Kraft Mountain can be accessed by the Calico Basin/Red Springs Parking areas. It is included in many reviews of those areas, but is separate enough...and special enough for some specific highlights.
Kraft Mountain is the closest mountain the north of Calico Basin. The area is a literal mecca for bouldering and climbing, but the Kraft area offers a great hike. There is a beautiful trail that circumvents the mountain. This trail can be hiked in either direction and is also a fantastic trail run for those with strong cardio. The trail run is typically done in a counter-clockwise route though in order to avoid the speed "Hell Hill" section...but when you really want to test yourself why not run it clockwise?...surely they were jesting when they named it "Hell Hill" right? Whether hiking or running the tail takes utilizes a dry wash (that should be avoided during rain) for about 1/3 of the trail. This portion requires some minimal scrambling at times...still I have hiked this with children without an issue.
This area is connected to the back side of Red Rock Canyon and has a similar look and feel that you don't have to pay to access. I have seen a lot more wildlife around Kraft though for whatever reason. This season I came across desert tortoise on 4 different occasions...have seen more than one in a season inside the conservation area since I was a kid. Proceed with caution, this year alone I came across a herd of burros, rattle snakes, and several tarantulas as well. Last year there was a Gila Monster near the Cube (a specific boulder.)
Come here for world class bouldering!
Come here for great trail running!
Come here for a unique and scenic hike!