Hike the California Road Nature Trail Loop

Red Rock Canyon is approximately one hour west of Oklahoma City, the entrance is on the south side of the town of Hinton. You can easily drive past the entryway if you aren't looking for the turn off to Red Rock Canyon Road. 

The California Nature Trail is on the southern end of the park and has easy parking to access the trailhead; you can park in the grassy area directly east of the trailhead, or if spots are available you can park near the restrooms that are also east of the trail. This well maintained trail offers an easy hike to witness birds eye views of the canyon and endless opportunities to see a multitude of wildflowers. I recommend taking this trail in the evening to witness a one of a kind Oklahoma sunset. This is a great trail for children and dog's but be careful during the summer months, snakes frequent the area to stay warm on the exposed rock. Also, keep an eye out for rustic wagon wheel ruts around the park; Red Rock Canyon was once a stop for settlers heading west on the California Trail.  

Other options in the park include the first trail as you drive into the canyon. This trail is known ad the the Rough Horsetail Trail and it is an easy 0.6 mile loop. The trail offers two scenic views of small ponds and there are several creek crossings with great views of wildflowers and obviously plenty of rough horsetail the trail is named for. This is a great hike for children or anyone who doesn't appreciate elevation gain. There are also two main canyon walls in the park that offer great opportunities for rappelling. You have to bring your own equipment but there are plenty of spots to choose from. The highest point to rappel from is approximately 80' high. 

The park offers a bathhouse and a pool during the summer months. You can RSVP camp sites, check on fees, and find a park map here.