Calico Basin Trail

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Published: February 12, 2026

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Nearby Essentials

Gas: Chevron & Terribles
Directions

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Common Questions

Distance:: .66 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: out & back
Trail Condition:: Maintained
Tags:: exposed, family friendly
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Kraft Mountain and Red Spring parking lot or on the street.
Restrooms:: At Red Spring parking lot.
Reception:: Possible but not reliable.
Access:: From Girl Scout or via the Red Spring parking lot.
Good to Know:: This area gets exceptionally crowded due to rock climbers and family activities at the Red Spring Boardwalk.
Why:: It's a nice, short trail that provides ample opportunities to explore mountainsides and misc. pockets.
Wildlife Probability:: None, due to heavy foot and vehicle traffic.
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.14724, -115.41887 — Map

Calico Basin offers an immersive introduction to the Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas signature red sandstone formations, with sweeping views across the entire basin. Countless ways to explore its terrain; the area blends elevated scenic overlooks, rugged foothill trails, and rocky sandstone sections that invite light scrambling. Because so many routes intersect here, hikers can venture in nearly any direction and still end up on something scenic. Thanks to Red Rock Canyon’s well-connected system of trails, it becomes remarkably easy to combine multiple routes into a custom distance—whether you want a quick hour-long loop or a multi-mile exploration stretching deep into the basin.

Calico Basin Options

Below are two popular combinations that showcase how flexible and interconnected the Calico Basin network is:

Calico Overlook + Calico Basin + Ash Spring + Girl Scout — 3.5 miles
A balanced route featuring gradual elevation, red rock views, shaded pockets near Ash Spring, and panoramic overlooks facing the Calico Hills. Ideal for hikers wanting variety without committing to a long push.
Calico Basin + Gene’s Trail + Kraft Mountain Loop — 5 miles
A more adventurous combination that circles Kraft Mountain and extends into the basin. Expect a mix of rugged terrain, open desert stretches, and scenic ridgelines. This loop gives you a comprehensive sampling of Calico Basin’s diverse landscape.

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