Calico Tanks Trail
The
Turtlehead Peak / Calico Tanks Trails offer some of the best hiking and
views in 
Red Rock Canyon. There
is a lot to see in this area because it is unique in its own way
and because it is located at a spot which gives hikers views of the rest
of the valley. Note that
these are not easy hikes to go on. The good thing about this set of
trails especially is that you can turn back any time and still have seen
a good part of Red Rock.
The Turtlehead Peak hike
is a 5 mile round trip that is listed as strenuous by the BLM and we
would list this one as
challenging. The other listed trail is the Calico Tanks Trail. Unless
you are in good condition and you want a good workout, we suggest the
Calico Tanks Trail.
Either trail can be easy to
lose because they both run through a wash. Once you are on them,
they are well marked. Both trails begin at
the same place, they both pass by a couple of attractions worth noting.
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The first spot. Sandstone Quarry, is notable for its cut marks and left
over blocks from  a time when the yellow sandstone was mined.
The second notable spot is the roasting pit that you will see on
your left as you head towards either trail. The people who lived here in
the past roasted the centers of the Agave plant in large holes in the
ground filled with rocks and combustible
material. This process made the plant edible and evidence of its use can
be found throughout Red Rock Canyon, at Willow Spring for example, and
the Spring Mountains.
Just past the Agave pit, will be the 'turnoff' for the Calico Tanks
Trail. There two marked trails but it seems like a lot of people just
wander around in this part of the trail.
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The views are pretty good from here
and no matter which direction you go, you will see something that will
make it all worth it.
When looking south at the Wilson Cliffs it is possible to notice how the
shadows at different times of day or of the year, will make the cliffs
and the rocks appear more three dimensional than they really are.
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This area has spectacular rock formations. Everywhere you look
there something interesting to look at.
It is possible and sometimes necessary to do some ad hoc rock climbing
in this area. The gradients and levels of difficulty are adaptable to
your needs and abilities. There really are no trails where you can only
go one way or the other. Common sense is all that is needed to guide you
through this area. Courtesy to the other hikers and to the environment
is also a necessity.
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