Calico Hills Trail runs along the base of the Calico Rocks from Calico Basin to Sandstone Quarry. The distance is variable since the trail can be accessed at either end or from either of the two Calico parking areas.
On November 19th, Deb and I parked at Calico Hills #1 to venture out on to this popular trail. Our goal was to hike to the next parking area. Like other trails at Red Rock National Conservation Area, many are used by rock climbers. Its intriguing to see them lugging 50-70 pounds of gear on their backs zipping by you on the trails. Oh,, the spirit of youth.. LOL.
By no means a geology expert, its always interesting to see so many contrasting colors and features in these red rock formations. Layers of Aztec sandstone, limestone carved out by time are all around you. The trail allows you to walk on, in, over and in some places under these rock specimens. The trail is well marked, but it didn’t stop us from venturing off to see more of the unique surroundings.
In one of our meanderings, we had to do an “abrupt about face” since there was no visible means to get down through the narrow slot canyon and the near hundred-foot drop. The trail had us skirting up and over the rocks, we made it up to the Calico Hills parking area #2 with an impressive 430 elevation gain! We then followed the road back to our vehicle and were successful in this 2.52 mile adventure.
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