Hiking Turtlehead Peak: Checking Off a New Year's Resolution in Red Rock Canyon

When I started off 2025 I set a number of resolutions, as I usually do at the start of any year. For this year the primary focus was on hiking milestones and progress that I want to achieve. 

Only two months into the new year I checked off my first new year resolution; hike a peak.

Hiking Turtlehead Peak in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was the destination for this goal, and it did not disappoint.  I feel like this was the perfect starter peak as it provided a combination of hiking and climbing with all the rock scrambling I could hope for in a 4+ hour trek. Many sections of the trail felt much like a “choose your own adventure” style hike through the wilderness. The trail weaves amongst the sagebrush, rocks and alongside the mountain runoff designated with a combination of spray painted arrows, caged rocks and boundary markers.

This out-and-back trail is officially marked as strenuous due to the elevation gain and trail conditions which meant it was a great workout. Setting my watch at the trail head, I clocked this hike at 4.59 miles and 2,126 feet in elevation gain. Starting early during sunrise, and taking plenty of stops to catch my breath, going slower over the climbing portions and pauses for taking photos and a snack at the top, we completed this hike in just over 4.5 hours.  

The trail itself is quite unique and has a very adventurous feel, and even when following the various markers we found ourselves diverting to detours occasionally and backtracking to reconnect with the official trail from time to time. My advice is to map the official route in OnXBackcountry or Coros and take your time to avoid loosing your footing or your way.

Once we reached the top I was thrilled to find a hiker log and took the opportunity to write a message and leave my mark while reading through the other hiker’s messages. This simple activity is always special to me as I get to take a moment to enjoy the emotions others felt when standing in these same spaces. Separated by time, we share a brief connection through space in the shared experience and surrounding views. 

Though the day was a hazy one, the views from the top were still awe-inspiring. The 360 panoramic views stretching across the Las Vegas valley on one side and the rugged beauty of the surrounding La Madre mountains on the other truly felt like having a bird’s eye view at 6,323 feet. 

On our decent we saw a number of struggling visitors on the trail, turning around at different points along the way,  navigating their way after losing the official trail and choosing to call it a day once they reached their limits — something I would like to say has absolutely no shame in doing, safety first.

This really underscores the importance of being well-prepared for this hike. Having plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, and being mindful of the desert and trail conditions are a must for this one. 

After completing the hike it has quickly become one of my favorite trails in Red Rock Canyon and one that I look forward to doing again, hopefully on a clear day. 

Overall, Turtlehead Peak provided a rewarding adventure and as an experienced hiker was able to deliver a bit of a challenge at times with incredible views. 

Now to double down on the 2025 resolutions and seek out my next peak.