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Las Vegas Area Trails | Find Hiking and Running Trails within 150 Miles of Las Vegas, Nevada | David Smith

Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Trailhead at Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada View North Up Red Rock Canyon Toward Keystone Thrust Cliffs Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada View South Along the Rainbow Mountains Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada View North Along the Rainbow Mountains Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Water's Action Creates Sudden Unexpected Drop-Offs from Level Areas Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Heading Toward White Rock Mountain and Keystone Thrust Cliffs Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Left to Right: Pine Creek Canyon, Bridge Mountain, Ice Box Canyon, Buffalo Wall Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Buffalo Wall Towers Over Ice Box Canyon Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Left to Right: Juniper Peak, Pine Creek Canyon, Bridge Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Upper Ice Box Canyon: Bridge Mt (Left), Buffalo Wall (Right) North Peak (Above) Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Bridge Mountain Above Ice Box Canyon Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Stark Vertical Cliffs of Bridge Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Willow Spring Between Rainbow Mts (Left) and White Rock Mt (Right) Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Turn Toward Turtlehead Peak While Skirting South Base of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Turtlehead Peak Towering Above White Hills in Sandstone Quarry Area Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada White Rock Hills Frozen Dunes Above Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Calico Hills from South Base of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Southwest Side of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Southwest Side of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Dramatic Change in Vegetation at Southern Base of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Navigating Southern Base of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada View Back Across the South Side of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada White Rock Mountain Summit (left). Potential Approach in Canyon to Right Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Southeastern Side of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Southeastern Tip of White Rock Mountain Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Eastern Tip of White Rock Mountain. El Bastardo and El Padre Behind Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Ascending to Upper White Rock Mountain Trailhead Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada You Won't See a Sign Saying Grand Circle Loop Continues Down This Road Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Cross Scenic Drive at Lower Parking Area, Turn Left to Continue on Loop Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill at Southern End of Red Rock Canyon Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Continuing Toward Turtlehead Peak, Sandstone Quarry and Calico Hills Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Closing in on Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Colorful Jurassic Era Frozen Dunes at Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Popular Turtlehead Peak Trail and Calico Tanks Trail Begin at Sandstone Quarry Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada El Padre and La Madre Mts on Keystone Thrust Cliffs. South Approach Between Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada 10-Ton Sandstone Blocks Quarried from the Hillside Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Area Where Blocks Were Quarried from 1905-1912 Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Descend Through Sandstone Quarry Parking, Left Turn to Calico Hills Trail Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada On Calico Hills Trail, Which is Continuation of Grand Circle Loop Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Now We're in the Fiery Aztec Red Frozen Dune Calico Hills Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Many Beehive Formations In the Calico Hills Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Red Coloring is from Iron Leaching up Through Sand Dunes Before They Froze Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada From a Distance Calico Hills Look Small. Close Up There are 100ft Vertical Cliffs Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada The Vertical Cliffs Make This a World Class Rock Climbing Destination Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada The Colors, Shapes and Bonsai-Like Plants Create a Photographer's Playground Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Continuing on the Grand Circle Loop Toward a Petroglyph Area Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada The Flat Rock Face to the Right of the Tall Rock Made a Great Drawing Surface Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Ancient Petroglyph Drawings Etched into the Sandstone Surface Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Native Americans Etched Through Iron Oxidative Layer to Expose Lighter Rock Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Curious About The Meaning of These Symbols? See the Dissertation on This Page Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Exposure to the Elements is Eroding These Petroglyphs. Further Oxidation. Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Much of History is a Vanishing Mystery Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada A Huge Area of This Slab Broke Off, Most Petroglyphs Here Lost Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Unique Style - Very Different Than Valley of Fire & Petroglyph Canyon Drawings Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada More Views of the Calico Hills Below Calico Hills Pullout #2 on Scenic Drive Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada More Views of the Calico Hills Below Calico Hills Pullout #2 on Scenic Drive Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Loop Trail Descends into the Lower Wash Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill Coming Into View Along with Scenic Drive Pullout #2 and #1 Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Strange Sandstone Pillars Look Like a Rock Convention Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Looks Easy to Climb, Yet a Maze of Vertical Cliff Areas Below the Summit Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada View Back North Along the Calico Hills. Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Another Mystery: How Sandstone Sculptures Were Formed? Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Beautiful Scenes, Natural Art, Impossible to Repeat Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Descending into the Wash. Trail Becomes Sketchy. Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Missed a Turn Somewhere Around Here. Should Have Headed Up into the Hills Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Incredible Beehive Rock Art. Approaching Lower Calico Hills Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Scenic Drive Pullout #1 View North. Public Play Area vs. Rock Climber's Pullout #2 Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Lower Calico Hills More Varied in Color Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada High Point Above is Summit of Calico Basin Grand Staircase Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada South Tip of Calico Hills. Grand Circle Loop Crosses Scenic Drive Near Pullout 1 Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Cross Scenic Drive and Head Toward Visitor Center Starting Point Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Circular Area to Right: Great Mini-Overview of Red Rock Canyon and Surroundings Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Three Trails from Visitor Center Offer Great Introduction to Red Rock Canyon Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada Back at "The Beast", Start and End of the Grand Circle Loop Trailhead at Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada View North Up Red Rock Canyon Toward Keystone Thrust Cliffs | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada View South Along the Rainbow Mountains | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada View North Along the Rainbow Mountains | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Water's Action Creates Sudden Unexpected Drop-Offs from Level Areas | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Heading Toward White Rock Mountain and Keystone Thrust Cliffs | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Left to Right: Pine Creek Canyon, Bridge Mountain, Ice Box Canyon, Buffalo Wall | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Buffalo Wall Towers Over Ice Box Canyon | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Left to Right: Juniper Peak, Pine Creek Canyon, Bridge Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Upper Ice Box Canyon: Bridge Mountain (Left), Buffalo Wall (Right) North Peak (Above) | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Bridge Mountain Above Ice Box Canyon | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Stark Vertical Cliffs of Bridge Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Willow Spring Between Rainbow Mountains (Left) and White Rock Mountain (Right) | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Turn Toward Turtlehead Peak While Skirting South Base of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Turtlehead Peak Towering Above White Rock in Sandstone Quarry Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada White Rock Frozen Dunes of Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Calico Hills from South Base of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Eastern Tip of White Rock Mountain. El Bastardo and El Padre Behind | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Southwest Side of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Dramatic Change in Vegetation at Southern Base of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Navigating Southern Base of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Southwest Side of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada View Back Across the South Side of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada White Rock Mountain Summit (left). Potential Approach in Canyon to Right. | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Southeastern Side of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Southeastern Tip of White Rock Mountain | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Ascending to Upper White Rock Mountain Trailhead | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada You Won't See a Sign Saying Grand Circle Loop Continues Toward Lower Parking Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Cross Scenic Drive at Lower Parking Area, Turn Left to Continue on Loop | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill at Southern End of Red Rock Canyon | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Continuing Toward Turtlehead Peak, Sandstone Quarry and Calico Hills | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Closing in on Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Colorful Jurassic Era Frozen Dunes at Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Popular Turtlehead Peak Trail and Calico Tanks Trail Begin at Sandstone Quarry | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada El Padre and La Madre Mountains on Keystone Thrust Cliffs. Southern Approach Between | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada 10-Ton Sandstone Blocks Quarried from the Hillside | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Area Where Block Were Quarried from 1905-1912 | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Descend Through Sandstone Quarry Parking, Left Turn to Calico Hills Trail | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada On Calico Hills Trail, Which is Continuation of Grand Circle Loop | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Now We're in the Fiery Aztec Red Frozen Dune Calico Hills | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Many Beehive Formations In the Calico Hills | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Red Coloring is from Iron Leaching up Through Sand Dunes Before They Froze | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada From a Distance the Calico Hills Look Small. Close Up There are 100ft Vertical Cliffs | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada The Vertical Cliffs Make This a World Class Rock Climbing Destination | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada The Colors, Shapes and Bonsai-Like Plants Create a Photographer's Playground | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Continuing on the Grand Circle Loop Toward a Petroglyph Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada The Flat Rock Face to the Right of the Tall Rock Made a Great Drawing Surface | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Ancient Petroglyph Drawings Etched into the Sandstone Surface | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Native Americans Etched Through Thin Iron Oxidative Layer to Expose Lighter Rock | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Curious About The Meaning of These Symbols? See the Dissertation on This Page | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Exposure to the Elements is Eroding These Petroglyphs | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Much of History is a Mystery | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada A Huge Area of This Slab Broke Off, Most Petroglyphs Here Lost | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada These Are So Very Different Than Valley of Fire and Petroglyph Canyon Drawings | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada More Views of the Calico Hills Below Calico Hills Pullout #2 on Scenic Drive | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Descending Beyond the Petroglyph Area | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Loop Trail Descends into the Lower Wash | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill Coming Into View Along with Scenic Drive Pullout #2 and #1 | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Strange Sandstone Pillars Look Like a Rock Convention | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Looks Easy to Climb, Yet a Maze of Vertical Cliff Areas Below the Summit | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada View Back North Along the Calico Hills. | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Another Mystery: How Sandstone Sculptures Were Formed? | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Beautiful Scenes, Natural Art, Impossible to Repeat | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Descending into the Wash. Trail Becomes Sketchy. | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Missed a Turn Somewhere Around Here. Should Have Headed Up into the Hills | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Incredible Beehive Rock Art. Approaching Lower Calico Hills | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Scenic Drive Pullout #1 Looking North. Public Play Area vs. Pullout #2 for Rock Climbers | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Lower Calico Hills More Varied in Color. | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada High Point Above is Summit of Calico Basin Grand Staircase. | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Southern Tip of Calico Hills. Grand Circle Loop Crosses Scenic Drive Near Pullout #1 | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Heading Toward Visitor Center Starting Point | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Circular Area to Right is a Great Mini-Overview of Red Rock Canyon and Surroundings | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Three Trails from Visitor Center Offer Great Introduction to Red Rock Canyon | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada Back at "The Beast", Start and End of the Grand Circle Loop | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon Keystone Visitor Guide
Southern Nevada Conservancy Birding Guide

Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon Website
Area Satellite View
North Satellite View
South Satellite View

Overview | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

The Grand Circle Loop is a 11.3-mile trail that makes a grand circle of Red Rock Canyon. It’s great general overview of Red Rock Canyon and its surrounding wilderness areas. As you traverse the Grand Circle Loop you will see every major location in Red Rock Canyon. In addition, you will receive an immersive experience of the desert landscape along with developing important navigation skills in this environment. The Grand Circle Loop is a relatively safe introduction to Red Rock Canyon. The loop is well marked (except for 4 areas, which I will describe below). And, you’re never more than a half-mile from the well-traveled Red Rock Scenic Drive, so there are numerous exit points along the way. 

During this Grand Circle Loop overview of Red Rock Canyon, I will describe the major destinations in Red Rock Canyon and point out the surrounding wilderness areas, along with access routes to these areas, including:

And then, before you know it we’re back at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, our starting point.

In addition, in the video, I describe my wilderness navigation strategy and gear for this type of terrain.

If you watch the video and take the Grand Circle Loop before visiting any of the destinations in Red Rock Canyon, you’ll have a big picture perspective along with how to travel light and stay safe as you go!

Trailhead Directions | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

All the maps on this website are integrated with the Google Maps platform, so you can click on any map and get driving directions to any location on the site.

In short, you will take I-215 to the Charleston Blvd. Exit and head up Charleston Blvd. toward the mountains. You’re now on Hwy 159. After passing through the residential area, you will continue past the first turn-off on the right (Calico Basin) and take the second turn-off to the right which is Red Rock Canyon. Be sure to have a reservation if you will arrive at 8am or later.

