Due to the recent storm that passed through California and other western states, many areas may be temporarily closed due to trail damage and/or other reasons. Please check with local authorities prior to your trip.

Black Rock Canyon - Red Rock State Park - California

full-limited Icon
4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Inyokern, California (Kern County)
Last Updated: 12/07/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

Only 2 hours north of Los Angeles, lies one of the most amazing collections of canyons in the El Paso Mountain range. Black Rock Canyon in the Red Rock State Park is one such canyon. Previously home to the Kawaiisu Indians, the El Paso Mountains contain much of their heritage to this day. Later on, mining became the mainstay. Many mining camps of different minerals are spread across this mountain range. The Dutch Cleanser Mines, Bickel Camp, Cudahy Camp, Burro Schmidt Tunnel, Holland Camp and Holly Ash Mine are just a few of the attractions. This is a perfect trail if you love history, scenery, and are new to offroading.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (6)
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
4600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Pretty cool little trail, The black rock itself was not very difficult because I was descending, but I'm sure if I had been heading up, it would have been more of a challenge.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/07/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

First - I'm in a 21 GMC Canyon 4x4 stock. So this trail was good until we got to Black Rock and turned around. It was really rutted out and didn't trust ourselves to pull that one off. The first part with the cliff was a little intense but we just went slow and low. My passenger was a good spotter, not sure I would have wanted to try that in my truck without anyone else helping out.
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
5800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/20/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very fun trail! 90% of trail is within the 2-3 range due to the loose dirt and rocky sections you encounter throughout. The 4 comes in right at the end where you have to climb the hill. The hill is definitely more rutted out now but is still easily done in 4Lo. Lots of traction going up or down and right after is a small rock crawl section that high clearance will be required. If you are inexperienced It is advised to have a spotter because you can do some damage if you take the wrong line in this section. The flex spot was fun but nothing to rave about cause the fun part is behind you LOL! This is a great trail to dip your feet into some intimidating obstacles that aren't too difficult but can get your heart racing a bit!
Trail Review: Black Rock Canyon - Red Rock State Park - California - Joe
Trail Review: Black Rock Canyon - Red Rock State Park - California - Joe
View More Images
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 11/28/2020

Rougher looking now than in the Video, particularly the climb out at about 5:30ish in the video. We turned around there after scouting it.
User Avatar
1000
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/03/2020

Red Rock State Park is awesome! It was of course very hot when we went, but the goal was to ride trails during the day and then set up camp at Ricardo Campground when it started to cool off. Didn't see a single person on the trails with us! I usually prefer dispersed camping, but Ricardo Campground is one of the coolest developed campgrounds that I have been to.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial