Twenty minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, you can be scrambling up giant red and cream sandstone boulders, hunting for a hidden pool of rainwater, and then standing on a rock ledge looking back at the whole city in the distance.
That’s the Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon, one of the most fun short hikes near Las Vegas. It’s only about 2.5 miles round trip, but it’s packed with variety: a sandy wash, natural rock stairs, light scrambling, a seasonal “tank” of water, and a viewpoint over the Las Vegas Valley.
This guide explains everything in plain English: distance, difficulty, the route step by step, the overlook, timed-entry reservations, Scenic Drive hours, sunrise tips, and what to bring.
Quick answer
- Distance: about 2.2–2.5 miles round trip (BLM lists both).
- Elevation gain: about 450 feet.
- Time: 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Difficulty: moderate, with short scrambles.
- Trailhead: Sandstone Quarry, on Red Rock’s 13-mile Scenic Drive.
- Reservations: timed entry needed October 1 – May 31 for Scenic Drive entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Scenic Drive hours: opens 6 a.m.; closes 5 p.m. (Nov–Feb), 7 p.m. (Mar, Oct), 8 p.m. (Apr–Sep).
- Best time: October to April, early morning.
Calico Tanks Trail at a Glance
| Location | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada (BLM) |
| Distance from Las Vegas Strip | About 17 miles west |
| Trailhead | Sandstone Quarry parking area, Scenic Drive |
| Distance | About 2.2–2.5 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | About 450 feet |
| Time | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate (BLM: moderately strenuous) |
| Route type | Out and back |
| Highlights | Sandstone scrambling, seasonal water tank, Las Vegas overlook |
| Shade | Very little |
| Best season | October to April |
Where Is Calico Tanks Trail?
The trail is inside Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The trail starts at the Sandstone Quarry parking area, one of the first big stops on the one-way, 13-mile Scenic Drive.
How to get there from Las Vegas
- Drive west on West Charleston Boulevard (State Route 159).
- Turn right into the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive entrance (with your timed-entry reservation in season).
- Follow the one-way Scenic Drive a few miles to the signed Sandstone Quarry turnoff.
- Park. Look for the trail signs at the lot.
Allow about 30–45 minutes from central Las Vegas, plus time at the entrance.
Timed Entry, Hours and Fees
Do you need a reservation?
Yes, at certain times. The BLM requires a timed-entry reservation from October 1 through May 31 for anyone entering the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Book on Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777. Outside those hours (for example, entering at 6 or 7 a.m.), you don’t need a reservation, but you still pay the entrance fee.
Scenic Drive hours
| Months | Hours |
|---|---|
| November – February | 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| March | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| April – September | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| October | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Thanksgiving & Christmas | Closes at noon |
Fees
There’s a per-vehicle entrance fee for the Scenic Drive, and a small reservation fee during timed-entry season. America the Beautiful passes cover the entrance fee, but you may still need a timed-entry reservation. Check current prices on Recreation.gov.
The visitor center is open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. Call the Red Rock information line at 702-515-5350 with questions.
Calico Tanks Trail Distance and Difficulty
BLM materials list the trail at about 2.5 miles round trip, and its trail map shows about 1.1 miles one way (2.2 round trip). Plan for the longer number. You’ll gain around 450 feet.
It’s rated moderate (the BLM calls it moderately strenuous). It’s not long, but you’ll:
- Walk in soft sand at the start.
- Climb natural sandstone steps and ledges.
- Use your hands in a few short scrambles.
- Route-find a little on open rock.
Is it good for beginners and kids?
Yes, for fit beginners and active kids who enjoy climbing on rocks. It’s a favorite with families. Younger kids may need a hand on the bigger steps. It’s not suitable for strollers or people with serious balance issues.
Calico Tanks Trail: Step by Step
1. Sandstone Quarry
The hike starts at Sandstone Quarry, where early settlers once cut sandstone blocks. You can still see some quarried blocks near the start. The trail heads north across a sandy wash toward the colorful Calico Hills.
2. Into the wash
Follow the signs for Calico Tanks up the wide wash between red and cream sandstone. The walls slowly close in. Watch for trail signs; several side paths branch off.
3. Rock steps and scrambles
The trail starts climbing on natural sandstone stairs and slabs. In places you’ll step up big ledges and use your hands. Dry sandstone is grippy, but a layer of sand on top makes it slippery. Go slow, especially coming down.
4. The tank
Near the top, you reach Calico Tanks: a natural rock basin (called a tinaja) that collects rainwater and snowmelt. After rain, it can be a surprisingly big pool. In dry spells, it might be a puddle or nothing at all. Wildlife depends on this water, so don’t swim in it or disturb it.
