Turtlehead Peak

View High-Resolution Image
Turtlehead Peak

Turtlehead Peak

The Turtlehead Peak/Calico Tanks Trails offer some of the best hiking and views in Red Rock Canyon NCA. The area is extremely popular, and unique in both geology and views. The Turtlehead Peak hike is a 5-mile round trip that is listed as strenuous by the BLM. The "turtle's head" consists of limestone formations that originated as ocean bottoms. The sandstone formations throughout the area depict an ancient desert, and some contain 'hollowed out' areas, (TINAJAS),where water gathers and collects for the area's wildlife. I have a TINAJA PICTURE coming soon! The Turtlehead Peak hike has a 2,003-foot vertical gain from the trailhead at 4,320 feet. Prepare for hiking/scrambling on rough limestone. Near the summit in winter, always expect icy patches. The views from this peak are really awesome, and on a clear day you can make out some of the casinos on the Strip in Las Vegas. Also, you might want to get an early start to beat the crowds. (March 16, 2008 - Red Rock Canyon Nat'l Conservation Area, Nevada)
lcarreau
on Mar 24, 2008 8:47 pm
Lat/Lon: 36.16799°N / 115.45202°W
Image Type(s): Bouldering,  Hiking,  Flora,  Informational,  Scenery
Image ID: 390902

Comments

Post a Comment
Viewing: 1-6 of 6
Ivona

Ivona - Mar 25, 2008 11:29 am - Voted 10/10

I like it,

beautiful colours!

lcarreau

lcarreau - Mar 25, 2008 5:08 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: I like it,

Yes, I like yours, too. That is funny - I look at the High Tatra, and you look at the Nevada desert. Life is always more exciting,
on the opposite side of the rainbow. Cheers!

Henryk

Henryk - Mar 25, 2008 3:40 pm - Voted 10/10

Nice photo !

I enjoyed hiking to the top of Turtlehead when I visited this place. There are nice views from there of the rest of Red Rocks. Greetings, Henryk.

lcarreau

lcarreau - Mar 25, 2008 5:15 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Nice photo !

Nice to hear, my friend! Now, I must make the long journey to Poland, the land of my forefathers. I must make a promise to myself; hopefully before I die. Is there a flight that goes directly to Warsaw from New York City??? I have to research on the internet. Thank you and best wishes! - Larry

Lodewijk

Lodewijk - Mar 25, 2008 8:32 pm - Voted 10/10

That;'s

That's one great layering of rock! I will attach it to my stratification album!
Great pic! Lodewijk

lcarreau

lcarreau - Mar 25, 2008 8:58 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: That;'s

Thanks - most fortunately it was partly cloudy at the time, so was able to capture the stratification! It is limestone and sandstone in this area. There is no camping; only hiking, climbing and just looking around at the marvels of Nature.
- Larry

Viewing: 1-6 of 6