Published: February 16, 2026

Take Red Rock Offline

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Nearby Essentials

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    Common Questions

    Distance:
    1.34 miles
    Class:
    Class 1
    Dogs:
    Ok
    Route Style:
    out & back
    Trail Condition:
    Maintained
    Tags:
    exposed
    Difficulty:
    Easy
    Parking:
    Ample parking on the street.
    Restrooms:
    No
    Reception:
    Probable
    Access:
    SR-159/ Red Rock Canyon Rd to Calico Basin Rd.
    Good to Know:
    Wonderful spot for both sunrise and sunsets.
    Why:
    Nice views of sections of The Strip and a challenging trail for cardio enthusiasts.
    Wildlife Probability:
    None
    Trailhead coordinates:
    36.14605, -115.40479 — Map

    Gene’s Trail is a scenic, lesser-traveled route tucked along the southern edge of the Calico Hills in Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas. Unlike the more popular trails starting near Red Spring or Kraft Mountain, Gene’s Trail offers a quiet, spacious feel—rolling terrain and an open desert backdrop that makes the Calico colors stand out even more dramatically. The trail undulates gently across low ridges and shallow washes, giving hikers a constant change of perspective without demanding much effort. Because of its position slightly away from the central hubs of the basin, it’s one of the few places where you can experience near-silence even on a busy weekend.

    Gene's Trail is an excellent morning or sunset hike. At daybreak, the Calico Hills ignite into deep reds and golds; in the evening, the entire basin settles into soft lavender and peach tones as the sun drops behind the Rainbow Wilderness. It also serves as a strategic connector, allowing hikers to build longer loops involving Kraft Mountain, Calico Basin, Ash Spring, Girl Scout, or Calico Overlook.

    Gene’s Trail Stats

    • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles one way (varies depending on connection points)
    • Elevation Gain: ~150–250 feet of gentle rolling ascent
    • Difficulty: Easy to Easy-Moderate
      Mostly smooth trail with a steep initial incline; suitable for beginners but rewarding for all experience levels.

    Gene’s Trail is a great choice for hikers looking for a peaceful experience with classic Calico views. It's an essential piece of many of the most enjoyable loop combinations in the basin. For travelers staying in Summerlin looking for hiking in Las Vegas, this may check the box.

    Recommended gear

    Recommended Products for This Trail

    Gear picks are matched to this route using distance, difficulty, terrain, and desert conditions.

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    Water carry

    3L Hydration Pack

    Useful for exposed desert routes where one small bottle is not enough.

    View hydration packs

    Shade

    Wide-Brim Hiking Hat

    Simple shade matters on open desert terrain, sandstone slabs, and long approaches.

    View hiking hats

    Sun protection

    UPF Sun Hoodie

    A lightweight sun layer is one of the most useful pieces of gear for Red Rock exposure.

    View sun hoodies

    Skin protection

    Sunscreen + SPF Lip Balm

    Small, easy to carry, and useful on nearly every Southern Nevada trail.

    View SPF essentials

    Footing

    Rocky-Terrain Trail Shoes

    Better traction helps on loose gravel, sandstone, rocky washes, and steeper trails.

    View trail shoes

    Heat support

    Electrolyte Packets

    Helpful on hot days, longer hikes, and steep routes where plain water may not be enough.

    View electrolytes
    Photography by Mohave Edge
    High-resolution desert & wilderness imagery captured on foot across Southern Nevada.
    Last updated: May 27, 2026

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