

(5 miles round trip, very strenuous).įrom upper White Rock Springs parking lot take the trail north across the wash, and up the hill. The trail is intermittent and composed of loose rock. Scramble up a ravine to the saddle and follow the steep ridge to the top. (2.5 miles round trip, moderately strenuous, rock scrambling and route finding skills recommended).įrom Sandstone Quarry the trail heads north over a narrow rise, in and out of a wash, then continues for a short distance along the northwest side of Turtlehead Peak. Water may be present in the tanks after seasonal rains. Just beyond this site, the trail veers up a side canyon to the right where it follows ascending rock terraces to a large natural water tank (tinaja). A side trail runs from the fee booth parking lot and connects with this trail (distance variable, easy to moderate).įrom Sandstone Quarry the trail heads north from its junction with the Turtlehead Peak Trail to just past the Agave roasting pit site. Distance is variable since the trail can be accessed at either end or from either of the two Calico parking areas. This trail runs along the base of the Calico Rocks from Calico Basin to Sandstone Quarry. In addition to panoramic views of the Wilson Cliffs, there are connecting trails to the Calico Hills area (2 mileloop, easy). Triassic fossils and various desert flora can be seen on this open country trail which starts at the visitor center just west of the weather monitoring station and traverses a prominent limestone ridge. Maps of the Red Rock Canyon are available for sale at the bookstore in the visitor center. The following is a brief list of the more popular hikes in the area. Hiking Trails In The Scenic Loop Vicinity: The Avenza Maps® app uses your device’s built-in GPS to locate you even when you are out of range of a network or internet connection. Be aware of the closure hours for the scenic drive.Please, if you pack it in, pack it out and dispose of properly.

Mountain thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in the canyons and nearby washes. Dress appropriately wear footwear suitable for hiking and consider wearing a hat.
Hiking red rock canyon registration#
There is a voluntary hiker’s registration at the visitor center.


Do not roll or throw rocks and other items from high places other visitors may be below you.Steep slopes and cliff edges are dangerous. When hiking, stay on established trails and watch your footing at all times.For your safety, please follow these simple rules: If is it necessary to hike off trail, hikers should spread out in small groups, and hike on rock areas as much as possible.Įach year people are lost, injured, and sometimes killed while visiting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Thin black crusts of moss and lichen cover open areas and protect desert soils from wind and rain erosion any foot traffic quickly destroys the crusts which heal very slowly. Cutting across switchbacks damages soils and plants, and severely damages the trail. Please stay on established trails in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
