The Red Spring Picnic Area features spectacular views of the red and tan sandstone cliffs of Calico Basin. The area is tucked between the gray limestone La Madre Mountains to the north, the red sandstone Calico Hills to the west, and a desert ridge to the south. 

The Calico Basin area is fed year round by water from three permanent springs: Red Spring, Calico Spring, and Ash Spring. The water from these springs support large cottonwood trees, ash trees, scrub live oak, honey mesquite, and saltgrass meadows. Red Spring flows from a shallow tunnel in the rocks along the Red Spring Boardwalk trail, feeding a beautiful marshy grassland and attracting a variety of wildlife. 

The Red Spring Picnic Area contains picnic tables, metal barbeque grills (available only as fire restrictions allow), trash cans, and restrooms adjacent to the parking area.

Note: Picnic Area reservation holders do not need to book a Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Scenic Timed Entry ticket in order to access Red Spring Picnic Area. If while visiting the area you would like to visit the Scenic Drive, you will need to make a timed entry reservation. Reservations are required October 1 to May 31, 8am -5pm