South Calico Hills - 4/14/25

Grand Loop Trail Approach to Calico I

Red Rock Escarpment across the Canyon

Grand Loop Trail Junction

Balanced Boulder at South Calico Hills

Just hanging out with a friend while convalescing, we did a small hike starting at the Red Rock Visitor Center. Wondering what condition the Grand Loop Trail was in, we decided to head down toward the fee booth. I must say, someone has really been doing a great job with trail maintenance! The trail that leads down from the visitor center to the fee booth then over and up to junction with the Calico Hills Trail (i.e. part of the Grand Loop Trail) has been manicured to a tee! From the junction, we continued down to the Calico Hills wash and followed the beautiful trail all the way down past the petroglyph area. Next, we kept going on the same trail as it led out the wash toward Calico Basin Road. (Look for the deer up on the ridge above and to the left!)

Petroglyph Boulders at South Calico Hills

As we criss-crossed the wash on the trail, we came to the second rough trail up to the right and climbed to reach the ridge above. There is an old road trail that follows along the ridge. This trail took us to the trail junction where we were before we descended into the wash. Turning back to the left, we dropped down to cross the paved scenic loop road and climbed up and around the visitor center to get back to our car. It was a lovely morning. We finished just as the temperatures started getting warm. Easy and gentle, as my friend and I work on getting our hiking legs back underneath us.

Stats: 4 miles; 525' gain; 2.75hours

Calico Wash at South Calico Hills

Trail toward Bridge Point Peak at South Calico Hills

South Calico Hills above Calico Wash