Anasazi Trail

Alex Cabrero
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Desert landscape with ancient ruins and informational plaques. Red rocky terrain, shrubs, and distant mountains. — *The archaeological site at the end of the Anasazi Trail*

(Leeds) If you’re anything like me, there are days you want to get out for a hike… but not a long, exhausting one. I mean, this website is for middle-aged adventures, right? 😊 So, when I was with Aspen looking for some hikes near St. George, I found the perfect trail. Especially since is also leads to something worth remembering, which is always a bonus.

Man and black dog posing happily in a desert landscape with red rock formations. A sign reads "ANASAZI." Clear blue sky above. — *Aspen and I on the trail*

The Anasazi Trail is within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area near Leeds. It’s a short trail that’s about 1.2 miles round trip, but it’s the kind of hike you can do on a warm day when you just want to stretch your legs, take in the scenery, and maybe discover something unexpected along the way.

Sign for Red Cliffs Recreation Area stands in desert landscape, with striking red cliffs under a blue sky in the background. — *Red Cliffs Recreation Area*

This is one of those trails where the scenery shows up right away. Right from the start, even as you’re driving to the parking area, the red rock cliffs stand out in a way that’ll make it almost impossible not to stop and get a picture even before the hike begins. I might’ve taken a picture while driving. Allegedly. There’s just something about that desert red rock glow that always feels special.

Arid desert landscape with red rock formations, sparse shrubs, and a vivid blue sky. Rolling hills create a rugged, scenic view. — *The red rock and red sand make this hike picture worthy*

Before even getting to the trail, there’s a small piece of history worth noticing. At the start of the road into the Conservation Area, just past the entrance station, sits the Orson B. Adams House. It’s a preserved pioneer home that dates back to the late 1800’s. It was built by Orson B. Adams, one of the early settlers in the Leeds area. It’s a reminder of what life must have been like here long before hiking trails and parking lots existed.

Old stone house with boarded windows in a desert landscape, set against blue sky and distant red hills, evoking a solitary, rustic mood. — *Orson B. Adams House*

It’s easy to drive right past it, but it’s worth slowing down for a few minutes to check it out. Places like this add a little more depth to the landscape and a reminder that people have been making a life in this desert for a long time.

Sign for Orson B. Adams House with historic plaque in foreground. Rustic brick house and arid landscape in background. Clear blue sky. — *Information panel at the Orson B. Adams House*

Now, on to the hike!

Narrow bridge with railings and striped yellow-black signs, surrounded by dry trees and shrubs. A parking area and distant hills in view.

There is plenty of parking near the trailhead. Plus, you get to walk across a little bridge with a small stream below that was perfect for Aspen to get in and cool down before the hike begins.

Red dirt path in a desert landscape with rocky mountains in the background and sparse green shrubs under a clear blue sky. — *Red rocks in the distance of the Anasazi Trail*

The trail winds through the desert terrain where there isn’t much shade in all that sagebrush, so on a warmer day, you’ll feel it. There is a section with trees where you can get some shade and take a break, but most of the trail is out in the open.

Red dirt trail winding through a dry, sparse forest with leafless branches. A trail sign marks the path under clear, sunny skies. — *Section of trail with a little shade*

What I like about this hike is that it doesn’t feel like you’re supposed to rush. Take in the views, take some pictures, and take your time. It’s great to just settle into the rhythm of walking and start noticing things around you.

A spiky cactus in a desert landscape with red sand and distant rocky hills under a blue sky, creating a rugged and arid atmosphere. — *Some kind of cactus or joshua tree*

Toward the end of this trail, you’ll start hiking uphill, which eventually leads to the Red Cliffs Archaeological Site. There’s a big sign for it.

Sign for Red Cliffs Archaeological Site in desert setting, with red cliffs in background, sparse vegetation, and clear blue sky. — *Sign for the Red Cliffs Archaeological Site*

Just past that sign, when I realized what I was looking at, it hit me. This place is special.

Desert landscape with rust-colored rocks, shrubs, and stone ruins. Wooden fences and informational panels in the background under a blue sky. — *Some of the ancient structures of the archaeological site*

It’s where you’ll see ancient structures left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans. Some of these sites date back nearly 1,000 years, which is hard to wrap your head around when you’re standing there.

