The Ice Box Canyon Trail is a favorite local hike. It's popular but less busy than Red Rock Canyon Park's big-name hikes. The scenery is stunning, with weathered limestone walls providing shade from the sun, making the hike usually much cooler than the surrounding landscape. Once inside Ice Box Canyon, there's some light scrambling as you navigate your way up to the point where the canyon walls make it impossible to continue safely. It's a fun adventure and feels different from Red Rock Canyon's other hikes.
In this Guide:
- Video and Turn By Turn Directions
- How to Get to the Trailhead
- What to Watch Out For & Insider Tips
Quick Links:
Park Reservations- Parks Pass-Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Jun 2024 Gear
Where is Ice Box Canyon?
Ice Box Canyon is one of the numerous hikes in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which the Bureau of Land Management runs. The hike is reached by driving around the (one-way) Scenic Drive. You must get a timed entry for Red Rock Canyon at some points in the year, so check the Recreation.gov website before you go. You don't have to pay an entry fee if you have a National Parks Pass.
Red Rock Canyon is Nevada's first National Conservation Area.
The Ice Box Canyon hike trailhead is about 8 miles past the Red Rock Canyon visitor center, just off the scenic drive. Use this trailhead address: Ice Box Canyon Trailhead, Ice Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161
Gear For the Hike
You will have to do some easy scrambling on this hike, so light hiking gear or fitness clothes are a good bet. And I'd wear some good trail runners if you have them.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can also send non-emergency texts to just say that you're late, let friends and family follow along, and check the weather. You can see my review here.
Topo Pursuit 2The wide toe box means no blisters, an aggressive tread is great on the trail, it dries very quickly, and it has lots of cushion for long days. It combines everything I love about every other shoe into one.
Garmin Epix ProThese watches are pricey, but I use them 24/7 for sleep tracking, workouts, heart rate, and tracking my hike. It has preloaded hiking maps that help me navigate the trails and is a backup to my smartphone navigation. The Epix Pro has a great battery life, a screen similar to an Apple Watch Ultra, and works in harsh conditions when just using the buttons. See my review here.
Osprey Hikelite 26This updated version of the Hikelite 26 offers incredible value for the money. It's got a wide trampoline back, so your back doesn't get sweaty. It's under 2lbs, has deep side pockets, and is a great balance of what you need without what you don't.
Check out the complete list here. ( Updated June 2024)
Ice Box Canyon Trail Maps
Click Here To View
Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File
How Will You Navigate?
Using the Apple Watch for Hiking
How To Read a Topographic Map
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review
3D Map
Hike Brief
- It's often 10-20°F cooler than the surrounding area once you are in the canyon.
- There's a fair amount of scrambling once you are in the canyon. There are no extreme areas where you must pull yourself up boulders, but be prepared to go around and do small climbs up along the wall to pass certain boulders.
- Usually, the stream bed is dry with some random pools of water. But it could be wet if there's snowmelt or rain.
- If there are thunderstorms in the forecast, you should avoid the canyon. It is susceptible to intense flash floods. The water has enough power to move huge boulders, and it can move you. Watch this incredible video if you're skeptical (or just curious).
Ice Box Canyon Hike Directions
The coloration on the rocks is staining from minerals that are dissolved during erosion.
Need More Info?
- Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
- When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard
Hi, I'mCris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide,hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.
