La Madre Mountain Southern Approach from Red Rock Canyon | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada
La Madre Mountain is 8,154ft in elevation. It is the highest central feature of the Keystone Thrust, the cliff system that spans the rear area of Red Rock Park in Nevada. The La Madre Mountain Southern approach, from a distance, looks impossible as you’re facing a sheer cliff wall between 1000 and 2000 feet high. However, as you approach the base of the cliff from Calico Basin it’s evident that there is a passage between the two peaks. The summit view is amazing featuring Las Vegas Valley with Lake Mead across and to the East, Gass Peak and the Sheep Range to the North, spectacular views of Mt. Charleston Wilderness to the East and the awesome total expanse of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Calico Basin to the Southwest. Route details: 22 mi / 4306-8000ft; *Wilderness, No Trail* Click image or title above for more…
Damsel Peak Northern Approach | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
From the top of Damsel Peak outside of Las Vegas, Nevada one can see almost all of the Las Vegas Valley in the same way that Damsel Peak is visible from just about anywhere in Las Vegas Valley. In addition, there is an awesome view of the entire Calico Basin, Turtlehead Peak, the Calico Hills, Mt. Wilson, Rainbow Mountain, Juniper Peak, North Peak and Bridge Mountain and finally the huge expanse of the Keystone Thrust cliffs with La Madre Mountain as the high point. To the North one can see Gass Peak, the Sheep Range and Fossil Ridge. Route details: 16 mi Start Sandstone Quarry Red Rock | 4370 > 6977ft; **Wilderness, No Trail** Click image or title above for more…
02 Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive | Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada
General information for Red Rock Canyon NCA including how to work the reservation system is on this page. In addition, the 10 points of interest along the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive are described. I’ll mention the trailheads from these points as jumping off points for wilderness adventures, but realize that the scenic drive is in itself a totally rewarding experience even if you don’t get out of your car! 13-mile scenic loop drive. Click image or title above for more…
Grand Circle | Calico Basin | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
The Calico Hills form a boarder between lower Red Rock Canyon and lower Calico Basin in Nevada. The Calico Hills form a boarder between lower Red Rock Canyon and lower Calico Basin in Nevada. The Lower Calico Hills Loop follows a 5-mile series of 4 trails around the circumference of the Calico Hills. The Calico Hills are composed of ancient Jurassic Era sand dunes that have been frozen into an artistic display of fantastic shapes, colors and designs. From a distance the Calico Hills are dwarfed by the larger surrounding formations. However looks are very deceiving as the closer you get these formations become huge with 30-40ft sheer drop-offs. Route description: 5mi Loop Circles Calico Hills; *Fairly Good Trail, Sketchy in Places – Some Steep Rocky Stretches* Click image or title above for more…
Grand Staircase | Calico Basin | Red Rock National Conservation Area, Nevada
The Calico Hills form a boarder between lower Red Rock Canyon and lower Calico Basin in Nevada. These ancient sand dunes have been frozen into an artistic display of fantastic shapes, colors and designs. The most popular route up the Calico Hills is called The Grand Staircase. As you stand in the parking area in the Red Springs Desert Oasis in the Calico Basin and look closely at the Calico Hills towering above you’ll see a natural diagonal route that begins in the mid section and angles up to the right and to the summit of the hills. This is the Grand Staircase. Route Details: Approx. (2 mi. RT); **Wilderness, Sketchy Path, Class 3 Rock Climbing** Click image or title above for more…
Turtlehead Peak, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Turtlehead Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Red Rock Canyon. The best time to hike Turtlehead Peak is in the Fall, Winter or Spring, or as early as possible on a Summer morning to avoid high temperatures after 10am. Bring at least 2 quarts of water. The hike takes about 4 hours, allowing for some time to enjoy the summit. In terms of difficulty, it’s a cross between a hike and a climb with some brief boulder sections and a lot of scrambling on loose gravel. Route details: 4.94 mi / 4,306 > 6.285 ft; **Fairly clear trail, but possible to get off track.** Click image or title above for more…
White Rock Mountain Loop Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
White Rock Mountain Loop Trail in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada is the ultimate trail for training and for a brief immersion in a rugged desert environment without spending too much time getting there. There are sections with lots of twists and turns which build agility and create the feeling of driving down a curvy road in a fine sports car. And you can easily double the 6.5 mile loop for a 13 mile half marathon, or run it 4 times for a full marathon! Route details: 6.28 mi. / 4,429 > 5,453ft; **Good, well-marked trail.** Click image or title above for more…
01 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Overview
The 10,000 acre Red Rock Canyon is the signature wilderness area just outside Metro Las Vegas. Hike and climb on magnificent Jurassic era frozen sand dunes and calico hills — some reaching heights of 7,000 feet. Experience the Southwestern desert with the help of an elaborate visitor center featuring interpretive displays, movies, presentations and walks. Then, plan your adventure from a short hike to a challenging vertical rock climb and all the levels of difficulty between. Best time of year for adventures here: Mid-Fall to early Spring below 5,000ft; Fall to Spring above 5000ft. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s during this time even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 95 degrees! Winter temperatures in the lower elevations can be in the mid-60s! Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…
