Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies on the western outskirts of Las Vegas. Out of the desert floor rise an impressive and varied collection of rocks and mountains.

Striped Mountain

Canyon Floor with Mountains Beyond

White, Red, and Purple Rocks

Calico Hills

Calico Hills was one of the stops you can make on the scenic drive within the canyon. It provided the first up-close view of the red rock for which the canyon is named.

Section of Calico Hills

Red Rock

Across the Canyon from Calico Hills

Calico Hills from Afar

Turtlehead Peak

This hike to the top of the mountain proved to be so physically demanding that I stopped about two thirds of the way up, turned around, and went back. The steep and generally straight ascent turned into too much of a toil and not enough enjoyment.

The trail first traveled over rolling terrain. This type of white rock stood out against the desert landscape.

White Rocks

Oddly Shaped

Fairly early in the hike, I was able to see my intended target high above me.

Turtlehead Peak

Mountains to the Left of Turtlehead Peak

The trail paralleled a draw to one side of the mountain. Those who made it to the top would then follow the ridgeline the rest of the way to Turtlehead Peak.

The Trail Goes Left of the Center Mound

The climb deviated very little to the left or right and definitely not enough to be considered a switchback. The higher I went, the rockier it got and transitioned from hiking to more climbing and scrambling.

Close-up View of the Ascent

While I obviously don't know what the view was like at the top, it was pretty good from my vantage point on the mountainside (even with the sun glare).

White Rocks Below

Rock Cluster Across the Canyon

Another View Across the Canyon

Calico Tanks

This trail packed quite a few interesting sights into its 1.1-mile length (one way). It started by skirting a collection of red and white rock mounds.

Starting Point

The trail then turned into the mounds where I followed cracks and gullies which gave me an excellent close-up view. Sometimes I hiked directly on top of the slick red sandstone.

Countless Striations

Trail over the Red Rock

All around was a mixture of red and white rock. I assume this is the source of the "Calico" name.

Red and White Rock

White and Red Merge

Some of the rocks sparked my imagination in their shapes.

Kimono Dragon

Zombie Heads

I was intrigued by the symmetrical shape of this plant as well.

Utah Agave

As I clambered over the rocks, I would occasionally stop and examine the view of where I had just come from.

Looking Backward

Very nearly at the turnaround point I came to a pool of water in a depression among the rocks.

Pool of Water

Beyond the final ridge, I came to a wonderful view of more rock formations and Las Vegas in the distance.

Beyond the Canyon

Las Vegas

First Creek Canyon

The impressive mountains with the distinctive red stripe were in full view as I left the trailhead beside the highway, crossed the desert, and ended a short way up into the rocks.

Red-Striped Mountains

Left Mountain

Center Mountain

Right Mountain

First Creek Canyon provided a nice visual target throughout the hike, especially once I entered Rainbow Wilderness and the trail became less distinct and harder to follow.