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Calico Basin Trail

4.6 (68 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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Just a reminder "slow and steady can still win the race"
Mike L.

Another Saturday, another hike and my favorite spot. You could tell today was a little different being in between the two holidays by the greeting at the gate and the address of some of the patrons in the parking lot... Lol. It's funny how some people come all the way from the strip just in their casino attire and walk around in the parking lot. Great weather today did not get any new pictures but know that this place is always a great place to get away for a hike and still be close enough to the city.

Early morning hike
Mallory D.

Easy trail that is mostly a biking trail. Watch out for foxtails and cactus. There is no shade so be sure to bring water.

Huge lizard!
Ryan P K.

This is my favorite hike of all of Las Vegas! It has great panoramic views of the Red Rock Canyon area and Las Vegas strip. There no actual trail to the peak so you have to find your way up, mostly by climbing on rocks. I highly recommend avoiding summer days as it gets very hot and dry. Be sure to carry plenty of water but there's phone reception in case of emergency. Elevation is not too high but the hike could get pretty intense.

Apple S.

Area with free access that has several hiking trails each with a little parking lot. Fairly easy. Popular with climbers. Really bad phone service so put away your phone and just follow the trail!

Afshin A.

Like hiking? Well, here you go! I remember years ago (and I mean years!) on my way to Red Rock Canyon I'd see the sign for Calico Basin Red Springs and not pay much attention to it. Back then there must've been only one or two homes back there! Now there are more homes, and a parking lot for visitors. Right near the parking lot there are shaded picnic tables and public bathrooms. I have seen families in large and small groups do their BBQ there and have a blast. There is a boardwalk that goes around the spring, but if you are a more serious hiker, pick up the trail head on the left of the spring and go! Make sure you have good hiking boots and plenty of water. The terrain can get a bit challenging especially if you go off the beaten path and depending on the time of the year, it could get very hot. If you are going late in the afternoon, make sure you have a flashlight in your backpack because if for some reason you are still there when it gets dark, you'll need it!

Frank W.

We visited the Red Springs section of Calico Hills expecting to walk the 1/2 mile boardwalk trail, but after parking found a closed sign at the entrance. It looked like the boardwalk is being repaired.

Dani S.

This place is a must see if you want something to do in Vegas that does not involve casinos or hookers. After taking the Charleston exit off of the 215 freeway, keep going until you see the sign for Calico, make a right turn and park in the parking lot. It's actually super easy to find, and parking and entrance are both free. Red Rock Canyon will cost you. The parking area has 2 outhouses with toilet paper but no flush, so plan accordingly. There are many trails to choose from and all of them have beautiful scenery. Lots of family with children, so there are plenty of easy routes for everyone. I hiked upwards, and went for some of the steeper trails. Once I got to a high point, the view was incredible. You can see the whole valley and all the different rock formations and color layers in the mountains. Highly recommend!

Nate M.

The weather is perfect for a hike! Rock climbers, boy scouts, and a few dudes on horses. Obviously this place is pretty well known with all the activity happening around you, but there's plenty to explore and take in on the outdoor jaunt. You can get to this spot via the Blue Diamond curve from the South or in the North on Charleston Boulevard. There's plenty of parking and park rangers roaming the roads, so drive slow, I witnessed rangers pull over three people in a matter of two hours while I was here. There's pretty much one trail in the main Red Rock area, but you can venture off and climb the numerous flat rocks and peaks to get a nice view of the valley. There are also plenty of smaller trails off the side of road that will give more of "hiking" experience; changes in elevation, longer flat trails, and a few sights to stop and snap a pic. Great spot for the casual hiker or the person just needing some Vitamin D. Make sure you bring some water!

Cassandra B.

I did a short 3 mile hike at Calico Basin as part of a Meetup event with a local hiking group. A couple of seasoned hikers who organized the event led a group of about 20 people on a tour of Calico Basin, pointing out significant landmarks and points of interest. Calico Basin offers hikers all the beauty of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (well, mostly) for free! Entry to Calico Basin is the exit before the main visitor's gate to Red Rock. It's marked with a sign and arrow (You'll be taking a right if you're coming from the Red Rock Casino way). Simply follow the road all the way down until you see a gate, proceed straightforward, and then you'll see picnic tables and a parking lot. Park. You made it! The route we took was easy and suited for beginners, although there were plenty of opportunities for the more adventurous to scramble up and down some boulders. An 'igloo' could be seen on top of some boulders and you could poke your head in the 'bear cave' (more like a bat cave) after a bit of work. Part of the trail included hiking up the Grand Staircase and down the 'broken elevator'. Calico Basin provided great scenery and was very quiet. It seems like it's a less traveled area. I didn't see any path markers, but the hike I took followed a trail of sorts. I'd definitely come back here for another hike! YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #236

Jana H.

