Oak Creek is just one of several canyons slicing into the colorful cliffs of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Nestled between Mt. Wilson and Rainbow Peak, Oak Creek is one of the less visited canyons and makes for an excellent destination for trail riders with a lot of route options.
There are several trails that lead to the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon (North, Middle, and South Oak Creek Trails) and there are other unnamed singletrack trails that crisscross the flats so you can meander and take your time getting there. There are enough trails in this area to make different loops of varying lengths. There is little to no signage outside of the trailheads so make sure to look at a map.
All of the main trails to Oak Creek are pretty rocky so shoes or boots are recommended here. You can ride cross-country in some places but there are thick cholla groves to be avoided. The flats of the open desert also have Joshua trees, yucca, and other classic Mojave plants. As you get closer to the canyon you’ll find thick groves of scrub oak and pine trees around the Oak Creek Spring.
Oak Creek is a wide canyon but you cannot ride far into it because it is filled with large boulders. Instead, you can pick up any number of spur trails around the mouth of the canyon. If you head south you can drop into the wash, which usually holds water except for late summer, and cross over to what is called “the Knoll.”
The Knoll is a small hill to the south of Oak Creek Canyon just in front of Mt. Wilson. There are a number of single track trails that lead between the Knoll and Mt. Wilson. A unique feature of this area is that the trails turn to soft, red dirt and there are lots of shady trees. You’ll also get great views all the way to Calico Basin.
Once you get through the Knoll, the trails drop back down into the flats. From here you could make your way back to where you started or continue further south down the canyon. The trails to and around Oak Creek are moderately technical for navigating large rocks and some steep ups and downs around the creek bed. You may encounter some hikers or bicyclists, but people do get sparser the closer you get to the mountain. Keep an eye open for burros!
Getting Here
Where to Park: Horse trailer parking in Red Rock is limited. Do not go to any of the Oak Creek Trailheads, as there is not enough space for a rig. The best place to park a horse trailer in Red Rock is the Lower Red Rock Parking Area. This is a big gravel lot with space for several trailers. From here you can easily access the Pine Creek, Oak Creek, and First Creek trails. Because of how busy this area can get, you should get there early to make sure you can get a spot.
Trail Maps
