Urban Trails

Sunday Scramble: Calico Tanks Exploratory

Sun, Sep 6 · 7:00 AM PDT

Albertsons Parking Lot, 11720 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, US

Take on a strenuous, off-the-beaten-path scramble along the iconic Calico Tanks route. After reaching the main overlook, we’ll leave the familiar route behind and venture into the less-explored eastern cliffs toward Turtlehead Junior, scrambling through red sandstone in search of hidden tanks, unique formations, and new overlooks. Expect route-finding, hands-on scrambling, and a true exploratory adventure into a quieter side of Red Rock.

⚠️ STRENUOUS | Class 2–3 Scrambling w/ Exposure | ~3.4mi | ~700ft gain
AllTrails Route Information Here (doesn’t cover exploratory sections)

📸 WHAT TO EXPECT
A challenging scramble at a RELAXED pace, stopping for frequent breaks and photos. As a photographer, I will coordinate some group photos.

💡 LATE SUMMER PRO TIP: Start hydrating before you hit the trail. Drinking 8–16 oz of water with electrolytes about an hour beforehand can help your body stay ahead of the heat rather than trying to catch up once you're already dehydrated.

💥 WHAT IS SCRAMBLING?
Scrambling sits between hiking and climbing, involving hands-on movement over rocky terrain.

• Class 2 Scrambling - Steep hiking with some hand use for balance; minimal risk.
• Class 3 Scrambling - Hands-on climbing with route choice; a fall could cause serious injury.
• Exposure - Sections where a fall would result in a significant drop.

🚗 WHERE TO MEET
We will carpool from the Albertsons Parking Lot @11720 W Charleston Blvd (meet near the back of the lot by the Chevron). We will then drive into the Scenic Loop to the Calico Tanks Trailhead.

Red Rock Scenic Loop does not currently require a reservation. Entrance to Red Rock Scenic Loop is $20 per vehicle, but that is waived with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) or the Red Rock Annual Pass ($50).

I have room for 3 passengers and will take the first 3 to join that respond "CARPOOLING".

WHAT TO BRING

• 🥾 Proper shoes (approach shoes for scrambling or hiking shoes with good rubber grip)
• 💧 2–3 liters of water
• 🍎 Snacks
• 🧢 Dress for the weather
• 🧤 Helmet and Gloves (recommended for scrambling)

If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out.
Let’s go make some memories! 🏜️🔥

⸻

URBAN TRAILS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By registering for and participating in this Urban Trails event, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily participating in an outdoor activity that involves inherent risks including, but not limited to: slips, falls, uneven terrain, loose rock, rockfall, water crossings, ice, snow, scrambling, wildlife, environmental exposure, and changing weather conditions, any of which may result in serious injury, illness, or death.

You understand that Urban Trails and its event hosts and volunteers (including but not limited to Nicholas Klein) are not providing professional guiding services, and that all participants are responsible for their own safety, route decisions, equipment, and level of participation. You understand that you may choose to opt out of any portion of the hike at any time.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and agree to release, waive, and discharge Urban Trails and its hosts and volunteers from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from participation in this event, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of Urban Trails or its hosts and volunteers.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk and voluntarily choose to participate.

In addition to the electronic liability waiver above, all participants are required to sign a written liability waiver at the meetup location prior to participating in the event. Participants who do not sign the written waiver will not be permitted to join the hike.