Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, National Conservation Area in Washington County, Utah
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is a protected landscape spanning roughly 45,000 acres where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau meet. This location creates diverse rock formations and different habitat zones that characterize the area.
The area gained federal protection status in 2009 after management efforts began between federal authorities and local communities in 1996. This collaboration eventually resulted in official conservation designation.
The land contains petroglyphs and archaeological sites that show evidence of Native American presence across different periods. While hiking through the landscape, visitors encounter these carved markings embedded in the rock faces.
The area offers over 200 kilometers of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding with camping available at Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Plan time for exploration since trails vary in difficulty and weather conditions change throughout the year.
The area protects a population of Mojave Desert tortoises, a rare and endangered species living in the region. Protecting this animal was a main reason for creating the conservation area.
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