Tipple
The mile-long Tipple Trail is accessed from the Red Cliffs Campground about 0.7 mile up the Red Reef East Trail. It is primarily an old, 2-track, dirt trail with a section of single-track that drops down to the Leeds Creek and up to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve/NCA northern boundary. The trail is relatively easy except for the Leeds Creek crossing which can be a challenge when the creek is flowing high. The elevation gain from the Red Reef East Reef trail to the Reserve/NCA boundary is about 90 feet with an up and down elevation change of about 225 feet. The trail offers nice views of the riparian areas in the Leeds Creek drainage and excellent views of the red rock formations seen from the White Reef area. The trail lies entirely within the Red Cliffs NCA managed by the Bureau of land Management and is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians but is closed to motor vehicles.
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- Red Cliffs Recreation area map showing linkages to and from the Tipple trail.
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- The Tipple trail starts at its junction here with the Red Reef East trail and heads northeast down the slope.
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- Throughout portions of its length the trail is a solid dirt, two-track that is easy to hike or ride.
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- Here the trail drops down to the riparian area prior to crossing Leeds Creek.
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- Shown here, the creek crossing is usually fairly simple unless the creek is running high.
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- Looking back upslope, visitors will enjoy the red rock scenery of the distant cliffs.
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- Some portions of the trail become very rocky but still provide firm footing for hikers, bikers and riders.
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- Views from the trail to the west reflect the spectacular red cliffs of the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness area.
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- Once on top of the ridge line, the trail becomes a single-track, dirt route easily traversed by all visitors.
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- Occasional historic buildings and ruins may be found by observant visitors.
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- Portions of an old mining development remain at this location near the north end of the trail.
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- The trail ends at this stepover at the north boundary of the National Conservation Area.
