Red Rock Canyon – Calico Tanks Trail

Introduction:

What? :

The Calico Tanks Trail is not so long, 2.4-mile round-trip, but because it involved some steep climbs up the canyon it considered a strenuous.

 

In its first section the hike follow the creek and then it climb into a side canyon, here it climb up the sandstone slickrock reaching near it end toto a large natural lower section near the top of the Calico Hills ridge. The tank area is usually dry, but it may hold water. Just after the tank the last climb will take you to a nice high viewing point to the other side of the ridge, Calico Basin and the Las Vegas Valley.

 

The route requires in short specific location 2nd-class scrambling over boulders and slick-rock, but it is not considered dangerous and when hiking here I saw hikers form all level and kids, just take it slow be safe.

 

Plan for about 2-3 hours hike.

 

 

Where? :

The park is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip and city center, about 30 minutes’ drive. You can take Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159 and drive west or use the 215 highway and exit at W Charleston Blvd and NV-159 W/Red Rock Canyon Rd. From highway 215 drive for 5.9 mile and then you will see the park entrance on your right.

The Calico Tanks Trailhead is located at Sandstone Quarry Overlook Parking Lot, this will be 3 miles up the scenic view one-way road.

 

Google Map Link

 

 

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When? :

The park is open year-round, but the late fall and winter month are the recommended time to visit here.

Temperatures can average more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. If you are planning to hike, try to come early in the morning. The best protection against heat is drinking plenty of water and limiting exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

The park averages 294 days of sunshine per year.

Summer afternoon monsoon rainstorm is expected, be aware of flash flood and lightning.

 

Winter mid-day temperatures are the best for hiking, cold night around freezing and mid-day around 50-60f with almost no rain at all.

 

 

Due note 1:

Entrance Reservation:

To manage visitor overcrowded and congestion, protect the nature and improve visitor experience the access into the park visitor center and Scenic Loop Road is controlled by an online reservation system.

This system is implemented between November 3 through May 31.

The park road is open starting 6am.

Between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. a Timed Entry Permits (+/- 30 min) is required per vehicle.

 

Timed entry reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177

 

Note: You can still hike in Red Rock Canyon NCA without the need for reservations or paying fees when hiking into the park from the nearby areas.

Note: Actually, most of my visits and hike into the park started outside the park road, yes it a lot longer hike but you can enjoy this area even if you do not have entrance reservations.

 

Due note 2:

Daily Private Vehicle Entry $20; America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted.

Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Red Rock Canyon Main Information Line: 702-515-5350

The Park Visitor Center is located just after the entry kiosks at the start of the one-way, Scenic Loop Road.

You can find gift shop in the visitor center.

 

Due note 3:

Cell service is limited, make your park reservation prior driving here. If you plan to hike download your map.

At the visitor center there is wifi.

 

Due note 4:

Pets are welcome at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Pets are permitted on trails and should be leashed

 

Due note 5:

The Red Rock campground typically closes for the summer months.

 

Due note 6:

The park is very popular with the rock and boulder climbing community.

There are routes of interest to both the beginning and advanced climbers. Great boulders and sheer rock faces bring climbers from around the world.

Avoid climbing on sandstone within 72 hours after rain.

 

Due note 7:

Off-highway driving in the National Conservation Area is limited to designated roads.

 

Due note 8:

When hiking drink at least one gallon (four liters) of water per day.

Flash Floods: When hiking, avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground.

 

Due note 9:

There are several picnic areas in the park and along the scenic drive.

There is another picnic areas that is located at Red Spring area.

 

Due note 10:

Wear a hat, dress in layers, sunglasses and apply sunscreen

 

Due note 10:

Rattlesnakes and scorpions like to hide under rocks and in shrubs, be aware.

 

Due note 11:

You have restrooms in the visitor center and at the trailhead.

The nearest restaurants, supermarket, gas station, are located at the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, 4.5 miles northeast of the entrance to Red Rock Canyon.

 

 

 

My thoughts:

This is one of the most popular hikes in the park, it showcase of the great desert, rocks and view point this section of the park has to offer.

I like this hike because it is not just walking along creeks, it involved with nice climbing and the rewording view at the top of the hike.

When I visit here the tank was dry, so I need to visit here when the tank is full of water…

 

 

The Hike:

 

From the trailhead the hike starts on the old road leading to the quarry area.

From here the trail follow the dry creek after passing the signed Grand Circle Trail junction to the left.

 Right after that the trail start to circle back to the hills and it is following the creek on it left side.

Here you will see Turtlehead Peak Trail sign heading left, you should keep right in the direction of the main creek wash.

 

Keep hiking in the creek and soon the trail will get into the wash that is getting narrow, and you can find here many trees.

 

Keep walking in the creek and after 0.4 mile from the starting point you will see a right turn into a side creek.

Look for clear signs heading right and do not continue in the main creek.

 

From this point the trail heading southeast and uphill into the heart of the hills.

At the beginning of the canyon, it is covered with send but after short walk in the creek you start to climb up the canyon. You can’t get lost just follow the canyon and there are clear signs and large cairns.

 

You will climb over more rocks and steps on your way up the canyon.

After about 1.1 mile from the trailhead you will reach the tank, a large lower section between the boulders and large rocks. When there is a sufficient precipitation, the tank get full of water.

If the tank is full of water, you can bypass along the south (right) side following carefully the rock ledge.

If the tank is dry the trail going down into it and up on it far side, here you will scramble the last rock barrier up to the saddle between the 2 large mountains.

 

From this high point you will get the view to the other side, down into Calico Basin, and far across to Las Vegas Valley.

Here is the perfect place to take a rest, enjoy the view and eat and drink.

 

Once you rested you need to hike down the same way you climb up.