The Red Reef Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Red Cliffs area. The trail gives beautiful views of two scenic waterfalls over its 1/2 mile one way length. It passes by a large closed arch and then into through a narrow portion of high cliffs.

There is a large pool at the bottom of the second waterfall where many swim. To get around and above this waterfall a series of steps have been carved in the rock wall – the Moki Steps. If you are not affraid of falling, you can navigate these steps with the aid of a rope suspended from above.

Trail Rating

Overall rating = easy

Distance: 1 mile return – easy
Elevation gain: <100 - easy Terrain: generally wide sand and rocky trail - easy Exposure: none unless you navigate the steps - easy To see the trail rating system used here see Trail Rating System

Getting There

If travelling north-east on Interstate I15, take exit 16 towards Hurricane and then turn left at 5300 W towards Quail Creek State Park and Reservoir. This road ends at the service road near Harrisburg. Turn right and then turn left on the marked Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Road which goes west under the interstate highway.

If travelling south-west on Interstate I15 take exit 23 into Leeds and turn left onto N Main Street. Continue through Leeds to a stop sign at the I15 exit. Veer left taking the service road to the marked Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Road and turn right going west under the interstate.

Drive into the Red Cliffs Campground and park at the first parking area. The trailhead is just down the road on the left before you turn through the Quail Creek Wash.

For a one page printout of the directions to this trail click Red Reef Trail to the Moki Steps

The Trail

The trail is well marked with a side path to the first waterfall. As you get nearer the second waterfall you may have to navigate through some water.

There is also a side canyon which is interesting to explore. It is about 1/4 mile in length before disappearing into a very narrow slot.

Here are some pictures taken along the trail in the fall and later in winter.

Pictures along the side canyon.