When I was a kid, my family picnicked at Calico Basin. In those days, there was no boardwalk—no one knew how fragile the marshy meadow and springs were. That was also before about a million people moved to Las Vegas, increasing the visitation to Red Rock and the number of people tromping all over the meadow. Now there's a big picnic area and an elevated walkway around the meadow. The squirrels seem to be pretty happy with the changes. They've learned that picnic area =
Surprisingly, the areas outside of the Red Rock Loop have the most picnic areas. The Overlook is right off Highway 159, and it's stocked with tables, a really big outhouse, and a roughly paved path that leads up a little hill.
Where's your favorite place at Red Rock?
Photographs by Terrisa Meeks
6 comments:
What is autumn like at Calico Basin? Looking for trees with fall color.
Hi Jill! Calico Basin has some trees with seasonal color, although there aren't that many. Mt. Charleston is the better choice for nearby fall color.
If you don't mind a drive, I'm partial to Utah State Highway 14 right outside Cedar City--it runs through Cedar Canyon, up into the Cedar Breaks/Brianhead/Panguitch area--though you do still have plenty of evergreens, so it's more pockets of color than full displays like you see back East.
For a weekend trip, Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona is utterly gorgeous, has plenty of fall color, & dovetails nicely with a stay in Sedona and/or a trip up to Jerome. Beautiful color there, although the secret is out on that one & it tends to get a bit crowded.
We are looking to get married in September at either the overlook or Calico Basin. Which did you like better? Also what time is the best to be out there?
Jacque, congrats!
Both Calico Basin and the Overlook have good points as the place to take your vows. Personally, I would go with Calico Basin because I think you've got better places for photographs (lots of greenery and you're really close to the sandstone) and you have a big covered picnic area if you want to have any kind of a reception or gathering.
The Overlook's backdrop might be more dramatic, but if you have anyone with walking problems in your party, the uphill stretch to the flat area where you'd probably want to do the ceremony might be difficult. You also have a covered picnic area, but it's right in the parking lot.
If's it's possible, I suggest that when you take all your pictures that you take shots at both places, no matter which place you do the ceremony. The pics will be beautiful!
As far as time, in September it can still be very warm out (avg. that time of year is 95F). I'd wait until later in the afternoon, when the sun is going down and you can be out of the direct sunlight.
Thanks! You absolutely confirmed my thoughts! :-)
I was at Calico Basic yesterday evening (10/9/2020). The new boardwalk the BLM installed since the last time I was out there is great.
There were several professional photographers there taking photos. Unfortunately, they were posing their models in the meadow, laying them down on the vegetation, and having them climb on the rocks. The damage they have caused will take years to recover. Despite signs being posted about every 30 feet reminding people to stay on the boardwalk and trails.
I wish the BLM had the budget to station their rangers in the high use areas, in and around Red Rock.
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