For “Green Friday” the day after Thanksgiving, Red Rock Canyon State Park is offering a challenging guided 7.5-mile hike through the unique and beautiful rocky and sandy terrain of Hagen Canyon, Whistler Ridge, Red Rooster and Mushroom Rock Wash, including a short stretch of serious rock scrambling.

As an alternative to stress and consumerism on Black Friday, California State Parks officials invite residents to choose the outdoors over fighting it out in the aisles.

The route is for moderate to advanced hikers; there will be opportunities along the route to return on your own to the parking area.

Turn “Black Friday” into “Green Friday” on a hike in your

Hikers will meet hike leader Alice on Friday, November 29 at the Hagen Canyon parking lot at 9 a.m., on Abbott Drive just off of Highway 14 (pay the $6/vehicle parking fee at the visitor center kiosk before meeting up).

Lots of water, snacks, lunch, layered clothing, sun protection, and shoes with good traction are necessary. Gloves for rock scrambling areas (gardening gloves are adequate) and trekking poles are recommended.

No dogs are allowed on this guided hike, and only heavy rain will cancel.

For questions about the Green Friday hike at Red Rock Canyon State Park, contact hike leader Alice at alicekhteian@hotmail.com.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, 37749 Abbott Drive, Cantil (22 miles north of Mojave on Hwy 14, near California City).

For more information about Red Rock Canyon State Park, visit www.parks.ca.gov/RedRockCanyonStatePark or www.Facebook.com/RedRockCanyonStatePark.