Some call it the ‘best free hike out of Las Vegas‘. I’d agree.
No need to pay entry to Red Rock Canyon, this adventure is right next door ➙ out of Calico Basin. Free entry. Free parking.
On a cool day in April, I did the the 6.9 km (4.2 mi) Kraft Mountain & Calico Hills Loop. With side trips and additional scrambles, it was longer for me.
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I went back in January 2026.
The Loop was just as terrific — though there was some water in the low spots. A rare rainy Christmas in December.
Again, I had a bike. Locked and hid it away in a ‘cave’. It’s all downhill back to Vegas.
There were many people on the trail on a cool December day in December. By late Spring it’s already getting very hot here!
You can’t get lost. The Loop is well signed.
You can hike it in either direction. Both are good.
It’s tempting to scramble up higher.
I’d certainly go back a 3rd time next I get to Las Vegas.
besthike.com 