Calico Tanks Trail – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The hike in Red Rock Canyon is the perfect introductory tour on your road trip in the southwest of the USA. On the almost four-kilometer-long, varied route of the Calico Tanks Trail, you will discover the geology, flora and fauna of the desert and will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Valley.

Park and lace up your hiking boots at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot. With the Calico Hills to your right, you first cross a so-called wash twice, a riverbed that only carries water during heavy rain. Always keeping to your right, after about ten minutes you turn into the rocks.

Sometimes on a pleasant path, sometimes slightly scrambling, you walk to the Calico Tank natural pool. This has less or more water depending on the time of year and is also the turning point of the trail. For the beautiful view of the valley, you should first choose the best photo spot yourself. You then go back and down to the parking lot on the same route.

Due to its proximity to the city of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a popular excursion destination. In the more pleasant winter months, from early October to late May, a timed reservation is therefore necessary. You can pre-book your day ticket on the website https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177. The trails are quietest early in the morning or in the evening. Make sure you have a water bottle with you on this hike, despite the short distance.