there are some interesting rock formations to be found.

Towards the end of the trail, you'll encounter a small waterfall, which is a great spot to take a break and cool off. The waterfall flows into a pool, which is a popular spot for swimming, so make sure to bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip. There are also steps carved into the rock to continue with the hike a bit further which we would absolutely recommend. The photo below is a little motivation to continue on past those carved steps. The rock formations here are just so crazy to stare at. I love them!

Overall, I highly recommend hiking the Red Reef Trail. It’s one of the best day hikes near St, George Utah. It's a great way to experience Utah's stunning red rock scenery without having to tackle a difficult or strenuous hike. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the beautiful views! And if you continue on past the steps I might recommend bringing long sleeves and pants. A bunch of slightly spiky plants kept poking at me.

If you end up doing this hike, let us know in the comments if you liked this hike and how you would rate it out of 10