Calico Tanks Trail Featured 2
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Las Vegas Hikes

Calico Tanks Trail

  • 2.5 miles - Easy Effort
  • 1-2 Hours (Total)
  • Can Get Very Busy
  • 400 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 4,720 feet
  • Leashed Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:
  • Video and Turn By Turn Directions
  • How to Get to the Trailhead
  • What to Watch Out For & Insider Tips

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.
Click Here To View

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

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.

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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.

Need More Info?

  • Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
  • When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.