So I had planned to start about 9:30 or 10am. However, I didn’t realize you needed reservations to park at Sandstones Quarry so I had to park outside of Red Rock Canyon on NV-159. This added an extra 3 hours to the hike round trip. Took about a 90 minute hike to get to Sandstone Quarry trailhead.

At 11:30 I started  at Sandstone trailhead heading up to Turtlehead Peak. The weather was nice, mid/high 80’s, partly cloudy with a light breeze. The trail was well marked and their were enough people hiking the trail so it was easy to see that you were on the right path. The people coming and going were also very encouraging. There was a little bit of rock climbing required. Also as the altitude required a few extra stops to catch my breath. I was able to find a few shaded spots which was a nice break from direct sunlight

I reached Turtlehead peak about 1:30 and my the view was heavenly! The bees and flies did not appreciate my company at the very top of the peak so I had to walk down about 30 feet to enjoy lunch. But I found a nice shaded area with a view of the Las Vegas strip. The stillness and peace was so amazing.

This was an unbelievable experience that I’ll never forget!

The hike down was 10 times easier than the hike up. I wished my car was at Sandstone one I got back to the trailhead and also wished I had packed one more time water bottle. Luckily there was as a nice guy to who reached the peak and finished near the same times as I did and he offered an ice cold water from his truck.

Overall I had a great day and I am happy to be apart of the challenge. Level 1 complete!