Trail Head GPS: 40.363, -111.70082 Located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, this easy and fun hike is perfect to take the family or young scout groups on. The trail head is located next to the Kiwanis park at the end of E 200 S. There is a large dirt parking lot where the road ends. The trail is well groomed and very wide for those larger groups that explore this awesome hike. As you near the waterfall you will start to hear and see it through the trees. At this point of the trail you will also notice that the elevation of the trail will incline quickly. Total elevation change on this hike is roughly 375 feet. But don't worry, the hike is downhill the whole way out and will pass quickly as you walk back to your car. Watch the little ones around the top of the waterfall if you choose to make the climb up to the top as it is a tall drop off. Continuing on this trail will eventually lead to multiple other hikes that lead you through the Mt. Timpanogos area.
With waterfalls, swimming holes, and ancient pictographs, it’s no surprise that the Red Reef Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the St. George area. At just 1.5 miles round trip, this trail is excellent for everyone in the family, including children and beginners. Trailhead The Red Reef Trail begins near Campsite 2 in the Red Cliffs Campground, just before the road crosses Quail Creek in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Red Cliffs is located about 15 miles northeast of St. George. Directions from St. George Take Exit 22 off of I-15. Turn south onto Old Highway 91 and continue south for about 2 miles. Turn right at the signed junction for Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Continue under the freeway then turn left and follow the road into the Red Cliffs Campground. Directions from the North Take Exit 23 from I-15. Turn left off the exit, then right onto Main Street/Old Highway 91. Continue south for 3.5 miles to the signed junction on the right. Continue under the freeway then turn left and follow the road into the Red Cliffs Campground. Parking at the trailhead requires a $5 day use fee per vehicle. Parking spaces are very limited, making access difficult on busy weekends. The BLM may even turn cars away during peak usage due to lack of parking. NOTE: The freeway underpass used to access Red Cliffs will not accommodate vehicles taller than 11’9”. The Hike The Red Reef Trail begins by traversing a sagebrush-covered bench above Quail Creek before dropping down to the watercourse. The trail follows the creek for a short distance before a well-worn path appears on the left. This leads to the upper falls and moki steps, but it is worth following the stream another 150 yards to the base of the lower pools and waterfall (37.228237,-113.410511). Beyond the lower falls, keep an eye out for a large alcove on the right (37.229305,-113.410987). Most hikers pass by this, but it makes a great side trip if you have the time. This alcove, likely once used by ancient Native Americans, contains at least two pictographs. Appreciate the rock art without touching it so that it can be preserved for future generations. Do not add to graffiti on the walls. The canyon narrows just beyond the alcove. Those trying to keep their feet dry might have a tough time as the trail approaches a few more pools and small waterfalls. Just to the right of the upper falls there are deep steps cut into the rock face that are commonly known as moki steps. You can use the moki steps to access the more difficult sections of the canyon above, but for most, this is the turnaround point of the family friendly section of the Red Reef Trail. Relax at the pools and enjoy the scenery before returning the way you came. Round trip mileage is approximately 1.5 miles. Rules and Regulations A day use fee of $5 per vehicle is required. Pay fees at the self-pay station near the entrance to the campground. You may use Federal Inter-agency Annual, Access, and Senior Passes for day use fees. Stop by the self-pay station for more information. All pets must be on leash no longer than 6 feet. No littering. Pack out what you pack in. Special Considerations Quail Creek has high potential for flash flooding. Do not enter the canyon if it is raining, if the creek is flowing swiftly, or if there is a high chance of precipitation. If you notice a sudden change in water clarity or flow, seek higher ground. The depth of the pools can vary, especially after flood events. Never jump into a pool without first verifying depth. Area: Red Cliffs Nearest Town: Washington, UT Difficulty: Easy* Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Dog Friendly: Yes, leashes required Optimum Season: Year round Latitude: 37.224395 Longitude: -113.406284 Usage: Heavy Credits This trail guide by Backcountry Post.
