This video gives the most recent adventure informed by added knowledge of the surrounding landmarks. More detailed route instructions and tips included.
The Grand Staircase is located in the Calico Hills above the Red Springs Desert Oasis parking area in the Calico Basin. It’s the quickest, most direct route to the summit of the Lower Calico Hills and the spectacular views there.
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 sandstone 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 Sandstone Peak , North Limestone Peak and the expanse of the Rainbow Mountains. In the opposite direction across Calico Basin (to the East) one can see Damsel Peak and its ridge system. Looking up toward the upper ends of Red Rock Canyon and the Calico Basin 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 Lower 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 sandstone cliffs and ledges 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.
From Hwy 215 in the Summerlin area, take the Charleston Blvd exit, turn upward (West) on Charleston Blvd, toward the mountains. Charleston Blvd becomes Blue Diamond Rd. (Hwy 159) as you leave the city. Take the Calico Basin exit off Hwy 159 (right turn) onto Calico Basin Road. Continue on Calico Basin Road about 1/2-mile to Red Springs Desert Oasis parking, picnic and trailhead area. 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 Calico Hills from the Red Springs Desert Oasis parking area, you’ll see a natural diagonal route that begins in the mid section of the hills above and angles up to the right and to the summit of the Calico Hills. This is the Grand Staircase. From the parking area, it looks like an easy, straight-forward route. But once you’re in those hills, the route can become more confusing. On the weekend there are usually a number of hikers on the Grand Staircase so it’s harder to get lost.
You’ll want to be looking back often to see how the return route looks on the way back down. Heading back down this route on your return trip, you’ll swear you’ve never seen the same formations before. This makes it easy to stray and end up at a cliff edge. Then, surprise, as you retrace your steps back upward to the last place that looked familiar, you end up at another cliff edge with no apparent way either up or down! This is the situation called “cliffed out”: You can neither continue downhill nor retrace your way back uphill.
You’ll avoid this problem by being very observant of your surroundings as you ascend, and later as you return.
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!
