![]() This is an in-and-out hike, and vistas on the return trip stretch out to the red rock hills across the valley.ģ. Continuing on, the trail eventually leads to the end of the canyon, where the stone walls seem to envelop you. If you are not up for a difficult hike, you can turn back at this point. As you approach the opening to the canyon, the trees become much denser, and the area takes on the look of a forest.īeyond the canyon entrance, the trail is littered with large boulders, some the size of cars, which you will need to negotiate. It climbs slightly, winding through junipers and pinon pines. This is almost as dramatic as walking through the canyon. The hike begins by crossing a flat area of small trees and shrubs, from where there are great views of the canyon in front of you. As this is a true box canyon with no outlet, the trail eventually dead ends, and steep walls rise up around you on three sides. At the base are pine trees and other foliage, giving the canyon floor a relatively lush look. From the parking lot, you can see the entrance to the canyon, where the sheer stone walls reveal a narrow opening in the distance.ĭramatic yellow and charred-looking black walls line this high-walled canyon. This is especially true in the spring (April), when the wildflowers are blooming. This hike is very popular, and you don't even need to complete the entire 2.6-mile trail to find it enjoyable. Ice Box Canyon Trail Ice Box Canyon Trail | Photo Copyright: Lana Law ![]() Parking for this hike is at the Sandstone Quarry.Ģ. For the best chance of seeing the tanks in their full glory, full of water, plan your hike in the spring or winter or after a monsoon storm in the late summer.Ĭalico Tank is an in-and-out hike, so you will leave on the same route you arrived on. The "tank" at the far end of the hike is a natural water catchment area that sometimes has significant water. These sections are short-lived and much of the 400-foot elevation gain is achieved by walking up crudely constructed stone stairs. At some points, you will be using your hands and feet to climb. The summit comes into view ahead as you climb.Īlthough this is only a 2.5-mile return hike, it does have some tricky sections, and you will need to negotiate your way up over rock faces. Hills and boulders line the trail as you ascend, but views out behind open up to the mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the park, Calico Tank, takes you through a wash at the start and then up a canyon into spectacular red and yellow rock scenery. Calico Tank Trail Calico Tank Trail | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Permits can be purchased online.īefore heading out on the trails, see our guide to the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon.ġ. ![]() Note that timed entry permits are now required to access the scenic drive. America the Beautiful (aka National Park Passes) are accepted at this park. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 30 minutes by car from the Las Vegas Strip and can be easily visited on a day trip from Las Vegas. In the spring, this side of the park is also home to an array of wildflowers. On the far side of the park, the scenery is quite different, with high cliff walls lush canyons and rock that reveals more yellow and gray colors, rather than reds. ![]() Near the visitor center, at the start of the drive, the landscape and hikes are dominated by the signature red rocks. The hikes depart from trailheads off the 13-mile scenic loop drive, which winds through the park. Red Rock Canyon State Park | Photo Copyright: Lana Law These are some of the best hiking trails near Las Vegas. The scenery is intriguing from afar but is best appreciated from the trails that weave their way through the dramatic canyons, along ridges, and over the rolling red rock hills. They stretch along the east-facing side of the Spring Mountains, on the western edge of the city, and are riddled with fascinating hiking trails. The glowing orange hills of Red Rock Canyon are visible in the distance from Las Vegas, enticing hikers. Authors Michael and Lana Law visit Las Vegas regularly and enjoy hiking and camping at Red Rock Canyon. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |