Calico Tanks Trail Near Red Rock Country Club

by Ryan Rose

Calico Tanks Trail is a 2.5 mile round trip hike inside Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just five to ten minutes west of Red Rock Country Club in Summerlin, Las Vegas.

What Is the Calico Tanks Trail Like?

Calico Tanks is rated the number one hike in the Las Vegas area on AllTrails, and it earns that ranking. The trail is classified as moderate difficulty, winding through colorful sandstone formations before reaching a hidden water pocket, or "tank," carved naturally into the rock. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the entire Las Vegas Valley.

The 2.5 mile out and back route typically takes one to two hours to complete. The terrain includes some rock scrambling over sandstone slabs, so sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Trail markers and cairns guide hikers through sections where the path crosses open rock faces.

When Is the Best Time to Hike Calico Tanks?

Early morning is the ideal window, especially during summer when midday temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Winter hiking is also popular, though the sandstone can be slippery after rain or frost.

Because Calico Tanks is the most popular trail in Red Rock Canyon, the parking area at the Sandstone Quarry trailhead fills quickly on weekends. Arriving before 8:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays helps secure a spot. Timed entry reservations for the scenic drive are required from October through May, so plan ahead through Recreation.gov.

A Five Minute Drive from Your Front Door

Red Rock Country Club residents have a unique advantage when it comes to trails like Calico Tanks. The trailhead sits just minutes from the community gates, which means a sunrise hike before work or a quick Saturday morning outing requires almost no planning. That kind of proximity to world class outdoor recreation is rare in any luxury community, and it is one of the reasons buyers consistently choose this neighborhood.

If easy access to trails like Calico Tanks matters to you, contact Ryan Rose to explore homes currently available in Red Rock Country Club.