Beautiful hike just before Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area so no entrance fee. We did the Calico Basin South Loop and found parking even though there was a big line to Red Rock and it seemed very busy all around us. It took us about 1.5hrs to do the hike (2.5miles) because we had 4 kids (3-9 yrs old). Gorgeous scenery everywhere!

Shannon Y.

Came out here for a UYE today a hike organized by Norm K. I had so much fun meeting new people and enjoying a beautiful almost spring morning in the Red Rock Conservation area. There were about 25 or so people that attended this event for a short hike through some of the trails at Calico Basin. At times I felt like we were in the movie "The Way" on a Camino through the promised land. The trail was clearly marked throughout the entire estimated 4 mile hike. Overall it was an easy hike so much so that two children and two dogs made the journey with no issues. The views of the city when you reach the top of the trail were a welcomed site. It was too bad there was a slight haze int he sky. The journey is so peaceful it was nice to get away from the "hustle and bustle" of Vegas. Norm really knows the area well and is able to share some insight on the many other trails and the nature surrounding you. It was really nice to meet everyone that participated and I enjoyed the conversations. I look forward to meeting up for other events in the future. Your all great people. Thanks for sharing this moment.

Rock view from the boardwalk
Emma J.

Only a 30 minute drive from the Strip, Red Spring is a beautiful landscape of Red Rock Canyon that's easily accessable and free to enter. It's a must-see if you have a car and a free morning! Just before reaching the main entry to Red Rock Canyon National Park, take a right on Calico Basin Rd from the 159 and drive about a mile until you reach the Red Spring parking lot. Parking's plenty around 10a on a Monday morning. Keep in mind that the lot is in the scorching sun, so don't bring anything that can't stand the heat. The never-ending kaliedoscope of twists and turns in the stratified ancient rocks is truly an awesome sight. Views of the landscape morph as you move through the canyon, so each journey offers a unique experience. Red Spring has a short, looped, wooden trail that's well-maintained for walkers young and old. Once off the loop, the canyon is yours to explore - whether it's hiking, nature-watching, rock climbing, or just scampering up and down the canyon levels, Red Spring is an adventurer's playground.

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1 year ago

a beautiful place for a hiking and you can enjoy the nature and the rocks and the people that come to see enjoy

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3 years ago

Great place to take a little hike and get some great photos. There is a lao a loop for wheelchair users.

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Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Calico Basin Trail

Review Highlights - Calico Basin Trail

Additionally it is hope to Red Springs, a cool and unique spring and watering hole in the desert.

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Love Hikes

Love Hikes

5.0(19 reviews)
23.0 kmWestside

If you love hiking, natural beauty, or want to get some great outdoor exercise while experiencing…read morethe opposite of what Vegas offers a tourist, I can 100% guarantee you'll love Love Hikes too. I sure do. I've done three Love Hikes hikes over the last three years, Valley of Fire Intense twice and Red Rock Moderate once. I could see planning my next Las Vegas visit around doing two or three of their hikes. What makes Love Hikes so great? * Great guides who know all the trails like the backs of their hands, are listening to you and will find a route that works for you. When I asked for the intensity to be tuned up on the Intense hike - that's what I got. A thrilling and challenging experience with a guide who showed me how to do what I would have thought of as beyond me. And when I wanted a moderate scrambling experience, I got exactly that. * Owners, Roberta and Jacob, Las Vegas Natives, who deeply care that their guests have a great experience and will do anything they reasonably can to provide one. * The assurance that while the environment may be unfamiliar and challenging (middle of the desert) you'll be with well trained people who exactly what they are doing and who will make sure you have a great, and safe, experience. * Incredibly reasonable pricing for the beauty, thrills, challenge (if you choose a moderate or above hike), and incredible convenience. * Pro tip: If you love taking video (guilty!!) and are on a moderate or above hike, make sure you have a hat or body mount since the parts you'll want to video most will require using two hands. Most recommended!