The Grand Circle Loop Trailhead is located just to the left (West) of the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. You’ll need to park in the public parking area and then walk through the smaller employee and handicapped parking area. You’ll know when you have arrived at the trailhead because there is a large sign.

Route Description | Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

I take the loop in the clockwise direction. Traveling in this direction beginning at sunrise will result in every wilderness area you approach throughout your time on the Grand Circle Loop being brilliantly lit up by the sun.

4 Points Where You May Get Off-Track on the Grand Circle Loop

One downside of traveling in a clockwise direction is that it appears the directional signs on the Grand Circle Loop may be more clear in the counterclockwise direction. However, here are the four places you may get off track:

  1. White Rock Mountain Trailhead Area: There are two White Rock Mountain trailhead areas: Lower and Upper. The Grand Circle Loop arrives at the upper trailhead area. There is no sign or indication where to turn to stay on the loop. You just need to know to head down to the lower trailhead area and cross the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. On the opposite side of the scenic drive you will see the first sign that indicates you are on the Grand Circle Loop. So, you will have no signage for the Grand Circle Loop from your arrival at the upper trailhead to the point where you cross the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive at the lower trailhead.
  2. Sandstone Quarry Trailhead Area: There is no signage for the Grand Circle Loop in the trailhead parking area. You need to know that taking a left onto the Calico Hills Trail at the lower end of the parking area is actually the continuation of the Grand Circle Loop Trail. Curiously, a couple thousand feet along the Calico Hills Trail, you’ll see the first sign reassuring you that you are still on The Grand Circle Loop.
  3. Lower Calico Hills Area: Once you descend into a wash in the lower Calico Hills area, the Grand Circle Loop signs disappear. There is a sign that indicates you need to head up into the Calico Hills to continue on the loop, but there is nothing that looks like a trail. Follow that sign. I didn’t. I descended back into the wash and so bypassed a small 2,000ft section of the Grand Circle Loop. I only realized my error when I saw the well-marked trail descending from the Calico Hills to the area below Calico Hills Pullout #1 on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic drive. 
  4. Calico Hills Pullout #1 on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: You need to know to ascend to the parking area, then take a left downward along the scenic drive. There’s a good path, but it you won’t see any signage for The Grand Circle Loop between when you are in the wash at the base of the Calico Hills until you have reached the parking area, taken a right and preceded a hundred feet or so downward along the left side of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. 

Knowing these 4 sketchy places along the Grand Circle Loop will enable you to successfully take the loop in a clockwise direction always facing brilliantly lit up scenery all along the loop. Otherwise, the Grand Circle Loop is very well signed, perhaps the best signed trail in Red Rock Canyon.

Destination Points Along the Grand Circle Loop

Now, a more detailed description of destination points in Red Rock Canyon and surrounding wilderness areas you will see from The Grand Circle Loop:

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

Those brightly colored mountains along the West side of Red Rock Canyon actually form their own unique wilderness area: The Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. These Jurassic Era frozen sand dunes are calico colored. The reds are formed from iron leaching up from the soil while they were still sand dunes.

The Rainbow Mountains stretch from their Northern end in the Willow Spring area in Red Rock Canyon all the way to their Southern end at Highway 190 in the Mountain Springs area. 

Some of the familiar peaks in the Rainbow Mountains along the West end of Red Rock Canyon are:

Due to their make-up, the Rainbow Mountains are a world rock climbing destination. In order to scale the Rainbow Mountains from below, you will need advanced rock climbing skills, gear and the ability to navigate vertical rock faces (Class 4, 5 and above level of climbing). One exception is Juniper Peak, which can be summited using only class 2 and 3 skills (class 2 is walking; class 3 is scrambling over rocks and boulders which require use of your hands). For this reason, only a few visitors to Red Rock Canyon have summited the Rainbow Mountain peaks.

