November 2011 – Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park lies along California Highway 14, about 200 kilometers north of Los Angeles and just 40 kilometers from the town of Mojave. Our original plan was to head straight for Death Valley, but while researching the route, we stumbled upon this lesser-known gem. What a fortunate detour it turned out to be. Red Rock Canyon's vibrant desert cliffs and otherworldly rock formations make it a striking stop—offering not only natural beauty but also opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and sightseeing.

Thanks to its dramatic landscapes, the park has long served as a filming location for movies, TV shows, and commercials—especially Westerns that require a rugged, cinematic backdrop.

Geologically, the canyon tells a story millions of years in the making. Tectonic activity layered red volcanic ash—rich in iron—with pale sedimentary deposits. Over eons, weathering and rain carved these layers into the iconic "red top, white bottom" formations seen today. After a rare desert rain, the iron-rich rocks sometimes release streaks of color that appear like blood trails down the cliff faces, earning the nickname "Bleeding Canyon."

Vegetation here is sparse, limited mostly to hardy desert shrubs and the occasional Joshua tree. The Sierra Nevada mountains block much of the coastal moisture, leaving this region sunny and arid nearly year-round.

The canyon's famous columnar rock walls were sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The tilted rock beds—most at a consistent 17-degree angle—are a testament to the region’s dramatic geological upheaval.

One of the park's oddities is "Camel Rock," whose profile roars into the horizon. And in the fading evening light, Joshua trees take on eerie silhouettes. From afar, their angular limbs look like outstretched arms. Drivers have even mistaken them for people signaling for help.

Beware, though—their spiny leaves are deceptively sharp.

Visitors must stick to designated trails, as most of the unique formations are protected from direct contact. Still, even from a respectful distance, the multi-colored rock faces tower like ancient fortresses.

A personal favorite is a formation I nicknamed “the world’s largest bacon-and-veggie roll.” Layers of white and red rock spiral together in such mouthwatering perfection, it’s impossible not to see the resemblance. Up close, the scale is humbling. For reference, I stood beside it as a “human ruler.”

Some formations are romantic—like twin rock columns that seem to lean in for a kiss. Unfortunately, their poetic moment is marred by a less-than-romantic topping of bird droppings.

Even so, Red Rock Canyon is a place where geology and imagination collide, inviting both awe and a sense of humor.