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Calico Tanks Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 456 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Vegas, Nevada · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Calico Tanks Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular out-& back hiking trail on red rock with scrambling sections & scenic views of the canyon.
What runners say about Calico Tanks Trail
“If you're addicted to beautiful views and the challenge, being at the not-so-young age, then you'd know why!”
“Note, if hiking in the late afternoon (5pm or later during daylight savings), the trail will be in the shade for 80% of the hike.”
“I found the trail fairly easy to navigate but I could see it presenting challenges in certain areas if you're less experienced.”
Gorgeous gorgeous hike - scenic drive to get to this trail. Easy to park. Took us about 45 mins to get up there and 45 mins back. But of scrambling and sometimes climbing on large boulders but it wasn’t bad. Went at 8am and while there were few people on the trail, we heard complete silence and true peace/tranquility.
Underestimated this hike at Red Rocks National Park but was worth the trek. Starts off for the most part flat then its all an uphill climb till the end of the trail. Pretty much a gradual climb, hiking shoes best when climbing up the trail.
#CalicoTanks is our final hike to our #RedRockCanyon adventure! I'm always asked why do we always go hiking? The real question is, why aren't you? If you're addicted to beautiful views and the challenge, being at the not-so-young age, then you'd know why!
This is one of my favorite trails at Red Rock! Starts off pretty moderate with a gravel and red sand trail. Then it gradually increases in difficulty as the terrain changes to large boulders. In some parts you have to climb the rocks. Some areas also have what looks like to be man made steps of large rocks.
Trail conditions & character
“If you're addicted to beautiful views and the challenge, being at the not-so-young age, then you'd know why!”
“4 miles but does seem a bit more tiring than expected with the various rock step elevations and requirement for watching your footing and balance at times.”
“Stop and park at Calico I, then walk the trail to near parking lot near Calico II, there is a side trail to make it a complete loop.”
“First part of trail is hard to see the markers- big picture is you need to wrap around the end of the rock climbing wall to get around the other side.”
“The trail starts out easy - gravel/small rocks, then transitions into sand for a while, then it becomes very rocky - mostly flat step-style rocks.”
“Stop and park at Calico I, then walk the trail to near parking lot near Calico II, there is a side trail to make it a complete loop.”
“Note, if hiking in the late afternoon (5pm or later during daylight savings), the trail will be in the shade for 80% of the hike.”
“The trail starts out easy - gravel/small rocks, then transitions into sand for a while, then it becomes very rocky - mostly flat step-style rocks.”
“Hike up the carved stairs and do some light scrambling.”
Plan your run at Calico Tanks Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteredrockcanyonlv.org
- Phone(702) 515-5350
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Las Vegas
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Calico Basin Trail
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Scenic trail running along the base of the Calico Rocks, popular with hikers & rock climbers.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
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Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive.
Ice Box Canyon Trailhead
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Canyon hike (sometimes strenuous, sometimes moderate, sometimes short), featuring a waterfall and rock formations, with an icy section known as the “Ice Box”.
Middle Oak Creek Trailhead
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Popular hiking area featuring trails with varying difficulty levels and scenic views.
South Oak Creek Trailhead
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Tranquil hiking area boasting scenic views and a popular Sunday drum circle.