We booked a last minute Red Rock Canyon tour through Love Hikes at the end of November for my…read morebirthday weekend in Vegas. It was the best decision we made all weekend! Our tour guides were great - very knowledgeable, didn't pressure us to climb anywhere we didn't feel comfortable. The provided water and snacks (which was perfect because we booked this last minute and didn't prepare). They picked us up from our hotel too which was perfect. Definitely book with Love Hikes! You won't regret it. The views are amazing!

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Love Hikes
Love Hikes
Love Hikes

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Goldstrike Hot Springs - Forest service helicopter rescue in the gold strike canyon.

Goldstrike Hot Springs

4.8(127 reviews)
53.2 km

What an epic adventure just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip! This strenuous but incredibly…read morerewarding hike down Gold Strike Canyon delivers massive red rock walls, fun rope-assisted scrambles, and stunning views of the Colorado River. The payoff at the bottom -- soaking in the natural hot springs pools -- is pure bliss after working up a sweat. The trail has some challenging sections with boulders and fixed ropes, so wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and go early to beat the heat. It's about 5-6 miles round trip with roughly 1,000+ ft elevation change, perfect for experienced hikers or adventurous couples looking for something memorable. Highly recommend -- one of the best hidden gems near Vegas. 10/10 would hike (and soak) again!

This hike is not for dogs, and I wouldn't recommend small kids under 10. You have to go up and own…read moreropes, climb a lot of rocks. It is a part of willow beach. So I would recommend maybe meeting at the end of the trail if you HAVE to bring small kids or dogs. You would have to kayak or canoe from willow beach to the end of the trail. At willow beach they do have the equipment available for rent. This hike is long. It took me 4 hours to get to the end and back. There are 7 ropes you will have to go down and climb up to get back. We had to have young men help us up some of the rocks. Boost were needed, and assistance getting down the rocks.

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Goldstrike Hot Springs
Goldstrike Hot Springs - Parking lot to trail head. Free parking!

Parking lot to trail head. Free parking!

Goldstrike Hot Springs

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Grand Staircase

Grand Staircase

4.9(7 reviews)
22.6 km

I was invited by friends to complete this hike today the first day of the new year and new decade…read more(1.1.20). I was excited to complete this hike as I have decided to complete a hiking challenge for this year and this would be hike number one. We promptly met at 9:00am in the Red Springs parking lot and begin our ascent up this so called staircase. There really is no set trail or staircase at all but lots of climbing and scrambling over and through large rocks. You just have to go with someone who has done it before and will guide you up the safest route possible. Luckily my friends complete this hike annually. I wasn't sure that I could handle this climb, but turns out that I was much stronger that I thought. It is strenuous at times and the cardio workout is real, but the reward at the top is so worth it. The views are epic from viewing the entire Red Rock Canyon and seeing way out toward Mt. Potosi. In the other direction seeing through Brownstone Canyon up to Mt. Charleston Peak. This hike also includes some stunning views of our beautiful city. I can only imagine how pretty it would be up here at sunset, but never mind going down would be way to challenging. Remember to Leave No Trace - Keep our public lands clean! #52HikeChallenge - #1

I wanted to go on an adventure this weekend and that I did. I left Central Vegas around 5:15AM and…read moreheaded towards Red Rock Canyon. It was super light traffic at this time on a Sunday so I made it to the Red Springs turnoff at 6AM on the dot. There isn't a clearly marked route so I recommend you go with someone who has done this before. If you go alone, when in doubt, head up! Be careful of loose rocks and wear sturdy shoes. The view from the top is beautiful and overlooks the scenic loop and the strip. You can see the contrast of the city and the mountains. It's stunning and colorful. Bring a light snack, water, and your phone for pictures. It's not a long hike, maybe 30 minutes each direction, but it is moderate and tricky in some spots.

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Grand Staircase - At the top!

At the top!

Grand Staircase - View from the top.

View from the top.

Grand Staircase - Looking towards Charleston Peak

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Looking towards Charleston Peak

Late Night Trailhead

Late Night Trailhead

4.6(23 reviews)
4.5 km

Nice trails off the main highway on the way from Vegas to pahrump that are free to access and do…read morehave a restroom. The trails go for a bit and have beautiful views of the mountains all around. Overall, the trails are pretty flat and are in the easier side, with lots of grave/rocks though. Much of the hike is in direct sun, so be prepared for that if coming mid-day. The rubber ducky trail is off of here where you can see the tree decorated with rubber ducks. It's a bit silly, but is a fun draw for the area.

Wow, what a wonderful trailhead! Note that this trailhead is in the middle of nowhere before you…read morereach Pahrump, so there is absolutely no cellphone reception in the area. This is a great trailhead for those that are new to hiking or just love hiking in general. The trails are mostly flat that loops around (5 miles total) and you have amazing Mountain View's all around. It was really windy that day so because of this we didn't hike the whole 5 miles. Though I was wearing the appropriate shoes and had a full bottle of water and walking sticks on me, I still felt like I wasn't really prepared for this trail, since I had my hands full and I did not have a backpack on me. Though I live in Henderson, making the 30+ minute drive out of the city to hike Late Night was definitely worth it! While it was windy overall, the temperature wasn't too hot or too cold to hike.

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Late Night Trailhead
Late Night Trailhead - Amazing mountain view

Amazing mountain view

Late Night Trailhead - Bathroom sanitizer

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Bathroom sanitizer

The Paseo Walking Path

The Paseo Walking Path

4.6(17 reviews)
14.7 kmSouthwest

The walking path is accessed on one end at a park. The other end appears to be connected to a…read morepublic sidewalk. It is a linear walking trail; not looping around. It was nice. Because it is linear, at one point, we had to turn around and walk back to the vehicle.

"Walk towards the good in life and one day you will arrive." Atticus…read more Happy is a state of being that YOU need to find and achieve on a personal level. Is happy something that you can have? A few years ago, the answer to this question might of come out wrong. I live happy in aiding and making sure that those around me are happy. My happy comes in sharing my joy among others. One joy that I have made mine over the years is walking. I can remember back to when I was a wee bitty thing, walking and running was a freedom that released all stress and anxiety. In high school I was in track and field. You get out on the field, all you can see is a hurdle; now run and jump. Empty your mind. You have to become one with the movement that your conducting. As I proceeded through life; life happened with marriage and family commitments. Now that the children are more independent it's time to rekindle a happy that once shaped me. This walking path gives me that old found joy in a new setting where I can find some new happiness for me. Someone the other day told me that, "happy looks good on you." For the longest time, I was lost in translation not knowing where to go. Sure the day to day mundane of living is never over unless your ready to give up living. The type of joy I am finding is something that is new. These pages have yet to be written. Leave something alone for long enough and it bites; this time around a second chance comes for me. My happy has been a work in process that has yet to be set. All those walks and silent moments that I spent on this path. Wondering what will be? Wondering if I could be? Wondering why I am being? Now remembering all these moments that led me to here and now. Happy is a bliss that we can just have. As a Leo my laughter and joy inspire so many individuals to be more than they can be. Achieve and reach incredible heights. All those that I touch with my words makes me feel so blessed. Happy is something that I can give to others, but achieving and discovering it's true rare ability is always seemingly beyond my reach. Don't take this the wrong way; the happy that I'm talking about is that true freedom that sets your soul on fire. It's the passion in life that leads to abilities beyond our realm of thinking . Can we achieve these goals? Yes? Perhaps no?! This is your journey of self discovery. It's time to begin. Look through a new lenses without blinking. Believe and you will always achieve. Walk it out, this is the reason for choosing this particular walking point. I'm rediscovering me. What makes me tick? What kind of tock are you? The trees as you pass one after another are mile markers along the path to the new form of you. Walk with me and discover the new and real you. Let nature inspire and shine for you! I'm willing to waste my time here and just learn to find the more important and complex me. I have arrived and know what my happy looks like. Find some happy beyond yourself in a little few moments that we can steal away from life for ourselves. The journey to self discovery starts now!

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The Paseo Walking Path
The Paseo Walking Path - Spring is a popular time to see the American Robin and many birds along the Paseo Walking Path.

Spring is a popular time to see the American Robin and many birds along the Paseo Walking Path.

The Paseo Walking Path - The Paseo Walking Path with Goett Family Park in the spring of 2024.

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The Paseo Walking Path with Goett Family Park in the spring of 2024.

Calico Basin Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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