Nightmare Gulch is a small, colorful, highly scenic canyon in Red Rock Canyon State Park in Southern California. The area attracts many raptors. To protect the raptor nesting sites, the gulch is closed to hikers and vehicle travel yearly from February 1 to July 1. The cross-country route starts just a half mile north of the entrance to the park at a small turn out on the east side of the highway. The route travels north then east around ridge tops offering panoramic views of the gulch and the Southern Sierra Nevada, then descends and turns south to the entrance to Nightmare Gulch. The gulch is filled with side slot canyons just waiting to explore.After exiting the gulch turn north to head back to the trail head. LENGTH 8.8 mile loop trip TRAIL HEAD Half mile north of the entrance to Red Rock State Park at a small turn out on the east side of the highway DIFFICULTY Easy to moderate BEST TIME TO HIKE September – January 31 (can be very hot during the middle of summer) the area is closed February 1-July 1Additional photos