Calico Tanks Trail


My husband and I went on an impromptu hike at Calico Tanks in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. It’s a fun hike, a bit of a ankle-busting boulder scramble in parts, but it culminates in an incredible view of the Vegas Strip in the distance. The hike is a two mile trek round trip through the red and buff-colored Aztec sandstone Red Rock is famous for. The winter season has been mild and makes for a lovely time outside, and after today, winter solstice, the days are going to keep getting longer.

Large rectangular sandstone boulders scattered across desert landscape with mountains visible under cloudy skies.
A lone hiker walks across sandy desert terrain surrounded by golden rock formations and sparse shrubs in warm sunlight.
Close-up of layered red and tan sandstone rock surface showing natural cross-bedding patterns and textures.
Smiling hiker in cowboy hat and Alaska t-shirt posing before vibrant red sandstone cliffs at Red Rock Canyon.
Reflective pool of water at the base of striated golden sandstone cliffs at Red Rock Canyon Nevada.
Golden sandstone rock formations at Red Rock Canyon with a distant city skyline visible in the hazy background.
Panoramic view of red and orange rock canyon formations with hikers exploring the rugged desert landscape.
Bearded hiker standing among large sandstone boulders at Red Rock Canyon with towering layered rock formation behind him.
Dramatic storm clouds loom over rugged golden rock formations surrounded by dense desert shrubs and trees.
Scenic view of golden sandstone boulders and red rock formations under a dramatic cloudy sky at Red Rock Canyon.
Dramatic red and tan sandstone rock formation with a balanced boulder on top against a cloudy blue sky.
Bearded man in casual attire leans against a large sandstone rock formation outdoors.
Panoramic overlook of Red Rock Canyon valley with wooden fence railing under moody storm clouds at sunset.