Located on the north side of St. George, Utah, the Red Cliff Reserve covers 62,000 acres set aside to protect animals such as the desert tortoise, Gila monsters, rattlesnake and chuckwalla. The red tailed hawk nests on the cliffs within the reserve and can be seen soaring on the currents of the wind or sitting on the cliff tops. It is a place where the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau meet and where plant life can be seen no where else on earth. The reserve was established in 1996 to protect the habitat of wildlife threatened by rapid development in Washington County, Utah. The scenic red rock, arches, canyons, and creeks make this area a dream for hikers, mountain bikes, photographers, and horseback riding.

Red Cliffs Recreation Area is located just off of I-15, 15 miles north of St George, Utah near Quail Creek reservoir and is part of the Red Cliffs Reserve. The camping area is open year round but I like the spring and fall the best when the plants are in bloom and the creeks are running. The fall colors along the creek are spectacular. There are several marked hiking trails that lead you through amazing red rock formations and to waterfalls and Indian ruins.

How to Get There: From the north, take exit #23 off I-15 to the town of Leeds. Drive south through the town until you get to a sign that says Harrisburg and Red Cliffs Recreation Site. You will turn right and go under the freeway. From the south, take the Leeds exit # 22, turn right and follow the road south about 2 miles through Leeds to a sign that points to a road under the freeway (limited access 11' x 11'), one mile to the campground.

Facilities: There are 10 overnight camp sites, and a picnic area next to the creek. Water, picnic tables, and toilets are available. Camping is $8 a day and day use is $2. The site is managed by the St. George Field Office, located at 345 E. Riverside Drive. Phone number is (435) 688-3200.