View from Turtlehead looking east

View from Turtlehead looking east
Originally uploaded by zenhikers.

I found the Las Vegas fitness nut’s mountain! You find them everywhere: from Boulder to Burlington. It is a mountain that all the hardcore mountain jocks like to trail run while the rest of us trudge up to the summit. I met tons of runners, many hikers, and not a few dogs out for a nice walk. Be warned: this is not an easy hike, even though it is pretty popular. There is over 2000 ft of elevation gain and no real trail (just a bunch of use trails). But the view from the top is worth it!

Calico Tanks Hike at Red Rock

I hiked the Calico Tanks trail with my husband and a couple with a five-year-old boy. The weather was great, the dog loved scambling on the rocks and there was water in the tijana at the top. There is a great view from the ridge of the Vegas Valley and though the hike is short it is very scenic and a decent workout climbing up the canyon.

Date of trip: 9/10/06
Hiked with: friends, children, dog
Location: Nevada, Las Vegas, Red Rock National Recreation Area, Sandstone Quarry parking area
Route: Calico Tanks Trail
Weather: Sunny in the 80’s.
Trip duration: 2.5 miles/ 2 hours
Altitudes/elevations: Trailhead 4335 ft. Highest 4775 ft.
Sightings: Wild burros
Gear: day-hiking
Overall rating: Worth doing!

See more progress on: Red Rock Canyon