Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in Kern County, east of Bakersfield and just north of the site of Edwards Air Force Base. I never even knew this barren but beautiful place existed before I watched this episode of California’s Golden Parks! I’m not sure if I’ll ever make it down there — but there’s clearly a lot more fascinating history about the area than Huell was able to cover in just 30 minutes.

Located just off highway 14, Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park is not only rich in natural beauty, but has a deep human history as well. From the native Kawaiisu Indians, who left petroglyphs, to the 1870s 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped for water. There are also the remains of 1890s-era mining operations, and the area has been the site for a number of movies.

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)