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Calico Tanks Trail - 2 members in 2 triplogs have rated this an average 4.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Feb 21 2026
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 886
 Triplogs 361

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Turtlehead MountainVegas, NV
Vegas, NV
Run/Jog avatar Feb 21 2026
ShatteredArmTriplogs 361
Run/Jog11.85 Miles 3,707 AEG
Run/Jog11.85 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   27 Secs2.26 mph
3,707 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Haven't logged anything on here in awhile, and that's mostly because I haven't done anything fun lately. But took a trip out to Vegas over the weekend, and decided to hit up RRC for my full day layover. Started from Calico Basin (Kraft Mountain/Girl Scout TH) in order to avoid the reservation system (to be honest, it's more fun crossing over the hills anyways).

It was in the 30s at the start. Initially started up Kraft Mountain Loop trail, and once into the canyon on the north side of the mountain, it got pretty. Some nice striped sandstone, mini slots, and a little trickle of water. Once above the narrows into the wash, it opened up, and I got to where I had come down last year. Proceeded up that way, and around 4200 feet started seeing snow accumulation on the north facing slopes.

At the top of the canyon, at the Ash Spring junction, I continued west towards Turtlehead Mountain and Calico Tanks, with the idea of hitting both. Started with Turtlehead - I had some initial hesitation and mild regrets on the way up, but once I gained the ridge, the views really opened up, and there was a good few inches of snow to trudge through, making things nice and interesting. Also, I was worried it would be cold and windy up there, but it had warmed up modestly by the time I got to the top. The view from the summit is worthwhile, once of the best I've seen in Red Rock Canyon, and it was particularly cool with snow blanketing everything above 4500 of so.

Quickly headed back down, and towards Calico Tanks. This is where I started running into throngs of tourists. Definitely a fun trail, but lots of moving obstacles.

Initially I had planned to loop back around the hills in the counter clockwise direction and try a route that cuts across just south of Red Book Peak, but I decided I was too tired and took the shorter way back, through Ash Spring canyon. This was even more fun going down than it was up. There was plenty of water in the Ash Spring area, which was expected after seen water in some of the other areas.
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229578
Apr 18 2025
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 Guides 19
 Routes 313
 Photos 1,974
 Triplogs 292

female
 Joined Mar 11 2002
 Gilbert, AZ
Calico Tanks TrailVegas, NV
Vegas, NV
Hiking avatar Apr 18 2025
VashtiTriplogs 292
Hiking2.73 Miles 451 AEG
Hiking2.73 Miles   2 Hrs      1.62 mph
451 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Fun trip with my extended family. Everyone really enjoyed this trail. We saw some amazing purple flowering shrubby trees! The weather was perfect. A bit crowded on the return, but not too bad.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Redbud Tree
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Beautiful purple flowering trees!
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:D
 
222860
average hiking speed 1.94 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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