Turtlehead Peak - 4.7 Miles Round-Trip

Turtlehead Peak (6,323') is located 2.35 miles from Sandstone Quarry Trailhead in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This short but challenging hike begins in the lower basin and climbs over 1500' in just 1.35 miles to the summit. Portions of the trail are ill-defined, and pass over steep loose rock and sand.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Turtlehead Peak is a stunning example of older limestone rock that's been thrust above younger sandstone layers, part of a series of thrust faulting events that occurred throughout western North America 65 million years ago. Visitors will enjoy diverse desert ecology and panoramic views across Red Rock Canyon on the hike to Turtlehead Peak:

The trail heads past the Calico Hills to remains of the Excelsior Stone Quarry, where you can examine large chiseled blocks that weigh several tons. Follow signs left across a small wash to the Turtlehead Peak – Calico Tanks Trail split (.2 miles : 4,362’).

Bear left through a diversely vegetated corridor between two major washes. Primary constituents include blackbrush, yucca, ephedra, desert sage and hedgehog cactus. A few large pinyon and oak trees dot the area, favoring outcrops that help funnel water to their roots.

The trail crosses successive washes to the right (.42 and .65 miles), the second and larger of which traces all the way up to La Madre Mountain. These entry and exit points may be unclear on the return. Travel clarifies on a short climb above the second wash (.65 miles : 4,558’) through the upper bajada.

Grades steepen considerably through 1 mile (4,755’) on a more direct heading up the SW flank of Turtlehead Peak. You'll gain useful topographical perspective on this rapid climb.

The trail edges to the left of a gully and braids / loses clarity in many places (1.5 miles : 5,215’). While there is a ‘main’ trail, it’s difficult to discern. Cairns and signposts offer guidance early on, but there are fewer as you progress.

Critically, stay left of and above the gully no matter which path you take, as the gully is cluttered with large boulders and brush that would require challenging and unnecessary scrambling. Be mindful of snakes as you pick your way up this very steep section.

The trail abruptly levels on the NW shoulder of Turtlehead (1.8 miles : 5,825’) with exceptional views of La Madre Mountain, Brownstone Basin and back across the Park. Turn right for a brief respite on a clearer trail that weaves through interesting spires and outcrops.

Here the trail wraps around the back (north) side of Turtlehead Peak on a more moderate grade 400’ below the summit (2.0 miles miles : 5,940’).

It’s not long before the trail braids again, and at some point you must pick one for the final push to the summit. Take your time, as the first options tend to be steeper.

Turtlehead Peak (2.35 miles : 6,323’) stands prominently over Red Rock Canyon with panoramas that include the Las Vegas valley, Calico Hills, La Madre Mountain (8,154’), Mt Wilson (7,070’), Rainbow Mountain (6,924’) and Bridge Mountain (6,460’).

The summit is broad and easy to explore. Look for the summit log, which is kept in a military-style canister. Return travel is no less clear than the way up, so proceed cautiously and follow visual and terrestrial clues to aid navigation.