EP 18

Coming into the southern end of Red Rock Canyon State Park is a lesser-used trail labeled EP 18. This bumpy 2-track is full of incredible views both down the canyon and into the park, and across its surrounding hills. As you ascend the canyon, the trail is relatively easy, with a few ruts to slow you down. Once you are past the mine, the trail turns into a shelf road cut into the side of the hills. There is minimal passing room, but full-width vehicles will fit just fine. The most challenging part of the trail comes about halfway through when the road suddenly turns down one of the hills and presents a steep hill peppered with loose, softball-sized rocks. 4WD is required, and a locker may help, especially if you are coming uphill. After this hill, you will traverse a few more mounds before reaching its terminus at Trail 86B.

There is no camping along this trail despite a small portion of the southern end lying on BLM land. The only camping allowed within Red Rock Canyon State Park is the developed Ricardo Campground across CA-14 near the visitors center.