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Calico Tanks Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (59)
  1. Areas
  2. NV
  3. …Las Vegas Metro
  4. …Calico Basin
  5. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
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“A popular out-and-back trail through sandstone formations to an overlook of the city and the Las Vegas strip. ”

Kristen Evans
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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

Out and Back

4,711' 1,436 m

High

4,321' 1,317 m

Low

390' 119 m

Up

390' 119 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Family Friendly Easy hike, good for kids and dogs

Overview

One of the most popular trails in Red Rock Park, this trail weaves through the white and red sandstone that dominates the area. Several small, seasonal pools of water are passed along the way until the biggest is encountered right before the overlook.

Description

Calico Tanks is an out-and-back trail that begins at the Sandstone Quarry trailhead inside the Red Rock scenic loop.

To begin, follow the main trail from the parking area across, and then alongside, a wash. The trail will fork; follow the trail on the right as it quickly makes its way into an open canyon. From here, keep following the the canyon up.

Most of the time it is easy to see the trail, however, sometimes the route will take you up sandstone steps and onto large slabs where it can be slightly more difficult to navigate. Generally, if you get to an obstacle that cannot be easily maneuvered around, take a few steps back and look for a set of sandstone steps.

About one mile into the canyon you'll reach the largest 'tank,' which may or may not be filled with water. If there is no water or the water level is low, it is possible to descend into the tank and work your way across the natural basin before scrambling back up the rocks to get to the overlook. The more common route follows a path up and to the right of the tank before if finally leads you to the overlook.

Take a minute to enjoy 360° view of the Las Vegas valley and Red Rock Canyon before heading back the same way you journeyed in.

Shared By:

Kristen Evans with improvements by Finn Markmanrud
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 59 votes

#1

in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

#151

Overall
  4.7 from 59 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Red Rock Canyon Nation…

#1

in Nevada

#151

Overall
63 Views Last Month
9,015 Since Nov 10, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
6%
59%
13%
22%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Spring colors in the desert canyons.
Apr 23, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
Looking out over the city of Las Vegas.
Apr 23, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
Calico Tanks views.
Nov 10, 2016 near Summerl…, NV
The End
Sep 11, 2018 near Summerl…, NV
Calico Tanks Trail
Oct 25, 2018 near Summerl…, NV
As seen on the hill top, scrambling is endless at the Calico Tanks.
Apr 23, 2017 near Summerl…, NV

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 12 days ago
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Check-Ins

Nov 24, 2023
Lisa Munsch
to do
Aug 8, 2023
Suz C
Jan 2, 2023
Marc Corona
Dec 28, 2022
Thisara Wijesundera
Nov 11, 2022
Manoj Abey
2.3mi — 1h 30m
Apr 27, 2022
Floyd Hartley
Apr 23, 2022
Brittney Casados
2.3mi — 2h 04m
Mar 20, 2022
Martin B

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