Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This is a full POV route of the Red Reef Trail in Red Cliffs Recreation Area near Leeds, Utah.
I didn’t have my GoPro on this trip, so everything was recorded on my phone—so expect some variation in audio and video quality. Still, this is a great hike and worth sharing.
This trail is especially fun when water is flowing through the canyon. It creates small waterfalls, shallow stream crossings, and a unique desert water hike experience that you don’t always get in Southern Utah. The reason why it "disappears" is because higher up, it is gate controlled. The excess is what is sent down below (which is this hike), but usually in early April (if not a few weeks sooner) the water will be diverted for irrigation instead. And if you miss the flowing water, you will have to try until next year after the snowstorms come in again.
Our dog Clark absolutely loves hikes like this—any time there’s water involved, he’s all in. This one is easily one of his favorites.
📍 Route Overview
The Red Reef Trail is a short but scenic hike located within Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The route follows a sandy wash and gradually enters a narrow canyon section.
Along the way, you’ll encounter small rock scrambles, pools of water, and minor waterfalls depending on recent conditions. The terrain is relatively approachable, but there are a few spots where you’ll use your hands to climb over rock features.
The trail eventually reaches a small waterfall and pool area, which serves as a natural turnaround point for most hikers before heading back the same way.
📊 Route Stats
Distance: ~1.5–2 miles roundtrip
Time: ~1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Sand, slickrock, and shallow water crossings
Water: Seasonal (best after rain or during flow periods)
Dog Friendly: Yes (great water hike for dogs)
💡 Important Info
Water flow is seasonal and may be diverted upstream.
Conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather.
Some light scrambling may be required.
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, and urban exploring.
This is a full POV route of the Red Reef Trail in Red Cliffs Recreation Area near Leeds, Utah.
I didn’t have my GoPro on this trip, so everything was recorded on my phone—so expect some variation in audio and video quality. Still, this is a great hike and worth sharing.
This trail is especially fun when water is flowing through the canyon. It creates small waterfalls, shallow stream crossings, and a unique desert water hike experience that you don’t always get in Southern Utah. The reason why it "disappears" is because higher up, it is gate controlled. The excess is what is sent down below (which is this hike), but usually in early April (if not a few weeks sooner) the water will be diverted for irrigation instead. And if you miss the flowing water, you will have to try until next year after the snowstorms come in again.
Our dog Clark absolutely loves hikes like this—any time there’s water involved, he’s all in. This one is easily one of his favorites.
📍 Route Overview
The Red Reef Trail is a short but scenic hike located within Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The route follows a sandy wash and gradually enters a narrow canyon section.
Along the way, you’ll encounter small rock scrambles, pools of water, and minor waterfalls depending on recent conditions. The terrain is relatively approachable, but there are a few spots where you’ll use your hands to climb over rock features.
The trail eventually reaches a small waterfall and pool area, which serves as a natural turnaround point for most hikers before heading back the same way.
📊 Route Stats
Distance: ~1.5–2 miles roundtrip
Time: ~1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Sand, slickrock, and shallow water crossings
Water: Seasonal (best after rain or during flow periods)
Dog Friendly: Yes (great water hike for dogs)
💡 Important Info
Water flow is seasonal and may be diverted upstream.
Conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather.
Some light scrambling may be required.
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, and urban exploring.
