The Western and Red Mountain portions of Red Cliffs Desert Reserve include stunning desert terrain — and they’re situated near charming Kayenta, where a tourist-friendly artists’ village lies. It’s hard to beat this incredible pairing. You can find hikes both easy and challenging in this part of the reserve, and each trail has its own unique flavor, merit and great view. You may wander sage and juniper-studded desert washes, or you can clamber into towering, multi-hued red rock canyons, or traverse cooler high-country terrain.
One of the best hikes here is the Snow Canyon Overlook via the Red Mountain Trail through the Red Mountain Wilderness. Just getting to the trailhead is a scenic drive, with the option to route through Snow Canyon State Park along the way (fee required, and you'll certainly want to stop for several hikes in Snow Canyon if you do) or along S.R. 18. The hike to the overlook of Snow Canyon ascends along a steady incline and winds through serene desert junipers on a rock-studded path that eventually gives way to sand. Veer left to arrive at the jaw-dropping Snow Canyon Overlook, which offers sweeping vistas of Snow Canyon State Park, a bonanza of multi-colored rocks and determined desert wildlife.
- Location - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve / Red Mountain Wilderness
- Miles - 4.8 /out-and-back
- Rating – Moderate
- Trailhead Facilities – Restroom / trail kiosk
