Several people from work were with me in Las Vegas for a software conference. A few were interested when they heard my plan to hike up a peak the morning before the conference started. I mulled over numerous options for the group, but with everyone needing to get back by 11am to eat and change before the conference started at 1pm, I decided something without too much mileage/gain and close to town would be the best choice.

I turned to the Red Rocks area, where I found a peak named New Peak with a 3-mile, 1500 foot elevation gain and 2-wheel drive access. With the 30-minute drive and 2 hour-ish hike, we could squeeze this in by leaving at 7am.

New Peak is in the Calico Hills, perhaps even the highpoint depending on who you talk to (there is a heated debate on what peaks make up the Calico Hills - I know who cares right?). New Peak sits within a mile of the famous Red Rocks reserve, which is popular for rock climbing and scenery. The peak is very appealing from the trailhead. The group was excited for some fun scrambling.

The temperature was mild, but just windy enough and cool enough that the sweat was kept in check. There are a myriad of trails in the area near the start, but most lead to the drainage between New Peak and Kraft Mountain. Then that merged trail led to the saddle between those aforementioned peaks. The saddle divides the 2 peaks, but it also divides topography as well... New Peak is gray and metamorphic rock, while Kraft Mountain is white/orange sandstone.

Once at the saddle, we just headed directly up New Peak. There were occasional use trails, but it was open terrain and not too steep. We eventually reached what we thought was the summit, but there was one more 100-foot section to go.

Tiffany wasn't too happy because it looked steep, but she kept going. We dropped a little off the right side of the ridge and got to the notch in the ridge before the final summit block. This was interesting climbing with some exposure on our left. Kevin and Tiffany kicked tail on this class 3 section and soon we were standing on top.

The top had a register in an old ammo can and great views of the Spring Mountains, Las Vegas, and Red Rocks Reserve. We took numerous photos, ate, relaxed, and then headed down.

The going was tricky down to the saddle with some loose gravel in places. We all made it back to the trail and then cruised back to the trailhead. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm each of them had (even days later) about the climb. The did great!

We were back at the hotel by 10:30am and ready to go for a week of classes.

To get to the Calico Basin, head west on Charleston, out past the 215, and turn right onto the signed Calico Basin road (about a mile or so before the scenic loop) and follow all the way to the parking lot (passing Red Springs picnic area). There are a few turns along the way.

The trailhead is a gravel lot on the left hand side of the road.

From the trailhead hike the trail to the saddle between New Peak and Kraft Mountain at the head of Calico Basin.

Once at the saddle, turn left (west) and head up the open slopes toward the top of New Peak.

There are some use trails here and there, but the way is pretty obvious.

Near the top, you will reach some rock towers. We attacked those by staying on the ridge, but I think you could go further down to the climber's right and avoid them all together.