Where is the Calico Tanks Trail located?

The Calico Tanks Trail is located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. The trailhead is at the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead, Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161.

What is the difficulty level of the Calico Tanks Trail?

The Calico Tanks Trail is considered a moderate hike. It is challenging enough to provide a good workout but is suitable for hikers of most skill levels.

How long is the Calico Tanks Trail hike?

The Calico Tanks Trail is approximately 2.5 miles round trip and takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.

What should I bring for the Calico Tanks Trail hike?

For the Calico Tanks Trail, bring plenty of water, good footwear (hiking shoes or trail runners), and sun protection. A satellite communicator is also recommended due to limited cell service in the park.

What is the best time to hike the Calico Tanks Trail?

The best time to hike the Calico Tanks Trail is during the cooler months, ideally from fall to spring. Avoid hiking during summer due to the extreme heat in the desert.

Are there any water sources on the Calico Tanks Trail?

There are no water sources along the Calico Tanks Trail, so it is important to bring enough water with you for the hike. The Calico Tank is a water catchment, but it is usually dry, except in the spring when it may be filled.

Can I hike the Calico Tanks Trail in winter?

Yes, the Calico Tanks Trail is accessible year-round. Winter hikes can be pleasant as temperatures are cooler, but it’s still important to prepare for cold desert nights.

What are some highlights of the Calico Tanks Trail?

The Calico Tanks Trail offers spectacular views of colorful sandstone formations, the chance to visit an old sandstone quarry, and a water catchment tank. The views from the tank overlook Las Vegas and the surrounding desert landscape.

How do I get to the Calico Tanks Trailhead?

To reach the Calico Tanks Trailhead, drive 3 miles past the Red Rock Canyon visitor center on the Scenic Drive. The trailhead is located at the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead with parking available on the right.

Are there any facilities at the Calico Tanks Trailhead?

The Sandstone Quarry Trailhead has a parking lot, a primitive toilet, and no water facilities. The nearest restroom with water is at the Red Rock Canyon visitor center.

PLAY VIDEO

Calico Tanks Trail

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 4, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1-2 Hours
Total Climbing: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Crowded
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Red Rock Canyon

The Calico Tanks Trail hike is the most popular in Red Rock Canyon. The scenery is spectacular–red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations with mountains towering above you. At the end of the hike is a watering hole (the Calico Tank) with views of Las Vegas. It's challenging without being too difficult and suitable for all skill levels. It's a nice change of pace from the Las Vegas strip.

How To Get To the Calico Tanks Trail

Calico Tanks Location — The Calico Tanks Trail is located in Red Rock Canyon park, roughly 40 minutes from most spots in central Las Vegas.

Calico Tanks is one of the numerous hikes in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which the Bureau of Land Management runs. The hike is reached by driving around the (one-way) Scenic Drive. You must get a timed entry for Red Rock Canyon at some points in the year, so check the Recreation.gov website before you go. You don't have to pay an entry fee if you have a National Parks Pass.

Red Rock Canyon is Nevada's first National Conservation Area.

The Calico Tanks hike trailhead is about 3 miles past the Red Rock Canyon visitor center, at the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead. Use this trailhead address: Sandstone Quarry Trailhead, Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161

Calico Tanks Trailhead Map — The Sandstone Quarry Trailhead is only a few minutes down the Scenic Drive from the entrance.

Come early to beat the crowds. It's the most popular hike in the park.

Calico Tanks Parking 1 — Look for the turnoff for the parking lot to your right.

Calico Tanks Parking 2 — There are many parking spots, but the lot gets full quickly. There's also a primitive toilet by the parking area.

Preparing For The Hike

The Calico Tanks Trail hike is in the Mojave Desert, the summers can be dangerously hot, and the winters can be cold. So prepare appropriately and bring plenty of water either way. Otherwise, fitness clothing is fine; you don't need any specialized hiking gear.

There's poor cell phone reception in the park, take your satellite communicator if you have one.

Don't hike Turtlehead Peak when the temperatures are high. It's strenuous and you risk heat stroke.

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Calico Tanks Trail Maps

Calico Hills Trail Marker — Look for these trail signs along the way. Make sure that it says "Calico Tanks" on it.

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Calico Tanks Trail Directions

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 2 — Look for the trailhead sign at the end of the parking lot. Take a picture of map, just in case.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 3 — As you start hiking, you'll get great views of Turtlehead Peak, which you can also hike. It's 6323 feet, lower than the highest point on the East Coast, Mt Mitchell, near Asheville, NC.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 4 — When you get to the wide area, the trail breaks off ahead to the left. But first visit the Sandstone Quarry ahead.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 5 — Take a look around the impressive 10-ton slabs of sandstone.

The sandstone quarry operated from 1905-1912. One of the reasons why it went out of business was because the tractor used to haul it into Vegas, nicknamed the "big devil wagon," burned 400 gallons of crude on each trip.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 6 — Head back to the big clearing and look for the trail to continue. It will say "Calico Tanks" on it.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 7 — Cross over the wash areas to continue the trail. Don't hike up the wash.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 1 — When the trail splits, hike to the right toward Calico Tanks.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 8 — Just after the split, look for an interpretive display on your left. Take the small trail behind it to visit the agave roasting pit.

The native Southern Paiute would roast whole agave in ground pits for several days. The roasted agave has a sweet taste, somewhere between a cooked pumpkin and sweet potato.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 9 — The massive pit is easy to spot once walking a minute behind the sign. The limestone was heated into hot coals. The white pieces are baked limestone.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 10 — After visiting the agave pit, keep hiking. Notice the big rock cairn along with the trail marker. We'll be looking for those on the next stretch.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 11 — Now we're entering the Calico Hills, and the terrain changes from rock to multi-colored (calico!) sandstone.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 12 — When the trail isn't obvious, always look ahead for a trail marker like this. You'll see several along the way.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 13 — And enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the Aztec Sandstone that makes this area notable.

The Aztec Sandstone you see around you dates back to the Jurassic Period, about 180-190 million years ago, when the t-rex roamed the earth. Speaking of which, dinosaur footprints have been found in the park, but they're not viewable to the public. The rock is red from the minerals oxidizing, just like rust.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 14 — There are some short uphills over the sandstone and up steps, but no big hills to climb. Notice the trail marker at the top of the climb.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 15 — There are some incredible rock staircases along the way. This is the biggest and is often used in social media photos.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 16 — When you're crossing big slabs of sandstone, look for a trail marker in the distance.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 17 — The trail follows a pattern of going through washes, up stairs, and over slabs.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 18 — Here's an example of where the trail goes through the wash. Look for the most footprints as a clue.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 19 — And after about 1.2 miles you reach Calico Tanks.

Tank comes from the Spanish word for jar, "tinaja," and refers to a water catchment. In this shot its dry, but in the Spring it's usually filled with water and an essential resource for wildlife.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 20 — For the great views, follow the ledge around the right side of the tank.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 21 — And then you come to the Calico view. The views are spectacular.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 22 — You can even see down to the Las Vegas strip.

Calico Tanks Hike Directions 23 — When you're done at the tanks, simply retrace your steps and return to the start.

Originally published February 3, 2023