Calico Hills: Sandstone Sentinels on Las Vegas’s Wild Edge
Sandstone slabs, short scrambles, and desert panoramas just a short drive from the Strip.
You leave the neon and traffic behind, and within 30 minutes the city’s geometry loosens into a rougher rhythm: wind-shorn ridges, bleached sandstone, and a sky so wide the sun seems to pull the colors out of the rocks. At the trailhead for Calico Hills—the Rangeline of ridges that flank Red Rock Canyon—hikers shoulder packs and tighten laces beneath a cathedral of stone. The first steps are on packed desert dirt; the next take you up slick sandstone slopes scalloped with wind and time. On a clear morning the hills glow like freshly fired clay, and the canyon exhales a dry, mineral scent that promises both challenge and a view worth standing for.
Trail Wisdom
Start early or late
Temperatures swing dramatically—begin hikes at dawn or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and catch the best light.
Hydrate for the desert
Carry at least 1–2 liters for short hikes and more for longer routes; electrolyte options help with sweat loss in hot months.
Footwear matters
Choose sticky-soled shoes or light approach shoes for traction on slick sandstone slabs.
Respect fragile formations
Stay on designated trails—sandstone erodes easily and off-trail traffic damages cryptobiotic soils.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Petroglyph Wall (lesser-visited panels near the main loop)
- •Small ephemeral pools and shaded alcoves on north-facing slabs after rains
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Western scrub-jay
Conservation Note
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Red Rock Canyon enforces a day-use fee and trail protections—stay on trails and pack out all waste to help preserve fragile sandstone and cryptobiotic soils.
The area is part of a landscape used seasonally by Indigenous peoples and later prospected for minerals; visible rock layers record millions of years of desert change.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers, Moderate temps, Photography
Challenges: Variable spring storms, Occasional mud after rains
Spring is prime: cool mornings, warm afternoons, and bursts of desert bloom—plan for changing conditions after winter rains.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Early morning hikes, Night sky viewing
Challenges: Extreme heat (100°F+), Limited shade, Heat-related hazards
Summer is very hot; early starts and shade breaks are essential, and afternoon hikes are not recommended.
fall
Best for: Comfortable hiking temps, Clear air, Extended daylight
Challenges: Cool mornings, Occasional wind
Fall offers stable, pleasant weather—great for longer loops and scrambling without peak-season crowds.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Crisp light for photos, Occasional frost contrasts
Challenges: Cold nights, Slippery rock when wet or icy
Winters are mild but can be cold at dawn and slick when wet; microspikes may be useful after freezes.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Approach shoes or trail runnersEssential
Provide grip on slick sandstone and comfort over mixed terrain.
2–3 liters of waterEssential
Hydration is critical—carry more on hot days or for long routes.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Sun is intense on exposed slabs; protect skin and eyes during all seasons.
Light wind shell and layers
Temperature swings are common; a layer helps during cool mornings and windy ridgelines.
Common Questions
How long are the typical hikes in Calico Hills?
Routes vary—short scrambles like Calico Tanks are 2–3 miles round-trip; longer loops that include ridgelines can reach 5–6 miles.
Do I need a permit to enter Red Rock Canyon?
Yes—Red Rock Canyon charges a day-use fee for vehicles; check the visitor center or BLM site for current rates and seasonal updates.
Are trails dog-friendly?
Dogs are allowed on-leash in certain areas but may be restricted on specific trails—confirm current rules at the visitor center before you go.
Is cell service available in the canyon?
Cell coverage is spotty inside the canyon; download offline maps or bring a paper map and let someone know your plans.
Can I climb or boulder here without a guide?
Many routes are accessible to experienced climbers, but unfamiliar routes can be hazardous—consider a guide if you lack route knowledge or trad skills.
When is the best time to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings in spring or fall see fewer visitors; weekends and holidays—especially in spring—are busiest.
What to Pack
Approach shoes (better traction on sandstone), 2–3L water (desert dehydration risk), sun protection (hat/sunscreen for exposed slabs), lightweight layers (temperature swings between morning and afternoon)
Did You Know
Calico Hills and the greater Red Rock Canyon are primarily composed of Jurassic-age sandstones—originally coastal and desert dunes—now exposed as cross-bedded, iron-stained formations.
Quick Travel Tips
Visit early to avoid heat; pay the Red Rock day-use fee at the visitor center; download offline maps—cell service is limited; leave no trace—stay on marked trails.
Local Flavor
After a hike, head back toward Summerlin or the Strip for food—Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa has solid post-hike options, or try Downtown Summerlin for craft beer and casual dining; for a tasting menu near the city, Lotus of Siam is a well-regarded Thai spot.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS); Driving distance: ~17–25 miles / 30–40 minutes from central Las Vegas; Cell service: Spotty inside the canyon; Permits: Day-use vehicle fee required—purchase at visitor center or kiosk.
Sustainability Note
Calico Hills’ sandstone and cryptobiotic soils are fragile—pack out trash, stay on durable surfaces, and avoid moving rocks or disturbing vegetation to protect the landscape for future visitors.