Van-tested notes
First-come sites tucked against red cliffs 2 hours from LA. $25/night includes one vehicle. The desert badlands glow at sunrise — walk the Hagen Canyon trail before it gets hot.
Know before you go
- No reservations — arrive early on spring weekends
- Almost no cell signal in the canyon
The facts
Cost
$25/night
Legal status
legal
Distance from LA
120 mi · ~2.1 hr drive
Elevation
2,600 ft
Season
oct to may
Van access
easy
Safety score
9/10
Last verified
2026-07
Cell signal
Verizonweak
AT&Tnone
T-Mobilenone
Amenities
Pit toiletsPotable waterPicnic tablesFire ringsStargazingHikingWhere it is
Get directions in Google Maps →Community reports · last 90 days
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