5. The overlook
Keep going past the tank on a short climb up the slickrock to a notch. Suddenly the view opens up: the desert stretching east and the Las Vegas skyline in the distance. It’s an amazing contrast, wild red rock all around you and a huge city on the horizon.
6. Back to the car
Return the same way. Descending the rock steps takes care. Face in on the steepest ones if needed.
Can You See Las Vegas From Calico Tanks?
Yes. The overlook past the tank looks east across the Las Vegas Valley, and on clear days you can see the Strip skyline. Haze, wind and dust can reduce visibility, so clear winter mornings are often best.
Calico Tanks at Sunrise
Sunrise at Red Rock is beautiful, but there’s a catch: the Scenic Drive doesn’t open until 6 a.m. In late spring and summer, the sun is already up by then. In winter, sunrise is later, so you have a better shot at early light.
- You can’t enter the Scenic Drive before 6 a.m. Don’t go around gates.
- Entering before 8 a.m. means no timed-entry reservation is needed (October–May).
- Early starts beat the heat, the crowds and parking problems.
Best Time to Hike Calico Tanks
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| October–November | Cooling down, clear days | Excellent |
| December–February | Cool, sometimes icy or snowy | Great, watch for ice |
| March–April | Warm, wildflowers, busy | Great, go early |
| May–September | Very hot, little shade | Early morning only |
The tank is most likely to hold water after winter storms.
What to Bring
- Water: at least 1–2 liters per person; more if it’s warm.
- Shoes with sticky rubber soles for sandstone.
- A small backpack to keep your hands free for scrambling.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Layers in winter.
- Snacks for the overlook.
- Phone with offline map.
Keep your phone handy but secure with one of our backpack phone holders.
Safety Tips
- Watch your footing on sandy rock, especially going down.
- Avoid wet or icy rock.
- Stay back from edges at the overlook, and keep kids close.
- Don’t go off route. Side canyons look similar and can lead to steep drops.
- Heat: summer temperatures soar. Start at 6 a.m. or pick another day.
- Protect the tank and rock: no swimming, carving or graffiti.
- Pets: keep any pet leashed, carry water for it, and remember pets aren’t allowed in the visitor center.
Calico Tanks vs. Other Red Rock Canyon Hikes
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calico Tanks | 2.2–2.5 mi | Moderate | Scrambling, water tank, city view |
| Calico Hills | Varies (2–6 mi) | Easy–moderate | Colorful sandstone |
| Keystone Thrust | About 2.2 mi | Moderate | Famous geologic fault |
| Moenkopi Loop | About 2 mi | Easy | Desert views near the visitor center |
| Turtlehead Peak | About 5 mi | Strenuous | Summit views |
Suggested Half-Day Plan
- 6:00 a.m.: enter the Scenic Drive when it opens (no reservation needed before 8 a.m. in season).
- 6:15 a.m.: hike Calico Tanks.
- 8:30 a.m.: continue along the Scenic Drive, stopping at viewpoints.
- 10:00 a.m.: visitor center exhibits (reservation needed if entering 8–5 in season).
- Afternoon: drive out to Valley of Fire’s Fire Wave for a full desert day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Calico Tanks Trail?
About 2.2–2.5 miles round trip, depending on the BLM source.
How hard is Calico Tanks?
Moderate, with sandstone steps and short scrambles. The BLM calls it moderately strenuous.
How long does it take?
About 1.5–2.5 hours.
Where does Calico Tanks Trail start?
At the Sandstone Quarry parking area on Red Rock Canyon’s Scenic Drive.
Do you need a reservation for Calico Tanks?
From October 1 to May 31, you need a timed-entry reservation to enter the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Is there water at Calico Tanks?
The natural tank holds water after rain, but it can be dry. Don’t drink it.
Can you see Las Vegas from Calico Tanks?
Yes, from the overlook just past the tank, on clear days.
Can you hike Calico Tanks at sunrise?
Only if sunrise is after 6 a.m., when the Scenic Drive opens. That’s more likely in winter.
Is Calico Tanks good for kids?
Yes, for active kids who like climbing. Help them on bigger steps and near edges.
Is Calico Tanks worth it?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most fun short hikes near Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
Calico Tanks gives you a big adventure in a small package: red rock scrambling, a hidden desert water pocket and a view of Las Vegas from the wild side. Get in early, sort out your timed entry, wear grippy shoes and take your time on the rock steps.
More Las Vegas-area hikes: Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire, Golden Canyon in Death Valley, Las Vegas to Zion and the best winter hiking trails in the USA.
Official info: BLM Red Rock Canyon and Scenic Drive timed entry.