Calico Tanks Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
If you’re looking to break into hiking in the Southwest without committing to a grueling trek, Calico Tanks Trail in Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon is the perfect place to start. Just a short drive from the buzz of Las Vegas, this scenic out-and-back trail blends desert beauty with light adventure, making it an accessible and rewarding hike for newcomers.
A Trail That Feels Like an Escape
The trail begins at Sandstone Quarry and wastes no time getting beautiful. You’re immediately surrounded by fiery red rock formations and sculpted cliffs that feel like a natural playground. Despite its proximity to the city, the trail quickly wraps you in a sense of solitude, with towering canyon walls muting the noise of everyday life.
It’s not just a walk through the desert. It’s a stroll through one of nature’s most colorful art galleries. The terrain shifts between soft sand, rocky steps and a few fun (but manageable) scrambles that give you a taste of elevation without overexertion.
Whether you’re walking with friends, hiking solo or bringing a leashed pup along, Calico Tanks delivers a balanced mix of effort and payoff, making it ideal for first-timers.
What Makes It Stand Out
🪨 Red Rock Formations – The color palette here is unreal. Think deep crimson cliffs, caramel ridges and striped sandstone that glows at golden hour. It’s a photographer’s dream.
💧 Seasonal Water Tank – After recent rain, a natural basin fills with water, creating a small, reflective pool surrounded by desert rock. It doesn’t always hold water, but when it does, it’s magical.
🌆 Vegas Skyline View – At the turnaround point, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip shimmering in the distance. It’s one of the most iconic views you can get on a beginner trail.
Trail Stats & Need-to-Know Details
- Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Las Vegas, NV)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 36.1636° N, 115.4415° W
- Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (perfect for new hikers with moderate fitness)
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash
- Best Time to Visit: October through April (cooler temps, better visibility)
- Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle (free with America the Beautiful Pass)
- Parking: Available at Red Rock Visitor Center (can fill up early on weekends)
What to Bring
This trail is short but sun-drenched, so prep smartly:
- 1–2 liters of water (there’s no shade and no water stations)
- Grippy hiking shoes (some rocky sections require solid footing)
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Lightweight daypack
- Camera or phone for capturing canyon colors and skyline views
(Need gear? We’ve rounded up the best beginner-friendly hiking backpacks, bottles and trail shoes.)
Why It Belongs on Your Beginner Hiking List
Calico Tanks is more than a desert hike. It’s a gateway to discovering how invigorating hiking can be. It gives you a taste of the desert’s raw beauty, a few light challenges to build confidence and a photo-worthy payoff at the end.
Whether you’re looking to start hiking regularly, find a scenic detour from the Strip or just want to reconnect with nature in a manageable way, Calico Tanks Trail is an unbeatable introduction to Nevada’s great outdoors.