01
Best overall pick
Red Rock Canyon State Park – Hagen Canyon Area
North Of Randsburg Along Highway 14 • Colorful Desert State Park With Signed Loop Trails • Classic First Stop For Local Hiking
Short, well-marked loops thread through dramatic red and white cliffs just a quick drive north of Randsburg.
If you only have time for one nearby hike, the Hagen Canyon area at Red Rock Canyon State Park delivers the signature scenery. Eroded badlands, hoodoos, and banded cliffs sit right off the highway, with family-friendly loop options that still feel wild. Go early or late in the day to see the rock layers glow and to avoid the mid-day heat.
02
Best for wide-open desert exploring
Jawbone Canyon Recreation Area
Southwest Of Randsburg Off Highway 14 • Rugged Blm Backcountry With Informal Routes And Ridgeline Walks • Best For Adventurous Hikers Comfortable Off Pavement
Jawbone Canyon offers a maze of side washes and ridges where you can string together your own desert loop away from the main OHV corridors.
While Jawbone Canyon is known for off-road vehicles, hikers who push a bit beyond the staging areas are rewarded with quiet side canyons and broad ridgeline views. Pick a wash, follow it toward the surrounding hills, and climb to a low summit for a big-sky panorama of the Mojave. This is true desert backcountry: carry plenty of water, be mindful of vehicles in shared areas, and use a map or GPS to keep your bearings.
03
Best mining-history ramble
Last Chance Canyon
Between Randsburg And Red Rock In The El Paso Mountains • Narrow Desert Canyon With Mining Ruins And Rock Formations • Best For History-Minded Hikers
Last Chance Canyon combines tight, rocky narrows with scattered mining relics for a hike that feels part geology lesson, part time capsule.
This rugged canyon cuts through the El Paso Mountains just east of the main Red Rock corridor, offering a more tucked-away experience. You can walk the sandy wash, scramble around small dryfalls, and explore side gullies while spotting old adits, rusted equipment, and stone foundations. The route is mostly unmarked, so it suits hikers comfortable choosing their own turnaround point and watching for loose rock.
04
Best high-country escape
Pacific Crest Trail at Walker Pass
Northeast Of Randsburg Near Walker Pass • Signed Long-Distance Trail In Pinyon And Pine High Desert • Best For Longer, Scenic Day Hikes
A section of the Pacific Crest Trail at Walker Pass lets you trade desert flats for rolling forested ridges and Sierra views.
From the Walker Pass trailhead, you can follow the PCT north or south for as many miles as you like, then turn around when you’re ready. The trail climbs steadily into higher country, where scattered pines, cooler air, and big views over the desert make it feel worlds away from Randsburg’s dry flats. It’s a great option when lower elevations are scorching, but be prepared for elevation gain and quickly changing mountain weather.
05
Best close-to-town network
Rademacher Hills Trails
South Of Ridgecrest, A Short Drive From Randsburg • Multi-Use Desert Foothill Trail System With Loop Options • Best For Flexible Distance And Quick Outings
The Rademacher Hills offer a signed network of singletrack loops ideal for anything from a short leg-stretcher to a longer conditioning hike.
Just beyond Ridgecrest, this low range of hills features rolling terrain, open views, and enough intersecting trails to customize your route. You can link loops for more miles, pick a modest circuit near the trailhead, or chase sunset light over the Indian Wells Valley. It’s a practical choice when you want a straightforward trail system without the rough access roads some desert spots require.