Just getting to the summit approaches involves navigating boulders, ledges and seemingly impenetrable walls of brush in the access canyons, three of which have trailheads located on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive:

However, there is another, class 2 and 3 route to the summits of the Rainbow Mountain peaks that totally avoids the difficult canyons below and class 4, 5 and above cliff climbing…

The Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline

The other, easier, class 2 & 3 path to the Rainbow Mountain summits is to summit them not from below, but from above, as strange at that may seem! 

Access from above the Rainbow Mountain summits is by way of The Rainbow Mountain Upper Crest Ridgeline. If you look closely at the Rainbow Mountains, you’ll notice a ridgeline that runs the entire length of the Rainbow Mountains just to the West and above many of the summits. In fact, Mt. Wilson, the highest Rainbow Mountain summit at 7,071 feet is only about 200 feet higher than the Upper Crest Ridgeline behind, or West of its summit. 

Now, there is a drawback to summiting the Rainbow Mountains from the Upper Crest Ridgeline: There are long distances involved, so you might want to be in or close to marathon conditioning! Here are the main areas on the Upper Crest Ridgeline along with links to my adventures there:

Ice Box Canyon

Ice Box Canyon lies between Buffalo Wall and Bridge Mountain. Though Ice Box Canyon is one of the most popular destinations on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, I have yet to explore that canyon as of the writing of this article. Will do this soon!

So, I’ll talk about canyon navigation here. As mentioned above, navigating the lower canyons in the Rainbow Mountains requires dealing with seemingly impenetrable walls of brush, along with large boulders and ledges. But there are additional considerations. When wet, the boulders and ledges become as slick as an ice-skating rink. Stay away from the canyons within 24-48 hours after the last rain. Then, there is the season: Summer can bring temperatures exceeding 110 degrees in the canyons and Winter can bring snow and ice in the upper canyons making the surface even slicker than after a rain storm.

This leaves the best seasons for these canyons as Fall and Spring, but these seasons also have considerations. In the Fall, those wall of brush are at their thickest and highest. And, no one has been helping create pathways through the brush during the hot Summer months. In the Spring, the creeks in the canyons are at their highest from Winter runoff from the mountains above. Take your pick. Fall and Spring are the best time of years for navigating the canyons.

Pine Creek Canyon

Pine Creek Canyon lies between Bridge Mountain and Juniper Peak. Pine Creek Canyon has a North and South branch, divided by the spectacular Mescalito Pyramid formation. The North branch becomes pretty sketchy when the rock climber access trails give out at Mescalito Pyramid. The South branch appears to be easier to navigate to the upper canyon area. I have not gone beyond Mescalito Pyramid in either branch of Pine Creek Canyon. There’s a great Pine Creek Canyon loop trail that gives access to both North and South branches.

Juniper Canyon

Juniper Canyon lies between Juniper Peak and Rainbow Mountain. Like all the canyons in the lower Rainbow Mountains, Juniper Canyon can get a bit sketchy in the brush area. However, this does not prevent this access point to Juniper Peak from being the most popular with class 2-3 climbers. It can become a bit like an LA freeway on weekends in the Fall and Spring, and that final summit approach may be like the line-up at the DMV! On the good side, you’re never far from other climbers, which will help you stay on track!

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon lies between Rainbow Mountain and Mt. Wilson. As with Pine Creek Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon has a North and South branch. As of this point in time, Oak Creek Canyon appears to be the most promising access to the mid Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline from the Red Rock Canyon area. I have explored the North Branch of Oak Creek Canyon. Again, brush, boulders and ledges. The South Branch looks more promising. The South Branch splits off about a third of the way up the canyon. 

Willow Spring Trails and Picnic Area

Willow Spring, located between White Rock Mountain and the Northern tip of the Rainbow Mountains, is a well-developed picnic area with assess to a number of trailheads both easy and more difficult. There is even a well-signed interpretive trail for children. In addition, you will find Red Rock Canyon’s most diverse vegetation zone in and around the Willow Spring area.

