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This video gives the most recent adventure informed by added knowledge of the surrounding landmarks. More detailed route instructions and tips included.
Updated Slide Guide Week of 12/24/2023
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. 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. They’re actually a great playground for those who like to weave around amidst their maze of formations seeking the summit with its incredible view of both Red Rock Canyon and Calico Basin.
Across Red Rock Canyon one can see Mt. Wilson, Rainbow Mountain, Juniper Peak, Bridge Mountain, North Peak and the expanse of the Rainbow Mountains. In the other direction across Calico Basin one can see Damsel Peak and its ridge system. Looking up toward the upper ends of Red Rock Canyon and Calico Basins one can see Turtlehead Peak and the expanse of the La Madre Mountains ridgeline with the South side of La Madre Mountain as the high point.
The main route up the Calico Hills is called The Grand Staircase. There’s also a route around the circumference of the Calico Hills. I’ve ascended the Grand Staircase a number of times, observed a spectacular lightning storm in the Henderson area, descended in the moonlight, gotten lost in the maze of rock formations more than once on the way down nearly getting “cliffed out”. In all, this is a hugely memorable fun place to explore.
In addition, there’s Red Springs Desert Oasis at the base of the Calico Hills with its peaceful boardwalk–a great place for a nice walk with friends and family who may prefer this lighter but truly rewarding nature experience over more rugged adventures.
Park at the Red Springs Desert Oasis parking area (primitive restrooms, nice picnic grounds available). Note that the parking area is gated off at sundown, so don’t be up on the hills at that time watching the gate shut your car in for the night!
As you look closely at the hills 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. On the weekend there are usually a number of hikers on the Grand Staircase so it’s harder to get lost. However, you’ll want to be looking back often to see how the route looks on the way down because believe me, heading down this route you’ll swear you’ve never seen the same formations before and it’s easy to stray and end up at a cliff edge, then retrace your steps only to end up at another cliff edge with no apparent way down! This is the situation called “cliffed out”.
Take a picnic and a few friends up to the summit and enjoy a nice peaceful time lying on the huge sandstone shelves with their incredible view.
The best time of year is in the Fall, Winter and Spring months on a clear day. Don’t try this in the rain because when the sandstone gets wet it becomes a skating rink…very dangerous!
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!
