First time climbing in Calico Hills

Joanne and I spent the morning climbing High Scalin' (5.9, 3p). This route climbs a long, right-slanting crack up the center of Blister in the Sun. It was perfect temperatures, cloudy and 70. I had a great time catching up with Joanne and doing some climbing. So fun and good for the soul!

Second time climbing in Calico Hills

Nate and I were on a weeklong stretch of sport climbing between bigger objectives. For the first few days, we climbed up at the Wall of Confusion and The Gallery, one of the more popular and stacked areas of 5.11 and 5.12 climbs. We spent most of the first day projecting one of Red Rock's best 12a sport climbs, Fear and Loathing. Nate redpointed it on his third try (nice job!), and I went up it four times and figured out all of the moves bolt to bolt (thanks Nate for the encouragement to take falls and figure out the 12a on lead rather than wimp stick my way up it).We then finished the day with two 5.10c's, both of each leading both. The next day I worked some more on Fear and Loathing, eventually getting it to one hang. This would be my first 12a redpoint if I get it, so I am determined to try again. We then went over to a 3-star 11c called Yaak Crack. I climbed it three times, with my third time being a redpoint go. But I had expended enough of myself on the 12a and am not good enough at resting en route that I couldn't quite make the redpoint, but I'll be back. A couple of good days of strength-building steep sport climbing!

Ice Box Canyon Hike

The trail takes you through a cool, shady box canyon with seasonal waterfalls (December-April) in the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Hiked this with my parents when I met up with them for a day during a climbing road trip. Photos from this hike are on my Red Rocks March 2019 trip report. I hiked this again in April 2025.

North Peak Hike

One of the more strenuous mountain trails, this hike takes you through a pinyon-juniper forest and brings you to the top of the Red Rock Escarpment. After cragging with Joanne and Sherri and Diane for a few hours (see previous section for Willow Springs), I hiked up to the top of North Peak (~12 miles, 2700' gain/loss). This hike starts from Willow Springs so it was a convenient choice. I had a slightly longer hike than expected since I mistook Bridge Mountain for North Peak (it just looked cooler) and would have summited that one too if I hadn't felt I was running low on time if I did. I enjoyed this hike through Red Rocks backcountry. Below are some photos from my hike up North Peak. I did somewhat of a loop hike.

Turtlehead Peak Hike

This hike features sweeping views from a choice Red Rock Canyon peak. An enjoyable morning hike on a rest day between cragging 5.12 and climbing something big.

Calico Tanks Hike

After Turtlehead Peak, I hiked the Calico Tanks trail. This scurry over jumbled sandstone leads to a hidden water pocket and a great view of Las Vegas. Wanting to get my rest day started soon and read a book, I jogged the trail on the way out.

Calico Hills Hike

I hiked around looking at possible future cragging.

Kraft Mountain Loop Hike

A hike around Kraft Mountain to get the blood flowing. I checked out the Sunny & Steep climbing area. I picked up a Whopper meal for Nate back at camp.

Bridge Mountain Hike

Another strenuous mountain trail, this hike takes you through a pinyon-juniper forest and brings you to the summit of a sandstone peak