Turtlehead Peak (6,323') is located 2.35 miles from the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead in Red Rock Canyon. This short but challenging hike begins mildly, then climbs over 1500' in just 1.35 miles on an ill-defined path to the summit. Turtlehead Peak is a stunning example of older limestone rock thrust above younger sandstone layers, part of a series of thrust faulting events that occurred throughout western North America 65 millions ago.

Thrust faulting events that began 65 million years ago forced older limestone rock like that of La Madre Mountain (background) above younger sandstone layers

Turtlehead Peak offers panoramic views across the entire basin and more distant Spring and La Madre mountains

The trail heads up and across several large washes before the demanding push to the summit

The trail enjoys a brief respite while threading limestone crags on the shoulder of Turtlehead Peak

Hairy daisies, often mistaken for asters, are found throughout the eastern Mojave in rocky crevices and slopes

Large oak and junipers line wide washes at the base of Turtlehead Peak

Junipers have massive tap roots and lateral roots that help stabilize the tree and collect water from great depths and radiuses beyond the tree

Turtlehead Peak (seen from Ice Box Canyon) is the most prominent feature on the east side of Red Rock Canyon

Yellow-Headed Blackbirds migrate through the Mojave Desert back to breeding grounds in wetlands and mountain meadows further north

Blackbrush ecosystems often mark the transition from low, hot deserts to higher, cooler deserts

Iron in ancient sands oxidized, creating the red, yellow and tan colors of sandstone rock found in the Calico Hills at the base of Turtlehead Peak

Views from Turtlehead Peak span nearly the entire 197,000 acres of Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area

Banana yucca and Utah agave provided food and raw textiles for native tribes, from edible fruits to materials for baskets and sandals

Desert Marigold have tiny hairs on their stems that reflect light, block ultraviolet light and moderate leaf temperature

600 million years ago, Red Rock Canyon was located on the bottom of an ocean that covered much of western North America

Hedgehog Cactus flowers range from pale yellow to a deep magenta and are among the first cacti to flower in the desert

Cross-bedded Aztec sandstone cliffs frame the west side of Red Rock Canyon