I created this page and posted its video at the request of a climbing partner John Garner, in honor of his former climbing partner Sylvia.
Part of the beauty of that large tinaja near the end of the popular Calico Tanks trail in Red Rock Canyon is the sandstone cliff that towers above the opposite side of the tinaja. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to stand on the summit of that high point? That’s the second highest point in the Calico Hills!
While the view from the upper viewpoint at the end of the Calico Tanks trail is spectacular, the view from that higher peak above the tinaja is even more awesome! That high point is Calico Tank Peak. The video guide, map guide and narrative guide on this page will help you get there!
From I-215 in Summerlin at the Red Rock Casino, take Hwy 159 (Red Rock Canyon Road) West toward the mountains. Red Rock Canyon is the 2nd turnoff to the right, about 4 miles after leaving Summerlin. You will need a reservation to enter the area and gain access to the scenic drive. Once on the scenic drive, the Sandstone Quarry parking area is the 3rd parking area beyond the visitor center.
“On this one Dave we took a left up the wash before the wash that leads up to the double slot route for Red Cap. We got completely off course and just invented a route that took us to high point west of Calico Tank Peak so we had to drop down to Calico Tank and back up to Calico Tanks Peak. We dropped off south side of peak toward Ash Canyon and took a long ledge paralleling Ash Canyon while descending. Our descent route is called the Red and White route to Calico Tank Peak. Amazing area.” –John Garner
David Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!
Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…
The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!