Quick Facts:

Location: Red Rock Canyon

Coordinates: 36.15697263742374, -115.42225343451884

Length: 3.5 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Elevation Gain: 600’

Dog Friendly: Yes

Introduction:

If you love rock scrambling, panoramic views, and a bit of adventure, the Kraft Mountain Loop in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a trail you don’t want to miss. This loop takes you around the base of Kraft Mountain, offering a mix of rugged terrain, towering sandstone cliffs, and sweeping desert landscapes.

It’s a favorite among hikers, trail runners, and rock climbers, thanks to its challenging terrain and incredible scenery. The trail winds through canyons, boulder fields, and narrow washes, making it feel like a natural playground. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for an exciting challenge near Las Vegas, this loop is pure desert magic.

How to Get There:

Kraft Mountain Loop is located just outside the official Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop, in the Calico Basin area. From the Las Vegas Strip, take Summerlin Parkway west to Red Rock Canyon Road, then follow signs toward Calico Basin.

Parking Information:

Parking is available at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead, near the intersection of Calico Basin Road and Sandstone Drive. The lot is free, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. If full, you may need to park along the roadside and walk a short distance to the trailhead.

Unlike the main Red Rock Scenic Loop, no entry fee or timed reservation is required to access this area, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the park entrance restrictions.

The Landscape:

Kraft Mountain is surrounded by massive sandstone boulders, jagged cliffs, and colorful desert scenery. The trail offers a little bit of everything, wide open desert, rocky washes, hidden slot canyons, and steep ridgelines with jaw-dropping views.

One of the highlights of this area is The Kraft Boulders, a world-famous bouldering spot where climbers test their skills on massive, smooth sandstone walls. Even if you’re not climbing, watching people tackle the boulders is a fun sight along the trail.

As you hike, you’ll pass through narrow canyons filled with giant rock formations, then climb onto higher ridges where you can see Red Rock Canyon stretching for miles. The contrast of red and white sandstone against the deep blue sky makes for stunning photo opportunities.

Trail Difficulty & Length:

The Kraft Mountain Loop is a moderate to difficult hike, covering about 3.5 miles round trip.

The first part of the trail follows a sandy desert wash, but as you move into the rocky canyon, you’ll need to navigate some scrambling sections. The route is not always clearly marked, so a GPS map or offline trail guide is helpful to stay on track.

The second half of the loop climbs onto a rocky ridgeline, offering incredible panoramic views before descending back down into the canyon. This steep and rugged section can be challenging, especially for those not used to scrambling over boulders.

Dog-Friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but this is not an easy trail for most pups. The rocky sections and sharp sandstone can be rough on their paws, and there’s no water along the trail. If you bring your dog, start early, bring extra water, and consider booties to protect their feet.

Rules & Regulations:

Since this trail is outside the official Red Rock Scenic Loop, there are fewer restrictions, but Leave No Trace principles still apply.

Hikers should stay on established paths to protect the fragile desert plants. Climbing and scrambling are encouraged, but carving into rocks or disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you want to explore more of Calico Basin, check out the Red Springs Boardwalk, an easy, family-friendly walk through a desert oasis with beautiful views of the sandstone cliffs.

For another fun scrambling hike, try Calico Tanks Trail, which takes you through a maze of colorful rocks and ends at a hidden water basin with a view of Las Vegas.

If you’re up for a longer challenge, head to Turtlehead Peak Trail, a steep climb leading to one of the highest summits in Red Rock Canyon.

Non-Hiking Attractions:

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Red Rock Canyon and Calico Basin.

Take a scenic drive along Red Rock Canyon’s 13-mile loop, stopping at iconic viewpoints like High Point Overlook and Red Rock Overlook.

If you’re into rock climbing, Kraft Mountain and Calico Basin offer some of the best bouldering and climbing routes in Nevada. Even if you’re not climbing, watching the pros take on these giant sandstone walls is always exciting.

For a relaxing break, visit Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, a historic ranch with shady picnic spots and beautiful mountain views.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike Kraft Mountain Loop is from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable.

Summers in Red Rock Canyon can be brutally hot, often exceeding 100°F, making this trail dangerous during midday. If you’re hiking in warmer months, start at sunrise to avoid the worst of the heat.

Sunset is also a beautiful time to hike, as the red sandstone glows with deep orange and pink hues, creating the perfect backdrop for photos.