The Second Pullout (Calico II)

The Second Pullout (or Calico II) is the second parking area on the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area Scenic Loop. While there are a couple benches and a pit toilet, it is a much smaller lot than the First Pullout (Calico I) with about a dozen spots so please plan you hike accordingly; remember the Scenic Loop is a one way road! From this parking lot you can access the Calico Hills Trail as well as some of the most famous rock climbing crags in the area, if not the United States, including the Gallery and the Black Corridor. If you wish to climb, you do not need a permit to do so (aside from the initial entrance fee into the scenic loop), but please do not climb after rain or snow. Sandstone weakens significantly after exposure to water and holds can break endangering you and potentially permanently altering the routes themselves. Regardless of whether you are a climber or not, it is fun to see them ascending the spectacular, colorful rock faces above you from the parking lot and along the trails. Around the Calico II parking area, the rock formations are a much deeper red than the ones near Calico I due to higher concentrations of iron in the stone. Calico Hills in general were once a part of one of the largest dune fields ever to form on earth over 180 million years ago. What remains of these lithified dunes are some of the most famous features in the park; the striking Aztec sandstone formations make for great photos and even greater hiking.