Calico Hills

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · Views · Wildlife

Calico Hills is one of the top trails in all of Red Rock Canyon. The trail starts at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot, however it can be accessed via the Visitor Center, Calico #1, or Calico #2 parking lots.

The trail is off to the right side of the parking lot (right next to the inflow traffic lane). The trail meanders along the fairly tame terrain (it does slowly descend) along the foot of the hills for a good 4,000 ft. After this, the trail starts to head uphill a little ways, before heading down again. At this point, you'll start to get into canyons, and be weaving in and out of rock formations.

At this point, the trail steadily loses elevation, but remains easy to hike. At 0.83 miles you'll find a rock with petroglyphs on it. Just a few yards past this you'll see the split off for the Calico Hills: Adventure Route to the left. If you are looking for something a little more challenging, and looking for a chance to get into some more canyons, switch to the Calico Hills: Adventure Route. If you are going for an easier trail stick to this one.

The trail branches to the right and follows a well-maintained path. The trail will start to move farther and farther away from the hills. This will give you an opportunity to see them from a distance. At mile 1.78, the trail will take a sharp turn to the east, as it heads up close to the Calico #1 parking lot. After this, the trail follows fairly close to the road. The trail ends near the entrance station, just southeast of the visitor center.