Overview:
The 5,200 acre+- Calico Basin Recreation Area is a popular rock climbing and hiking destination within and on the Easterly edge of the larger Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Located just West of the Vegas Valley, Calico Basin is a colorful area tucked between the gray limestone of the La Madre Mountains to the North, the red sandstone of the Calico Hills to the West and a desert ridge to the South. Compared to the surrounding desert, Calico Basin is sheltered and relatively moist with "lush" Mojave Desert Scrub vegetation back-dropped by the sandstone cliffs of the Calico Hills providing a very scenic experience.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages Red Rock Canyon N.C.A. and is also responsible for the management of the Calico Basin Recreation Area. However, within Calico Basin lies approx. 200 acres of private holdings (ranch style properties). Being one of Southern Nevada's most popular outdoor recreation destinations, Calico Basin is experiencing ever increasing visitation as the surrounding urban population and demand for outdoor recreation grows. In reality, Calico Basin is being "loved to death" which raises many concerns such as resource damage, inadequate infrastructure, parking issues and impacts to homeowners. At present, Calico Basin has no entry fee or timed entry restrictions, however the BLM is considering implementing a fee / entry system similar to the one in use for the "Scenic Drive" section of Red Rock Canyon.

The Calico Basin - South Trail described on this web-page is a nice hike along an unnamed desert Wash. Unlike many of the trails in Calico Basin, this trail sees fewer hikers than the more popular / well known trails in the area. Highlights include a beautiful desert Wash, a chance to see wildlife, up-close views of the Southern cliffs of the Calico Hills (look for rock climbers), an amazing boulder field and a few petroglyphs for those with keen eyes. The area is surprisingly scenic (with many things to see) and a great place for exploration.

  
...trailside scenery
  

Information / Tips:
Bring plenty of water / snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and hiking boots (advised). Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a fully pressurized spare tire. Dogs are allowed on leash. DON'T forget your camera.
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•  Calico Basin - South Parking amenities: none
    weekend parking can be problematic
•  Calico Basin - South Trailhead amenities: none
    vault toilet: located at Red Spring Picnic Area
•  Calico Basin - South Trail: not ADA accessible
•  Fees: none
•  No Shade
•  No Water Available
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nearby: Ash Spring Trail
nearby: First Creek Canyon Trail
nearby: Red Spring Boardwalk
nearby: Rubber Ducky Tree
nearby: Scenic Loop Drive
nearby: Wilson Pimple

Warning:
This adventure involves travel to a relatively remote area, please refer to the section on desert travel for safety information.
•  Watch for snakes
•  Be mindful of lightning / flash floods
•  AVOID THE AREA DURING EXTREME HEAT
•  You are responsible for your own safety

Trail Directions:
The Calico Basin - South Trailhead (waypoint T) is located at the Northerly end of the Calico Basin - South Parking Area (see Driving Directions below). The trailhead has no trail signs and is "marked" by 2 large "reddish bollards" along a North-South fenceline. From the trailhead proceed Westerly along an "old dirt road" for 0.09 miles+- to a "Y" intersection and WP2. From WP2 "bear" Left (Southwesterly) along said road for 0.19 miles+- to a second intersection (just after crossing an unnamed Wash) and WP3. From WP3 turn Right (Southwesterly) following the "old dirt road" which runs "upstream" parallel to (crossing in / out of) said Wash, for 0.65 miles to a "trail" intersection (old road ends) and WP4. Note: from WP4 a trail (not described on this web-page) heads Northerly ascending the slope towards the Red Springs Picnic Area (0.39 miles+- distant). From WP4 continue straight (Southwesterly) along the trail, traveling 0.02 miles+- to a "Y" intersection and WP5. From WP5 "bear" Right (Northwesterly) traveling up-slope along the trail (aka Lower Calico Hills Trail) toward a large boulder field area, traveling 0.09 miles+- amongst said boulders to WP6. From WP6, after a very short Southerly descent the trail (Lower Calico Hills Trail) turns Northwesterly (eventually leaving the boulder field) toward WP7 (located just after crossing said Wash) 0.24 miles+- distant from WP6. From WP7 "bear" Left (Southeasterly) on a unnamed use-trail, paralleling said Wash "downstream" for a total distance of 0.17 miles+- to a "Y" intersection (with Donkey Way Trail) and WP8. From WP8 continue straight (Easterly) paralleling said Wash (along Donkey Way Trail) for 0.18 miles+- to WP5. From WP5 reverse your previous route (WP5-WP4-WP3-WP2-trailhead) for 0.95 miles+- to the Trailhead Parking Area. Approx. hiking distance (as described): 2.6 miles.
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Trail Note:
This adventure utilizes a variety of trail types such as old roads, trails and use-trails. Use-trails are sporadic in nature and often "venture out" in all directions. Within this area of the Red Rock Canyon N.C.A. many use-trails exist and can make things "somewhat" confusing. Therefore it is recommended to utilize internet mapping resources such as aerial photography (not always current) and waypoint positions to visualize your route.
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WP1:    N36.14160  W115.39947

P:          N36.14539  W115.40413

T:          N36.14549  W115.40461

WP2:    N36.14531  W115.40626

WP3:    N36.14377  W115.40884

WP4:    N36.14132  W115.41929

WP5:    N36.14121  W115.41957

WP6:    N36.14163  W115.42098

WP7:    N36.14281  W115.42455

WP8:    N36.14138  W115.42256

Note:
See desert travel for GPS Waypoint info
All distances and waypoints are approximate

Driving Directions:
From the I-15 (Las Vegas Fwy.) interchange with W. Flamingo Rd. proceed South on I-15 (in the right 2 lanes) for 1.3 miles+- and take the off-ramp for County Rd. 215 West (Exit #36). Continue South on Exit #36 (parallels I-15) following the signs for County Rd. 215 for 1.7 miles+- and take the off-ramp towards County Rd. 215 West. Continue along the off-ramp for 0.20 miles+- and "bear" Right towards County Rd. 215 West eventually merging onto County Rd. 215 West in approx. 0.50 miles. Continue on County Rd. 215 West, which transitions into County Rd. 215 North, for a total distance of 12.9 miles+- and take the off-ramp for NV-159 (Exit #26). Continue along the off-ramp for 0.30 miles+- and turn Left onto NV-159 towards Red Rock Canyon. Travel 3.80 miles+- on NV-159 to the signed turnoff for Calico Basin Rd. and WP1. Turn Right onto Calico Basin Rd. traveling 0.40 miles+- to the Calico Basin - South Parking Area (waypoint P). Note: the parking area (gravel) is located on the Southwesterly (Left) side of Calico Basin Rd. with additional parking available along the Northeast "shoulder" of Calico Basin Rd. opposite of the parking area (watch for traffic). Return by reversing route. Approximately 21 miles from central Vegas Strip to the Calico Basin - South Parking Area.