Last Chance Canyon - Red Rock Canyon State Park

4.8/5 (11 reviews)
Randsburg, 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. Last Chance Canyon in the Red Rock State Park is one such canyon. Known for its steep canyon walls, and challenging rock obstacles, Last Chance Canyon has continued to be a favorite among intermediate to advanced off-road enthusiasts. Several other 4x4, motorcycle, hiking trails, and historic sites can be accessed from this trail. The Dutch Cleanser Mines, Bickel Camp, Cudahy Camp, Burro Schmidt Tunnel, Holland Camp and Holly Ash Mine are just a few of the attractions.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (11)
Official Crew
3600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

I had a blast on this trail! Super fun, even though I did take a few of the bypasses. I would definitely say this trail is harder than a 3, its at least a 4, maybe even a 5. The obstacles themselves aren't super technical, but there are lots of them, for a non-experienced driver, it would be overwhelming. I would absolutely not take a stock 4x4 on the trail, the first half of the trail is basically one long rock garden, with the bypasses only being slightly less rocky. I used my locker often, I scraped on my skid plate multiple times and was on my sliders once or twice, and still managed to get caught on my rear diff a few times. Someone in a stock 4x4 with no sliders or skids would probably damage their vehicle in some way. That being said, I will absolutely run this trail again, it was a lot of fun, and the scenery in Red Rock state park was beautiful.
Open
Visited: 03/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

We headed up Last Chance on St. Paddy's day and followed fresh tracks all the way up. It was my second time running the trail and I find the overall experience more challenging than a TRAILS OFFROAD intermediate rating normally brings. I don't think we were in any of the optional places, but the prolific rains this year have probably rearranged some of the rocks. It's a true testament to the strength of the modern tires as so much of the trail can be called a rock garden. It's very stunningly beautiful there right now as the park is usually pretty dry and the plant life is hibernating in the heat. It was very green with some small flowers at the south trailhead!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

just did this trail this past weekend 2/12/22. it can be pretty challenging in a stock 4x4. Clearance and beefy tires definitely make all the difference in the world. I did this trail on my 2.5 inch lift with 37s jk rubicon. turned my lockers on in some areas but can be done without. wouldn't recommend doing it alone. overall, a really fun trail that will challenge you if you're a beginner and boost your confidence on graduation hill once cleared.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/23/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Was pretty difficult, but this was my first rock crawling trail. Even our friend with 35s on a Xterra struggled a bit. (We made it through with a LR3, 33" KO2 lifted).
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/13/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Hey Guys, my name is Troy or @dustyovrlnd on IG. Anyways, we hit this trail this past Saturday and I would say it has definitely become a lot more washed out then I remember. I had no issues in my JKU on 35s with a 3" lift, but some of the heavier 4Runners were struggling and precision spotting was needed. We even had a 2nd gen 4R blow their angler arm. I ran the trail out and back to get a new part for him and each time I remember thinking it got more difficult. The Cudahy Camp bypass was open but I think the easier route was EP15b although they did some strange rerouting and forced you around the post office and shack. Anyways, the park wants to close this trail since its being abused so much, make sure you bring extra parts/tools and pack out what you pack in. Trasharoos are like $30 people...

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