Turtlehead Peak – a strenuous, but not technically challenging (aka – no hands on trails needed), hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas. It’s only 2.3 miles (4.6 miles RT) from the Sandstone Quarry parking lot, with an elevation gain of over 2000 ft. It could be extended by adding some of the adjacent trails. I have originally planned to start from the Visitor Center, passing through the Calico trails, which would add about 4 to 5 miles one way. Was chatting with one of the park rangers, and there were 2 park visitors who needed a ride to the Calico I parking lot, so decided to give them a ride and just start from there.

Hiking through the Calico trails and going over the boulders would really bring the kid back in you. This is how I rate these trails: Calico I – the teaser, to keep you wanting more. Once you’ve seen the red rocks and played like a kid hopping/climbing on them, you would want to explore more. Which would take you to Calico II. Calico II – more teasing, more off trail options, more fun. You would easily forget time, and if you keep following the changing colors of the sandstone from vivid red to orange to off-white, you’d reach Sandstone Quarry. From here, more trail options to wander. To Turtlehead Peak is one of those trails.

The trail to Turtlehead Peak starts relatively flat, leaving the Sandstone Quarry and into the wilderness. The peak is visible as you traverse the trail, which gives you both positive and negative feelings the same time.

The peak is getting closer and closer. Almost there. Yes!

What the crap! I can’t seem to get any closer!

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The trail becomes steeper as you get closer to the top. And always, the view of the peak is within reach.

Today, it became exciting, too. The trail to the summit, was covered with snow and ice. Met some hikers who turned around because of the icy trails. Without spikes or crampons, I still decided to continue. Visibility started to become poor. Cloud hovered covering the trails. Am I still in Las Vegas?

With careful steps, I reached the summit. On a clear day, this peak provides a 360-view of the whole Red Rock Canyon area. Not today. At the summit, I joined 4 hikers, and patiently waited for the clouds to clear. It was funny. The clouds were giving us a show! From zero visibility to a clear view, in a flash. You blink, you miss the view. It was such an experience. With patience, I was able to capture some with a mixed view of the moving clouds and the scenic area below.

Coming down the icy trail was a bit tricky. Slipped once, but no big deal. Safely reached the clear section, zoomed in and began ‘bombing’ the downhill without thoughts of slipping or falling. Yay, I can still run!

I had a small coke on this hike. It served as my reward when I reached the Sandstone Quarry parking. Quickly downed it, and felt a surge of energy again. Where to next? I still have 3+ miles to go back to Calico I, but don’t want to go back yet.

Went to the Calico Tanks, 2.5 miles out-and-back. This was absolute fun! Trail on the boulders all to the way to the end, and more. A little farther down the trail gives you a clear view of the city, the lonely Las Vegas city!

Finished the hike and fun just about when the sky started to turn dark. No more time for a stop-and-take-pictures on the scenic drive. Leaves a feeling of wanting to go back again. This is Las Vegas, anyway.