Red Rock Canyon

Bring lots of water and hiking shoes.. and remember it’s a lot easier to go up than down so don’t get yourself stuck because your cell phone will NOT work out here…

My friends and I went hiking in this canyon..it was my very first time hiking ever really. I have a mild allergy to the sun so I really was at a loss here because there is minimal shade to seek refuge in. I stayed behind at time when my friend wanted to climb very high up.

I did have a great time though, hiking tests your balance, distance calculation and your instincts. I found myself climbing on all fours much faster than I could on two feet, that way I could also be more nimble and balanced. I could also hold on and navigate better. I felt like a mountain lion or something, it was quite funny.

The heat was at times so unbearable though…so I sought out a spot to sit with a tiny piece of shade. It was nice to sit there by myself and just take everything in, the sky and rock formations all around me, the sun and the smells. It was wonderful.

I went here when I was in Las Vegas when I was 18. Now being into Geocaching and Backpacking, this would be the ultimate place to be for both! I am going to Las Vegas again next week, maybe we can end up going there.

i was unable to spend any real period of time here, but for the few hours i was there, i had an absolute blast! the climbing was out of this world! the rock was great!

I hiked the Calico Tanks trail with my husband and a couple with a five-year-old boy. The weather was great, the dog loved scambling on the rocks and there was water in the tijana at the top. There is a great view from the ridge of the Vegas Valley and though the hike is short it is very scenic and a decent workout climbing up the canyon.

Date of trip: 9/10/06

Hiked with: friends, children, dog

Location: Nevada, Las Vegas, Red Rock National Recreation Area, Sandstone Quarry parking area

Route: Calico Tanks Trail

Weather: Sunny in the 80’s.

Trip duration: 2.5 miles/ 2 hours

Altitudes/elevations: Trailhead 4335 ft. Highest 4775 ft.

Sightings: Wild burros

Gear: day-hiking

Overall rating: Worth doing!