Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful example of nature's artwork in Oklahoma. Wind, water and natural forces have shaped 260 million-year-old deposits from the Permian geological period Into the natural sculpture you see today. Before the mid-1800s, Plains Indians used the canyon as a winter camp. Game was abundant, the Water was pure and clean and it was an escape from the cold prairie winds, just as it is today.
The canyon became a landmark on the California Road. During the 1849 California Gold Rush, the westward leading road was a haven for weary travelers. It provided fresh water, grazing for livestock and a place to rest and repair their wagons. In 1956, the Hinton Kiwanis Club donated the land, known as Kiwanis Canyon Park to the state. The park was renamed Red Rock Canyon State Park.
The 310 acres of steep, rugged cliffs and canyons make the park a favorite spot for camping and hiking. The canyon floor is home to a rich ecosystem that includes many varieties of trees, birds and animal life. Nature puts on a spectacular fall foliage show from mid-October to mid-November but every season is special at Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park.
As of November 1st, 2018 the Red Rock Canyon State Park was no longer operated by the State of Oklahoma. However, the park is now privately operated with a desire to see this beautiful park continue to thrive and reach more visitors to showcase the beauty of Red Rock Canyon.
Park Activities
Group Picnic Shelters (Open Year Round)
There are five picnic shelters located throughout the park. The shelters feature picnic tables, large pedestal cooking grill, water and electric service. Contact us to reserve your shelter for your next birthday party, family reunion, or other get together. For further questions contact the park office.
Swimming Pool (Seasonal)
The swimming pool is located in Canyon Campground. The pool is open seasonally from the Memorial Day weekend through August 1. Mon (Closed), Tues-Sun (Open). Month of August through labor day open only weekends daily. Additional charges apply.
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing - Red Rock Canyon has a small fishing pond in Canyon Campground. An Oklahoma fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
Hiking - The Rough Horsetail Nature Trail is located in the Canyon Campground at the bottom of the steep entrance/exit hill. The quarter-mile loop trail is marked with interpretive signs.
California Road Nature Trail - located in the California Road Campground. It is a ¾ mile loop trail that follows the path of an old pioneer trail and an old railroad right-of-way. Trail difficulty is moderate, due to the steep incline.
Hiking Trails - The Canyon Ridge Trail travels through the forest and open native grass fields of the back country portion of the park. Caution! While hiking off the designated trails is permitted along the canyon rim, there are no maintained hiking trails in that area. The sandstone on the canyon rim can be very unstable and slippery. Extreme caution is advised.
Bird watching
SPECIAL AMENITIES
Accessible Facilities
California Road Campground has one accessible (semi-modern) pull-through 50-amp RV site and one accessible tent site.
Canyon Campground has one accessible tent site.
One accessible picnic site and fishing pier at the pond.
The swimming pool features a pool lift and a fully accessible restroom.
