November 2nd, 2023
After hiking to the summit of Turtlehead Peak that morning (and then cooling off in the campervan), we decided to head out for another short hike. While Turtlehead gives an impressive view, it’s short on the red rocks that make this place famous. This was our first day in Red Rock Canyon, and I really wanted to see some red rocks 🙂
Calico Tanks was recommended by the Visitor’s Centre, and since it was in the same parking lot, off we went. We waited until about 3:00 pm, and the heat of the day was perhaps thinking about backing off. We had no idea what the ‘tanks’ were, but were super excited to find out.
Turned out, this is probably the best bang for your buck hike in the entire Red Rock Canyon system. For such a short hike, it was amazingly beautiful in so many ways.
Gear
Hiking boots, poles and regular day pack kit. Lots of water.
Overview
From the parking lot, head out towards the quarry. Turn right to enter the canyon. Follow the long canyon until you reach the tank. If you’re up for a bit of challenge, skirt the tank on the right side. If you keep going, you reach the end of the red rocks and look straight out to Las Vegas.
Totals – Downloadable Tracks on Gaia and on Strava
Date: November 2, 2023
Group: Two (Alisen & Mike)
Distance: 5 km
Elevation: 169 m (557′)
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes breaks)
Parking and Trail Head
From the Calico Tanks/Turtlehead Peak parking lot, head towards the quarry. Turn right at the sign to enter the canyon.
Main Trail
Once we entered the canyon – whoa! What fun! The colours and rock formations were absolutely amazing. This was my first time in the Nevada desert, and being up close and personal with these gorgeous red rocks. We were running around like little kids. That probably accounts for the extra distance.
These next photos are in the order of what we saw on the short hike, but as it’s just a straight line down the canyon, there’s not a lot I can say about navigation.
When the sign said Calico Tanks, we weren’t really sure what the ‘tanks’ could be. Surprise! They are watering holes. I tried to find out if it’s an underground spring, or rain water catchment, but didn’t find anything. If you know where the water comes from, please let me know.
The rocks leading to the tanks are very smooth, and a bit slippery. It’s possible to get around the tank on the right, but it’s downward sloping on slick rock. One guy was refusing to go, even though his buddy was already across. Once he saw me go across, he felt the need to follow. Men… 🙂
Calico Tanks Return
We hung out at the tank for some time, soaking up the views and the quiet energy of the water pool. We didn’t think we’d be finding too much water on this desert trip, so were enjoying this immensely. What an amazing first foray into the Red Rock Canyon.
After getting our fill, we returned the way we came.
When we left the shade of the canyon and entered the main desert, the heat was again pretty strong. We hustled back to the campervan, and our campsite. After making dinner, we realized we would not be sleeping in the pop top. As hot as the desert is in the daytime, it’s as freezing cold at night. We had to run into the Vegas Target the next day and buy another blanket to keep warm at night.
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Alisen
I love all things mountains! I live next door to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, however I travel the world to enjoy the many different mountain environments and cultures that I can. I hope you enjoy these trip reports, and that it inspires you to accomplish your own adventure goals.
Alisen Dopf 
The colours of the canyon walls are beautiful. Love the picture of you lying down on the rocks. I couldn’t help but laugh at how that guy decided to go across the rocks after seeing you do it. The water pool looks so unusual in such a hot place. It’s too bad you couldn’t find out more about it.
I know, right? Guys are ruled by different motives 🙂
There were a few things about the desert that I’d like answers to. Such a fascinating place, and so unike anyting I’ve really experienced. My geological knowledge is really lacking in that environment.
I couldn’t agree more about how the desert is such a fascinating place. I’m obsessed with all the different types of cacti. I was honestly surprised at how much vegetation there is in Nevada and Utah. I was expecting the desert to be more barren.
Totally! The plants that do survive are amazing. Have you ever hiked in Hawaii? The crators in Maui have these stunning Silver Sword plants that bloom once every blue moon. So fascinating.
We have! We went to Maui for ten days in 2019. It was awesome because we went diving in the morning and hiking in the afternoon. Agreed, the landscape there is pretty incredible. And I love how it’s so different depending where you are on the island. Some areas are so lush while others are barren. It was heartbreaking to hear about their wildfire last year.
Yes, that wildfire was horrible. I did see an ariel view of the banyan tree and it did survive, but all the old structures are gone. So sad.
Glad to hear the banyan tree survived, but it’s so sad to see how much was lost during the fire. That year was especially bad for wildfires in Canada too.