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…

Grand Circle | Calico Basin | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

The Calico Hills form a boarder between lower Red Rock Canyon and lower Calico Basin in Nevada. The Calico Hills form a boarder between lower Red Rock Canyon and lower Calico Basin in Nevada. The Lower Calico Hills Loop follows a 5-mile series of 4 trails around the circumference of the Calico Hills. The Calico Hills are composed of ancient Jurassic Era sand dunes that 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. Route description: 5mi Loop Circles Calico Hills; *Fairly Good Trail, Sketchy in Places – Some Steep Rocky Stretches* Click image or title above for more…

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…

White Rock Mountain Loop Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

White Rock Mountain Loop Trail in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada is the ultimate trail for training and for a brief immersion in a rugged desert environment without spending too much time getting there. There are sections with lots of twists and turns which build agility and create the feeling of driving down a curvy road in a fine sports car. And you can easily double the 6.5 mile loop for a 13 mile half marathon, or run it 4 times for a full marathon! Route details: 6.28 mi. / 4,429 > 5,453ft; **Good, well-marked trail.** Click image or title above for more…