Turtlehead Peak Trail

5 miles - Hard Effort
3-4 Hours (Total)
Can Get Very Busy
2,020 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 6,323 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

One of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon, the Turtlehead Peak hike is challenging but rewards you with sweeping 360 views into Las Vegas and the surrounding La Madre mountains. The trail to Turtlehead Peak is the shortest summit hike in Red Rock Canyon park, so be prepared for a workout and some crowds. But it's worth it; the views are incredible.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn By Turn Directions
How to Get to the Trailhead
What to Watch Out For & Insider Tips

Quick Links:
Park Reservations - Parks Pass - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

How To Get To the Turtlehead Peak Trail

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

Turtlehead Peak 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 Turtlehead Peak 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, this hike can get busy later in the morning.

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.

Gear For The Hike

Turtlehead Peak is in the Mojave Desert, and it can get very hot in the summer and surpassingly cold in the winter, especially at the summit. The summit is often windy too, so having a layer and a shell for the top is smart. Bring 2L of water and a snack for the summit. Trekking poles are also helpful for the steep climb and descent.

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

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Turtlehead Peak Trail Maps

Turtlehead Peak Red Rock Trail Sign — Look for these trail signs along the way. The trail can be tough to follow on the climb in the middle, but I'll give you some tips in the guide.

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

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

turtlehead peak trail 3d map — The Turtlehead Peak Trail starts with the colorful rock formations of the Calico Hills and then makes its way up the steep gully section, eventually reaching the saddle and winding its way up to the summit.

turtlehead peak trail elevation — The beginning of the hike is the only place where the climb is gradual. Once you get to the middle, it's steep. That section climbs 700 feet in less than half a mile. Just take your time, and you will be fine.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions

Turtlehead Peak isn't the highest point in the park; that honor goes to La Madre Mountain at 8,154ft. But Turtlehead Peak is the highest peak within the park that you can hike to.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 1 — When you get to the wide clearing, keep left to continue the trail. If you want to do a detour to the sandstone quarry, it's straight ahead.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 4 — Cross over the washes to continue the trail.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 5 — When you get to the split, keep left for Turtlehead Peak.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 6 — Now the trail follows the wash and climbs gradually. You'll be walking next to or in the wash. There are plenty of trail markers along the way.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 7 — At a little over a mile in you'll encounter a boundary marker for the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. For me this marks the beginning of the toughest part of the climbing.

Want to know what makes a Wilderness Area? Watch this.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 8 — We're going to be following the left side of the gully up to the saddle. We don't go into the gully, but at some points we're right above it.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 9 — In addition to the trail markers, look for spray paint blazes too.

Don't be surprised if you see struggling tourists on the trail. The hike is popular with inexperienced hikers who go to the visitor center, get a map, and go for it.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 10 — We're hiking up toward the saddle. Look up for markers. At some points the trail splits and comes back together. Look for the most footprints.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 13 — At a few places the trail cuts back away from the gully.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 11 — Keep your eyes open for this big caged markers too.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 14 — Before you get to the saddle, the trail cuts across the top of the gully and then back in a switchback.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 15 — And here you are at the saddle! Make the right for the last half-mile or so to the summit.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 16 — You get a short breather after the saddle. In front of you is the summit.

Although you'll see this slab of limestone referred to as Turtlehead Peak in the park literature, it's official name on the USGS map is Turtlehead Mountain.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 17 — When you get to the back of the peak, you'll notice that the trail splits. The easier route is to go straight and wind up the backside.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 18 — The overall idea is to climb up the backside and then hook around to the right, climbing to the summit. It's a bit of a "choose your own adventure" as the trail splits and comes together quite a bit.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 19 — And here you are at the summit!

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 21 — You'll get views into Las Vegas.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 20 — And behind you is the highest point in Red Rock Canyon, La Madre Mountain.

Turtlehead Peak Hike Directions 22 — When you're done at the summit, just turn around and go back down the same way that you came up. That's the hike!

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.

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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.