Have you seen anything quite like the Calico Hills? These vibrant sandstone formations offer a scenic spectacle near the heart of Las Vegas. Often called the colorful sandstone grouping, they lie north of the entrance to the Scenic Loop Road. The popular Calico Tanks Trail and Redcap Peak are included here.
The Calico Hills are one of the most colorful geological features in Red Rock Canyon. These distinct crimson hills began as red dunes over 180 million years ago. They remain from a dune field thought to be one of the largest ever to form on earth.
As teenagers some time ago, locals referred to these areas as the Little Red Rocks and the Little White Rocks. They were only a short distance apart. Back then, it was a series of old dirt roads leading up to the Spring Mountains outside Las Vegas. This area was miles from Las Vegas. Whether you lived in Pahrump or Las Vegas, this place was easy to get to.
Today, Las Vegas has expanded right up to the borders of the Calico Hills area. The glyphs are everywhere throughout this area if you are able to hike around and find them. This area was also a little oasis.
The trail runs along the base of the Calico Rocks from Calico Basin to Sandstone Quarry. Distance is variable since the course can be accessed either end or from the two Calico parking areas. In addition, a side trail runs from the fee booth parking lot and connects with this trail. It’s about 2 to 6 miles and is easy to moderate.
Take the turnoff before the Red Rock Park entrance and enjoy the diverse desert colors. You will see a few really nice trails with cool colorful rock formations.
The Calico Hills form a border between lower Red Rock Canyon and the Calico Basin. These ancient sand dunes have been frozen into an artistic display of shapes, colors and designs. From a distance the Calico Hills are dwarfed by the larger surrounding formations. However the closer you get, these formations become huge with 30 to 40ft sheer drop-offs. They’re actually a great playground for those who like to weave around amidst their maze of formations. Seek the summit with its incredible view of both Red Rock Canyon and Calico Basin.
The Calico Hills can be divided into two sections. The Lower or Southern Calico Hills are visited mostly by hikers and light rock scramblers. This is a fun place for nature lovers to get an introductory taste of frozen sand dunes. The most direct route up the lower Calico Hills is called The Grand Staircase. The Upper or Northern Calico Hills are characterized by their tall vertical cliffs. They are visited by rock climbers who have advanced experience, skill and gear.
While there are no official loop trails around the lower and upper Calico Hills, it’s possible to piece together loop routes around both sections. These routes do not require advanced rock climbing skills.
Spectacular views abound along the Lower Calico Hills Loop. The rock formations, colors and pines and shrubs along the loop give it the look of a huge bonsai garden. The best views are at sunrise and sunset as the light brings out the full beauty of the color in the hills. On the East side of the loop in the Calico Basin, one can see Damsel Peak and its ridge system. You can see the Las Vegas Valley, Strip and distant points beyond. On the West side of the loop in the BLM scenic area of Red Rock Canyon one can see Mt. Wilson, Rainbow Mountain, Juniper Peak, Bridge Mountain, North Peak and the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline.
There’s also Red Springs Desert Oasis on the Southwestern base of the Calico Hills in the Calico Basin with its peaceful boardwalk. It’s a great place for a nice walk with friends and family.