Calico Tanks Trail

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV Red Rock Canyon

Trip stats

Distance
2.6 mi
Net Gain
500 ft
Time
<1 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 2
Route
Out/Back

Ratings out of 10

Effort
0.9/10
Personality
3/10
Beauty
4/10
Solitude
0.6/10
What do these mean? →

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

36.161832, -115.449971

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Jan 29, 2017 — The Calico Tanks Trail is one of the most popular in Red Rock Canyon. From the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead, follow the obvious and well-marked Calico Tanks Trail to the tanks, natural water containments formed within the sandstone. There are multiple trail turn-offs along the way to reach other destinations. There is some easy scrambling required along the route to get to the Calico Tanks. On my visit, winter, the tanks were full. Go a bit past the tanks to get a nice view of the south section of the Calico Hills. For a harder day with fun scrambling, try this Calico Hills Loop. 

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Photos

19 photos

  1. Starting along the Calico Tanks Trail.
  2. Turtlehead Peak visible in the distance.
  3. The Calico Tanks Trail follows some slickrock as it heads up a wide canyon.
  7. Looking down the canyon, back the way I came.
  8. Some pretty flowing water on the way to Calico Tanks.
  13. The trail steepens slightly before reaching the Calico Tanks.
  17. Calico Tanks.
  18. Calico Tanks, view looking back the way I came.
  19. Just past the Calico Tanks, a nice view looking south.

Photo 1 of 1

Hire me or show some love!

Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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