White Rock Mountain Loop

This is a 5-mile loop around the base of White Rock Mountain that features a great trail running surface. On the White Rock Mountain Loop you’ll traverse a very diverse climate zone from pine forests on the North side to desert brush on the South Side. Finally, there is a beautiful spring, Willow Spring, on the South side of the loop not far from the trailhead (taken in a clockwise direction). I took the White Rock Mountain loop counterclockwise, but there is no best direction on this loop.

La Madre Mountains Wilderness

Those cliffs you see on the North end of Red Rock Canyon are the Keystone Thrust Cliffs in the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. The easiest access to the upper cliff line is by way of La Madre Springs.

La Madre Springs

La Madre Springs is located on the Northeast area of White Rock Mountain. When you’re on the White Rock Mountain Loop, take the split-off to La Madre Spring. The springs flow year-round, but Spring is the best season to visit. Above the springs there is an old miner’s cabin. Behind the cabin is the easiest access point to summit the Keystone Thrust from Red Rock Canyon.

The Keystone Thrust (Cliffs on the North Side of Red Rock Canyon)

I’ve mentioned the easiest access point to summit the Keystone Thrust from Red Rock Canyon. There are some other, more difficult access points:

From The Keystone Thrust Trail at the White Rock Mountain upper parking area. The trail is well marked and takes you along the base of the Keystone Thrust Cliffs.

From the Sandstone Quarry area, take the Turtlehead Peak trail past the Calico Tanks trail split, over a ridge and back down into the main wash you have already crossed once. Only this time, instead of crossing the wash to continue on the Turtlehead Peak trail, head up the wash. In a mile or two the wash will split. Take the right split which leads you over into the upper Calico/Brownstone Basin. Head for the saddle (notch) between El Padre Mountain on the left (West) and La Madre Mountain on the right (East). Continue find your way to the upper Keystone Thrust cliffs between El Padre and La Madre Mountains. 

Sandstone Quarry and Trailheads

Take some time to visit the historic quarry area where 10-ton (20,000lb) sand stone blocks were quarried from the white rock hillside to be used for construction. The quarry was in operation from 1905-1912 when it was no longer cost effective to transport the blocks. Quite a few blocks remain as well as the area they were quarried.

The two main trailheads from the Sandstone Quarry are:

  • Turtlehead Peak: This is about a 5-mile round trip to the summit where you will experience a spectacular view of Red Rock Canyon, Calico/Brownstone Basins, the Rainbow Mountains, the Keystone Thrust cliffs and even parts of Las Vegas. The trail can be a bit sketchy in places and the inclines are dramatic.
  • Calico Tanks: This is a much easier, beautiful excursion through Jurassic Era frozen dunes to a couple ponds (tanks) that are likely filled with water from mid-December through June. There is a spectacular view of Aztec red rock formations at the upper end of the trail. You are not likely to go off track on this good trail.

Turtlehead Peak

As mentioned above, this summit has one of the most spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and its surrounding areas. To get a better view you would need to be on the Keystone Thrust cliffs, on a summit in the Rainbow Mountains or on The Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline. Those alternate spectacular views will require much longer distances (10-20 mile round trips) and some difficult navigation. Turtlehead Peak gives a spectacular view in a short 5-mile round trip. If you get lost on this sometimes sketchy trail, just stay above the Northern base of the main wash heading for the saddle at the top of the wash on the way up or for the lower opening on the way down. You’ll reconnect with the trail as long as you keep this big picture navigation in mind. The sight of other hikers on this popular trail will also help keep you on track. 

Calico Tanks

Take this trail to it’s upper end on your first visit there, noting alternate routes to the right and the left. On your second visit you can be more creative, making additional discoveries on the alternate routes. 

