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Nearby Essentials
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Turtlehead Peak Trail has a dedicated following among RRC NCA hikers thanks to its strenuous challenge and sweeping summit views. Of all the sanctioned routes in the park, turtlehead-peak-trail is widely considered the most demanding—though still modest compared to Mount Wilson. If you’re looking for a serious workout with one of the biggest payoffs in Red Rock Canyon, this is it.
This short but steep ascent leads to a wonderful viewpoint in the Calico region. Though the trail is brief, it wastes no time in climbing—expect rocky footing and a noticeable elevation gain. At the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of the region, and even distant sandstone ridgelines deeper within Red Rock Canyon.
It’s important to clarify what “Calico” refers to: the Calicos are the Calico Hills—a band of striking, multicolored Aztec Sandstone (red, orange, cream, and white) formed from massive Jurassic-era sand dunes that hardened into stone over millions of years. These formations make up only one part of Red Rock Canyon; the entire Conservation Area is not “the Calicos,” although many visitors casually use the term that way. From the overlook, you can clearly see the distinction between the colorful Calico formations and the darker, limestone-dominated mountains surrounding them.
Calico Overlook Connections
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Calico Overlook + Calico Basin + Ash Spring + Girl Scout — 3.5 miles
A trail that blends summit views, basin terrain, and gentle connector trails. Perfect for hikers wanting variety without committing to a rugged day. -
Calico Overlook + Calico Basin + Kraft Mountain Loop — 5.6 miles
A more expansive route that ties the overlook into a full tour of the basin and the Kraft Mountain foothills. Expect a mix of broad views, red rock landscapes, and more challenging segments near Kraft.
Beyond these combinations, Calico Overlook is a strategic access point for multiple adventures. If you park near Red Spring, you can conquer the overlook, then continue toward Calico Hills 1 along the Scenic Loop corridor for extended exploration. Also nearby is the ever so popular Calico Tanks. With so many connections, hopping from one trail to the next is one of the best ways to understand the terrain and build confidence in navigating the area.
While apps and GPS tools are helpful, never rely on them entirely. Batteries die, signals drop, and trail lines often oversimplify rugged terrain. Familiarizing yourself with the physical landscape—its ridges, washes, and key landmarks—remains the safest and most rewarding way to explore Calico Basin and the surrounding hills.
Calico Overlook runs between Red Spring picnic area and Calico Hills II. Calico Hills II is located off of the Scenic Loop. Begin and end your adventure at Red Spring. If you’re looking for a longer route, try this: • Take Calico Overlook loop and return to the Red Spring lot. • Pass the Red Spring Boardwalk adjacent to the Red Spring parking lot. • Pick up Calico Basin heading towards Kraft Mountain. This’ll take you towards the mouth of a red canyon. • At the canyons entrance, take Girl Scout on your right. • Upon reaching the road, turn left to proceed to a fourth trail, called Ash Spring. At this point you could even take Ash Canyon northbound. Calico Overlook is an easy trail with some moderate parts in the form of steep inclines. Some longer than others. Otherwise, it’s comprised of medium dips and roller coaster style weaving. This is a loop vs an out and back, and therefore one way is noticeably different. I began at Red Spring, parked on the street as the large lot was full. Children were running around the Red Spring Boardwalk area which is a nice place directly off of the lot made up of a lengthy wooden plank walkway. Ideal for events. Most likely, unbeknownst to many of these people, six sets of dinosaur footprints are hiding in the Jurassic era rocks. Two of which are near the Calico Basin and another is in the Calico Hills. I’ve never been to these as they’re not publicly disclosed locations in an effort to protect the tracks from potential graffiti or theft. I can tell you however they’re located in very hard to reach places so the likelihood of finding them haphazardly or intentionally would be quite difficult. The Calico Basin spans over 5,100 acres within RRCNCA. Though difficult to say precisely where the boundaries reside, I think it’s a safe estimation that one side begins at Calico Basin Road—the entry point to Kraft Mountain from SR-159 and not far from Gene’s Trail. There’s about 40 private residential homes in this region. Roughly 1,600 acres of said 5,100 are in the La Madre Wilderness. In turn, we can say another boundary is north of Kraft Mountaini, beyond Calico Tanks. The west end seems to be against the start of the Scenic Loop. The Calico Hills include a section of RRCNCA that encompass vibrant, Aztec sandstone rock formations. The basin provides a more residential and climbing oriented atmosphere. The Calico Overlook is a trail that brings you through the Calico Basin and up into the hills. The Red Spring lot is oftentimes nearly full or entirely packed with parking overflowing on to the street. To my understanding, this trail was actually created to alleviate traffic in these two busy areas. Regardless, I enjoyed walking through this trail and the array of connections it offers. For instance, you could park at Red Spring, take the Calico Overlook to Moenkopi and circle back through both Calico Hills trails then return to Red Spring. The Calico Overlook trail is ultimately a great way to segue between a number of trails all of which possess very diverse terrain, rock formations, and even temperatures. The trail runs through the belly of the following photo and along various levels on the right side of the ravine then around the bend in the far back. There’s ample rock climbing opportunities here mixed with the potential to explore all kinds of neat stuff. I particularly enjoyed the very bottom along the left side. Other interesting facts about this region are the remnants of plants and animals emanating from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. There’s roughly 108 acres of wetlands and six notable springs in the Calico Basin. i. Calico Basin Recreation Area Management Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment, chapter 1, page 1-1, https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2016281/200499801/20049485/250055668/Calico%20Basin%20Draft%20RAMP%20and%20EA_508_1.pdf
