Water carry
3L Hydration Pack
Useful for exposed desert routes where one small bottle is not enough.
View hydration packs1.34 miles • Easy • Trail
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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 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
Gear picks are matched to this route using distance, difficulty, terrain, and desert conditions.
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Water carry
Useful for exposed desert routes where one small bottle is not enough.
View hydration packsShade
Simple shade matters on open desert terrain, sandstone slabs, and long approaches.
View hiking hatsSun protection
A lightweight sun layer is one of the most useful pieces of gear for Red Rock exposure.
View sun hoodiesSkin protection
Small, easy to carry, and useful on nearly every Southern Nevada trail.
View SPF essentialsFooting
Better traction helps on loose gravel, sandstone, rocky washes, and steeper trails.
View trail shoesHeat support
Helpful on hot days, longer hikes, and steep routes where plain water may not be enough.
View electrolytes