Stone ruins with reddish-brown rocks in a desert landscape, surrounded by dry shrubbery. Earthy tones dominate the arid setting. — *Ruins from a past culture*

It’s not a very big site, but it doesn’t need to be. Looking around, you realize (except for I-15 way off in the distance) things probably look pretty much the same as they did back then. You can almost feel the presence of the ancients here. Aspen and I were the only ones here and it was perfectly quiet.

Old well and stone fence in dry desert landscape with sparse shrubs under a bright blue sky, conveying isolation and history. — *The ruins are protected by fences*

The rock pits are surrounded by fences, so please don’t try to go in them. There’s a healthy amount of respect a place like this deserves. It felt like the ancients were watching and I don’t think anyone should test that karma. Plus, it’s nice to just leave it as it is.

Rocky desert landscape with stone-filled wire mesh pillars and wooden fence. Red mountains and blue sky in the background. Dry vegetation. — *Mountain backdrop at the archaeological site*

On the hike back, you’ll be facing the red rock cliffs and it’s just beautiful.

Man in blue hoodie smiling for a selfie on a desert trail, with a black dog in the background. Blue skies and scattered bushes. — *Aspen and I hiking back*

After the hike, I read that there were a few petroglyphs near the archaeological site. That bummed me out a little because I never saw them, but I also wasn’t looking for them. It absolutely makes me want to go back to see them. I love ancient rock art. So, be on the lookout because they’re obviously easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Red sandy ground with various tire and shoe imprints creating intricate patterns. A stick lies diagonally in the scene. — *Footprints in the red sand*

This hike is dog friendly, but make sure the red sand isn’t too hot for their paws. It can easily reach 100 degrees here in the summer. Aspen had a great time, especially knowing there was a small stream near the parking area to cool off in afterwards. And yes, she got in again at the end.

Black dog walking on a red dirt path surrounded by dry branches and fallen leaves. Bright sunlight creates a warm atmosphere. — *Aspen walking in the water*

The Anasazi Trail connects with other trails in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, so you can easily turn a short walk into something longer if you want. I used my AllTrails app to make sure I stayed on track, even though there were plenty of trail signs.

Trail sign reading "Anasazi" with hiking symbols in a red desert landscape, featuring rocky formations, green shrubs, and a blue sky. — *Anasazi Trail sign*

This trail isn’t about distance or difficulty. It’s about getting outside, enjoying the landscape, and coming across a small piece of history that’s been sitting quietly in the desert for hundreds of years.

Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

Man smiling in a blue jacket with rocky red mountains behind him under a blue sky. Sparse vegetation is visible in the desert landscape. — *Take time to ponder at the archaeological site*

LOCATION:

Trailhead Location Archaeological Site Location Red Cliffs Recreation Area Red Cliffs Campground

Desert landscape with red rock formations, a pavilion, bench, and signpost labeled 3. Sparse trees and blue sky. Peaceful setting. — *There's a beautiful campground near the trailhead*

Empty parking lot with a row of cars on the right, set against red rocky hills under a clear blue sky. Bare trees border the scene. — *Plenty of parking at the trailhead parking lot*

Road leading through desert landscape with red rock hills, snow-capped mountains in background, and a small cabin near the road. — *The view just before the entrance station*

Stone wall ruins in a dry, desert landscape. The background has sparse vegetation and sandy soil with shades of brown and tan. — *Standing rock walls at the archaeological site*

A wooden bench on a red dirt path surrounded by dry bushes and trees, under clear sunlight, creates a calm, natural setting. — *Bench in the shaded area along the trail*

Red rock desert landscape with shrubs, sandy path, and cloudy sky. Massive reddish-orange rock formations dominate the background. — *The Anasazi Trail*

Stone ruins in a desert landscape with rugged red mountains and a blue sky in the background. Dry shrubs scatter the sandy ground. — *Ancient ruins*

Map showing a circular pithouse with stone walls and firepits, labeled "YOU ARE HERE." Blue and gray hues create a serene mood. — *Site map on information panel*

Yellow "Tortoise Crossing" sign and "Caution Drive Slowly" notice in desert setting with red rock hills and sparse vegetation. — *Watch out for tortoises*

Anasazi Trail

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