The red rocks in our path was an indication that we were near at one of our destinations for the day.
What causes rocks to weather to a reddish color?
The reddish color that you see in weathered rocks is caused by oxidation. The trace iron in the rocks, after having been exposed to the elements, primarily water, gets oxidized because of the oxygen found in water and making it turn red to reddish brown (typical color of rust).
Depending on the rock composition also, some rocks have layers that, after being exposed due to weathering, contain traces of other reddish particles that give the rock its reddish color.
This was the case for the Red Rock Hot Spring were you will see red rocks all around the vicinity surrounding the hot spring.