The Calico Tanks Trail is one of the most popular trails in Red Rocks Canyon, just west of Las Vegas.   Most of the hikes start at trailheads off the Scenic Drive.   The Sandstone Quarry parking area is the start of the Turtlehead Peak Trail, the Calico Tanks Trail, and as a starting point for climbers in the Calico Hills.  The trail follows a wash north, then enters a gully into the sandstone hills.

The slickrock Aztec Sandstone flanks the trail on both sides, inviting exploration.

A few sandstone steps have been provided in steeper spots

Sculpted rock stands over the sides of the trail.

The “tanks” are pools of water that collect rainwater.   The drainage has several tanks up to the height of the pass between the hills.

Cross-bedded white and red sandstone cliffs rise 400 vertical feet above the trail on both sides.

contentThe upper tank is the largest, set in a narrow cleft at the top of the pass.

The return route is about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) on an out-and-back trail, but the flanks of the trail call for exploration so much more time can be spent enjoying the “slickrock playground” of the Calico Hills.