Calico Tank Peak | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
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. 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. Click the image or title above for details.
Bridge Mountain in Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada
Bridge Mountain in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness of Nevada is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the area. Summiting Bridge Mountain is challenging and there is at least one class 3+ exposed stretch. The most customary summit approach begins in the Willow Creek Picnic Area in Red Rock Canyon and ascends Rocky Gap Road to a high point before branching off to the approach trail. Route Details: 17 mi/ 4500 > 7003ft; Some Trails, Some Wilderness. Click image or title above for more…
Bonnie Springs Ranch | Red Rock Canyon
In mid-March of 2019, after about 45 years of operation, Bonnie Springs Ranch and it’s Old Nevada replica mining town, just West of Red Rock National Park, closed down. We feature Bonnie Springs Ranch here not because it is a hiking destination, but rather a long-time fixture in Red Rock Canyon. Click image or title above for more…
Blue Diamond Hill Southern Ridgelines, Nevada
Enjoy non-stop eagle-eye views of the entire Rainbow Mountain range from a Southern perspective while simultaneously surrounded by majestic canyons! This little-known Southern wilderness area on Blue Diamond Hill is across highway 159 from the town of Blue Diamond. Click the image or title above for more details.
Blue Diamond Hill Southern Canyons, Nevada
Explore a few of the 7 little-known deep, majestic canyons in the southern area of Blue Diamond Hill in Nevada. Starting at Wheeler Camp Spring trailhead parking on Hwy 159, begin exploring canyons South of the Blue Diamond Hill Gypsum Mining Road. The best time of year for this adventure is Fall through Spring. Click the image or title above for more details.
Ash Canyon to Calico Tanks | Calico Basin, Nevada
Beginning at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead in Calico Basin, ascend to the summit of Ash Canyon on the Ash Canyon Trail. Descending from Ash Canyon Summit connect with the Rattlesnake Trail and continue to the Calico Tanks Trail. After visiting Calico Tanks return to the Rattlesnake Trail. Ascend to the summit of that trail then descend into Gateway Canyon in the Calico Basin. Ascend Hell Hill Trail on Kraft Mountain to Pink Goblin Pass and finally descend to your starting point at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead. Experience spectacular views of 4 major wilderness areas and much more. Route Details: Approximately 10 miles RT on some fairly good trails and some unmarked sketchy trails. Best time for this adventure: Mid Fall through Mid Spring.
Arnight Trail | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
The Arnight Trail in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, may be the shortest route to your goal if you want to summit Juniper Peak or scale the Eastern cliffs of Rainbow Mountain. The Arnight Trail begins at the Oak Creek Canyon Trailhead and continue Northwest for 1.2-miles until it intersects with the Knoll Trail near the entrance of Juniper Canyon. Here we point out the rock climber’s approach route to the Eastern cliffs of Rainbow Mountain and the summit route to Juniper Peak, along with an important reference stone at the base of Juniper Canyon.
3 Basin Circuit | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Experience 3 incredible Southern Nevada wilderness areas in one great adventure. This circuit begins in the Calico Basin, rounds the South side of the Calico Hills, heads North to upper Red Rock Canyon, circles over to Brownstone Basin then finally descends to the starting point in Calico Basin. Click the image or title above for more details.
04 Mid Upper Crest Ridgeline | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada
Experience the Rainbow Mountains Mid Upper Crest Ridgeline from just South of North Peak to Rainbow Mountain. Pictures, video, detailed description. This adventure begins at Willow Spring in Red Rock Canyon, ascends Rocky Gap Road to the Bridge Mountain/North Peak Trailhead then ascends to the ridgeline, turns South taking the Bridge Mountain Trail. Finally, leave the Bridge Mountain Trail to continue South along the Upper Crest Ridgeline. 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…