Red Cap Peak Summit | Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

Red Cap Peak, also referred to as “Little Turtlehead”, is a Jurassic Era Sandstone Summit in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada. This adventure begins at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead in the Calico Basin and navigates through Ash Canyon before summiting the peak. The best time of year for this adventure is Spring and Fall. Click the title or image above for more details.
SMYC Trail | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

The SMYC Trail is a beautiful, easy 2-mile trail running along the base of the Rainbow Mountains, Nevada, between Willow Spring and Ice Box Canyon. Two high points afford spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and surroundings. This is the Northernmost of a series of trails running along the Eastern base of the Rainbow Mountains in Red Rock Canyon between Willow Spring and Oak Creek Canyon. Click on the image or title above for images, a video and more details.
Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada
Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by David Smith Sexton Ridge Map .pdf Lovell Canyon Map .pdf Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Wilderness Area Brochure .pdf Adventure Video Will Appear Here Overview | Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Adventure to Occur Fall or Spring Soon! Trailhead Directions | Switchback […]
Switchback Spring Ridge | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Switchback Spring is a little known, beautiful spring located in a canyon at the beginning of the first switchback stretch on Rocky Gap Road. The spring and ridge are accessed from the Willow Spring area in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. This adventure includes a short stretch on lower Switchback Spring followed by an ascent to the high ridge above and to the South. The objective is to scope out a possible route to the summit of the Wilson Ridge above. The spring and ridge are incredibly beautiful and offer a unique perspective of the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline, the La Madre Mountain Ridgeline and points in Red Rock Canyon and beyond. The best time of year for this adventure is Fall or Spring. Click the image or title above for images, videos and details…
Switchback Spring South Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada
Last Updated on October 4, 2023 by David Smith Sexton Ridge Map .pdf Lovell Canyon Map .pdf Switchback Spring South Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Wilderness Area Brochure .pdf Adventure Video Will Appear Here Overview | Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Adventure to Occur Fall or Spring Soon! Trailhead Directions | Switchback […]
The Blue Diamond Hill Southern Triangle | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

The Blue Diamond Hill Southern Triangle is a formation of two deep majestic canyons just South of the Gypsum Mine Road off of Highway 159. Navigate a few challenges, discover some limestone caves, experience spectacular views! The best time of year for this adventure is Fall through Spring. Click the image or title above for more details.
Turtlehead Peak with a Twist | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

View detailed directions and a video for hiking from the Sandstone Quarry parking area in Red Rock Canyon, NCA to the summit of Turtlehead Peak, along with tips. Also find directions for a cool alternate route to the summit. The alternate route is why this is called Turtlehead Peak with a “Twist”.
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…
Upper Calico Hills Loop | Calico Basin & Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

This spectacular 6-mile loop combines 6 or more trails to circle the upper Calico Hills in Red Rock Canyon & Calico Basin, Nevada. The trail passes through two beautiful wild passes in the Calico Hills: Ash Canyon and the mid-Calico Hills Black Corridor Pass. Click the image or title above for all the details.
Western High Ridge | Blue Diamond Hill, Nevada

Blue Diamond Hill’s Western High Ridge in Nevada is a spectacular view adventure running parallel and East of the Rainbow Mountains from Juniper Peak to Hidden Peak. View all of these high points from an incredible unique perspective! The best time of year for this adventure is early Fall through late Spring. Click the image or title above for details.