Calico Tanks Trail is 2.2 miles (round trip) and took me about 2 hours to complete. I went on this trail twice- once in January 2020 and most recently in November 2021. They have made a lot of signage updates on this trail and it’s a lot easier to follow than when I originally went on this trail in 2020. As long as you are okay climbing a little bit, this trail is doable or “moderate”.


As of 2020 on Alltrails.com, Calico Tanks Trail is ranked number one best trail in all of Nevada. At the end of the trail, you can see a (far) view of The Strip.

Getting There

About 30 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, you can arrive at Red Rock Canyon. If you are driving in your own car the cost is $15 person vehicle and if you are being dropped off the cost is $5 per person. You’ll want to park or walk to the Sandstone Quarry parking lot, where the start of the trail is. Click here for the map of Red Rock (page 2).

The photos taken in snow were take in January 2020 and the dry photos were taken in November 2021.

Best Time To Go

Going in the Summer (June to August, possibility the surrounding months, depending on the temperature) is irresponsible. Once you are on this trail, there is no easy turn back. I recommend to go on this trail during the Fall and Winter.

The lake (or where a lake can be depending on the weather conditions) is near the end of the trail. Once you go right and climb up the rocks, you will be at the view point.

The view at the end of the trail. You can see the Las Vegas Strip in the distance.