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 Reporter |
Summary: This is pretty much a "must do" peak for all local hikers. At only 5 miles, it is one of the shortest distance hikes to get such a great, unobstructed view of the Las Vegas valley. There is also a sign-in book inside an old ammo can, buried at the foot of a rock cairn on the peak -- always fun to read the entries and add your own. Be warned, this is not an easy walk. I highly suggest you read the detailed directions for this hike in either Branch Whitney's book (Hiking Las Vegas) or Jim Boone's website (Hiking Around Las Vegas) BEFORE you go so you get a good feel for the steep ravine section & the climb to reach the peak. The upper section of this hike is very rough, loose rock, steep falls, and many confusing side paths, with no distinct signage or main trail to follow. This trail can be extremely dangerous when wet -- during or after rain, and the peak is no place to be when it's windy or in the summer heat. If you're prepared, this is a GREAT hike !! Trailhead: 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave. (SR 159) to Red Rock entry (fee) station. Take 13 mile scenic loop to the 3rd parking area past the entry station -- this is the Sandstone Quarry parking lot and it's really easy to find, go straight when the road curves sharply to the left -- there is a nice sign showing you where to park. This parking lot gets really, really full especially on weekends so go early for a place or be prepared to park further along the road and walk back to the trailhead. There are vault toilets at Sandstone Quarry pkg, but no water of any kind. Even though this is a short hike, it is strenuous with no shade so carry plenty of water. Dogs are technically allowed on this trail, but it is very strenuous and tough scrambling to the peak. Sandstone Quarry is also the TH for Calico Tanks & is very popular for tour buses, rapellers, climbers & yoga classes going on -- very busy and full of people! Follow signs for Turtlehead Peak trail. (Lat:36.16312 Lon:-115.45024) Trail Guides for Turtlehead Peak (Red Rock Canyon NCA): Keystone Hiking Trails Information by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) Hiking Las Vegas by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JP on 4/15/2008 This hike is a great workout if you keep the pace up. There is a lot of desert plant life and geologic points of interest. The view at the top is fantastic.
Reviewed by Dan Woz on 3/22/2008 Just did this this morning! loose gravel and sharp granite are your main worries on this climb. Perfect time of year to bring the dog, depending on its size/activity level. Happy hiking. Dan- stoptalkincrazee@blogspot.com
Reviewed by Bill on 2/3/2008 Be sure to start this hike early enough in the day to get back to the parking lot before dark. You must get below the rough upper portion of the hike with enough light to let yourself down safely through the loose rock and steep sections. Below the saddle there is no one distinct trail to follow.
Reviewed by Matt on 11/18/2007 WOW...i did this CLIMB oh excuse me HIKE today...It starts out as a pretty easy to follow trail but then it can get pretty hairy pretty fast. After awhile you just kinda have to find whatever trail works best for you. My brother and i ended up climing up some pretty good size rocks, maybe 10 ft verticle faces...so yea we veered off trail a little..but once at the top the view is incredible...definitley worth the effort. 
Reviewed by Craig on 10/21/2007 I missed the trail and meandered north for quite some time, but fortunately ran into some other hikers on the way back and made it to the top. It was very cold and windy on the east side of the peak, but views were spectacular and well worth the effort. Looking forward to doing this trail again!
Reviewed by Jason on 10/1/2007 I did the hike this weekend (9/29/07) and the trails were really rough. In fact I wound up taking a few false trails before I made it to the top. It is still one of my favorite hikes.
Reviewed by KK on 9/21/2007 I have hiked this over 250 times trying to beat my best times (currently 45:33--runners can beat 38 minutes). It's a great hike, but I went on 9/19/2007 and was absolutely shocked. All of the main trails have been wiped out by what must have been a 50-year rain event for that peak. Large, old trees and bushes that I knew by heart are gone. Deep ravines and dropoffs stand where trails used to be. And below, where there is an alternate return through some terrific narrow canyon microclimates, I can now walk straight over what used to be a 12-foot drop. The lower canyon was completely filled in. I still love this hike, but be warned it is much tougher to negotiate now than it has been for years! 
Reviewed by RHR on 6/6/2007 Great views. Worth the hike. Trails very poorly marked. I have no idea if I followed the trail up or down. I didn't know about the ammo can till I got back and read about it. I saw it there but didn't touch it. I thought it was junk. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||