Access to the Neighboring Calico Basin

There are many cross-over points from Red Rock Canyon to the neighboring Calico/Brownstone Basins. Here are seven: 

  1. Over the Turtlehead Peak Saddle: Just head down a fairly steep ridge from the saddle to the Calico/Brownstone Basin.
  2. Around the upper end of the main wash at the Sandstone Quarry trailhead area: Continue up the main wash from the Sandstone Quarry trailhead area until it circles over to the Calico/Brownstone Basins near the Keystone Thrust cliffs.
  3. From “Turtlehead Peak Ridge”, the ridgeline North of the Turtlehead Peak Saddle: At the Turtlehead Peak saddle, instead of following the Turtlehead Peak trail, turning right (South) toward Turtlehead Peak summit, take a left (North) along the ridgeline. You will find many fairly gradual descent points into the Calico/Brownstone Basin.
  4. By way of the Calico Hills Grand Loop: At the lower end of the Calico Hills there is a fairly quick, easy cross-over trail into the Calico Basin. About mid-way through the Calico Hills there is another, much more difficult cross-over point.
  5. From points along the Calico Tanks trail: About a half mile up the trail, when Turtlehead Peak comes into view, head toward the Southern base of Turtlehead Peak.
  6. Through Ash Canyon: This trailhead is well marked from the Kraft Mountain area. Take it over to Red Rock Canyon and note where you enter the Red Rock Canyon to find the trailhead from that end.
  7. From Gateway Canyon: Begin counterclockwise around the Kraft Mountain Loop. Descend from Pink Goblin Pass into Gateway Canyon. Instead of taking a right at the lower wash and continuing around the Kraft Mountain Loop, take a left heading up the wash. Find another split-off to the left that will take you around the Southern base of Turtlehead Peak into Red Rock Canyon. 

Calico Hills (along with a couple videos of rock climbers scaling the cliffs)

Petroglyphs on the Grand Circle Loop

Petroglyphs make their appearance on the Grand Circle Loop at a large boulder about mid-way down the Calico Hills section. The only indication that there are petroglyphs here is a warning sign that basically says, “Don’t deface history”. That warning caused me to take a closer look at a large more horizontal slab at the base of the boulder. There were quite a collection of petroglyphs in the area which are shown in the video and slideshow on this page. To learn more about Southern Nevada petroglyphs and their meaning view the 74-page Master of Arts Degree in Archaeology thesis “Valley of Fire Petroglyphs: A New Perspective On An Old Idea” by Eric Pacl. Further exploration in the Calico Hills and other red rock formations in Red Rock Canyon would certainly reveal more petroglyphs. Willow Spring is another area with petroglyphs in Red Rock Canyon.

Calico Hills Grand Staircase Summit Access

You’ll find this unmarked route originating from the Red Springs Desert Oasis parking area. If you look carefully at the calico hills from the parking area you’ll see a diagonal line from the low point (South) at the Red Springs Desert Oasis to a high point (North) at the summit of the Calico Hills. Take a pair of binoculars with you the the parking area and watch for people ascending and descending the Grand Staircase route in order to be more certain about the pathway.  There are no trails and a lot of scrambling over boulders, but it’s fun!

Calico Basin Grand Loop Trail

This is a loop that circles the base of the lower Calico Hills. It’s easier to stay on course and find the upper cross-over point if you begin at Red Springs Desert Oasis and take the loop in a counterclockwise direction. On the Red Rock Canyon side of the Calico Hills you’ll find yourself on the Red Rock Canyon Grand Circle trail. Follow the pathway up around the Southern base of the Calico Hills to find yourself back at Red Springs Desert Oasis.

Desert Navigation Strategy

In this adventure video on this page I take time to give my best wisdom for desert navigation including route choices, things to avoid, assessing the weather and water flow and simple but essential gear.

Summary
Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Article Name
Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Description
The Grand Circle Loop is and 11.3-mile trail that serves as a great overview of Red Rock Canyon and its surrounding wilderness areas including The Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and The La Madre Mountains Wilderness.
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Publisher Name
LasVegasAreaTrails.com
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About David Smith

David Smith on Mt Charleston summit outside of Las Vegas, NevadaDavid 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…

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Disclaimer

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!

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