The “No Entrance Fee” Calico Basin Red Springs at Red Rock Canyon is stunning!
The fact that there is No Entrance Fee to enter the stunning Calico Basin Red Springs at Red Rock Canyon makes this one of the top outdoor free things to do in Las Vegas!
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a stunning natural site on the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley, managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Calico Basin is named after the many natural springs that provide water to area’s abundant vegetation and wildlife. It is surrounded by large trees, such as cottonwood and ash. Saltgrass meadows thrive thanks to the water provided by the springs.
The parking area contains a few amenities, such as picnic tables, fire grills, trash cans, and restrooms.
- Location: East of the Visitor Center and Scenic Loop on Calico Basin
- Directions: To get to Red Spring from downtown Las Vegas, take Charleston Blvd west for 3.8 miles. Turn right onto Calico Basin Road and continue driving north and then west for about 1 mile.
- Hike length: ½ mile round trip
- Difficulty: Easy; wheelchair accessible
- Estimated Minimum Hike Time: 30 minutes
- Facilities: There are four vault toilets, two near the picnic area and two across the parking lot. No water is available.
General Description: This boardwalk hike starts in a picnic area and leads to a loop near Red Spring. The trail has several stops and wayside signs.
