|  Quick Links:
Things to Know
Directions
Red Rock Canyon is approximately 25 miles north of the town of Mojave. Take the Antelope Valley Freeway (#14) north. Highway 14 turns off to the right in the town of Mojave, so look for the turn off. If you find yourself leaving Mojave on Highway #58, heading toward Tehachapi, you have passed the turn off. About 20-25 miles north of Mojave, turn left onto Abbott Drive. Follow Abbott Drive to the Ricardo Campground entrance.
Arrival Times – Don’t Be Late!
You may arrive at the campground anytime after Noon on Friday.
- We recommend that you arrive in the afternoon well before 5 p.m. since camping spots are open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis and we cannot reserve or guarantee a camping spot.
- Please arrive no later than 8 p.m. on Friday evening. Late arrivals will have to double and/or triple up in camping spots. If you have friends coming on this trip, we recommend you double up with them.
Proceed through the Ricardo Campground (one way loop) to campsite 39 and check-in with an Education Division staff member. We will assign a campsite to you – please do not just set up unless you check in first. Camp headquarters will be in sites 49 and 50.
Campground Information
Red Rock Canyon State Park Ricardo Campground is a primitive campground. There are no hook ups for trailers or motor homes. Pit toilets and cold water are readily available and within a short distance of each campsite. There are no shower facilities or hot water available at the campground. No pets are allowed.
Regulation for Driving in State Parks (Vehicle Code)
Participants of the Red Rock Canyon Field Trips are asked to read the State Park Vehicle Code before going into the Park. Make sure to always wear seat belts and drive slowly inside the Park (speed limit is 15 mph in the campground).
Weather
Temperatures vary in the high desert. The weather can be moderate most of the year with temperatures in the 60’s to low 70’s during the day and about 20-30 degrees cooler at night. Please remember that this is the Mojave Desert and conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for any possibility – heat, rain, snow or wind!
Meals
All meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday will be provided by Camping Pros, Inc . Meals include non-alcoholic beverages, all necessary eating utensils, plates and cups, etc. You will need to bring something for dinner on Friday night or you can stop to pick up food along the way. There are many fast food and traditional restaurants in the town of Mojave. NOTE: Adults, we do have a no-host “happy hour” on Saturday before dinner if you’d like to bring your own beverages.
Parents
You will be responsible for supervising your children at all times. The Museum staff cannot be responsible for their supervision or safety.
Hiking
When we are hunting for fossils, we will be hiking over rough, hilly terrain without trails. Hiking can be up to 3 miles per day, though we try to drive as close to the fossil collecting areas as possible. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry water during the day. Younger children can get tired from these hikes. An Education Division staff member will remain behind in camp during the Saturday afternoon fossil collecting expedition to do activities with parents and children wishing to stay behind. Please note, a parent must remain behind in camp if your child is going to stay and participate in campground activities.
Special note for the Fall 2008 trip: We will be hiking to a remote fossil area. Participants must physically be able to walk up to four miles in one day. We will be gone most of the day from camp and lunch will be provided in the field.
Weather Policy
In case of inclement weather, please call the museum at (213) 763-3536 after 9 a.m. on Friday to check if the trip is on or off. Unless we are experiencing a significant storm, rain or cold weather we will not cancel the trip.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We are happy to give refunds for cancellations made at least two weeks prior to the trip date. All cancellations will be subject to a 15% processing fee per participant. We’re sorry, but no refunds or credits will be issued after this date. If the museum cancels the trip, your money will be refunded in full. |
