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 Reporter |
Summary: The local Search & Rescue teams tell me they perform a lot of helicopter rescues in upper Icebox. Be sure and know your limitations, especially after rain and snow melt when the seeping water turns to falls which fill this canyon. The humiliation and cost of rescue ($$$$$$) would be a horrible way to remember Icebox. The route I've outlined takes you as far into the canyon as you can safely go without technical climbing gear & expertise. Boulder hop the stream when the trail drops you down. The canyon forks, with huge boulders blocking the main (S) way -- this is the end. Locals may tell you there are 3 main waterfalls in Icebox to hike to, although we've counted over a dozen at a time after good rain. Water continues to seep through the rocks in some places year round. The high walls keep this narrow canyon cool all year round, which is how it got it's name. If you absolutely MUST hike in the afternoon in June, July, or August - do Icebox canyon. Trailhead: 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave. (SR 159) to Red Rock entry (fee) station. Follow the signs along the 13 mile scenic loop, passing the turn to Willow Springs, continue to Icebox Canyon parking lot (vault RR & signs). Park here and follow the signs as you cross the washbed and begin the trail into Icebox Canyon. Head SW up the rocky path as you pass the signed junction for SMYC & Dale's Trail and continue into Icebox Canyon. If you want a longer hike into Icebox, begin at Lost Creek parking, take SMYC to Icebox, then begin this hike into the canyon - making it almost 6 miles RT back to Lost Creek. Or, begin at Pine Creek, take Dale's Trail, then hike into Icebox - this route is 8 miles RT. (Lat:36.15004 Lon:-115.4841) Trail Guides for Ice Box Canyon: Keystone Hiking Trails Information by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) Hiking Las Vegas by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5950 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by tr on 8/6/2008 I hiked this in August, and there was no water at all in the river. It was a pretty hike, but it was almost 100 degrees by 11am, and there was not as much shade as I expected. I would suggest visiting mt charleston instead if you are hiking in the summer, but this hike would probably be great in other months. 
Reviewed by Dave on 4/13/2008 This is a great hike if you're looking for something a little challenging but not too technical. Lots of rock scrambling and boulder hopping to get to the waterfall. Just did it today with my girlfriend, will definetely be back.
Reviewed by Primary Colors on 3/19/2008 Hiked the canyon in the morning of March 15 looking for the main waterfall at the end. As others have stated, the farther in, the harder the hike. The water level in the stream was low so boulder hopping back and forth across the stream was easy. When there is more water, you will be wading through... Made it to the big boulders that block the canyon bottom before the main waterfall and took some pictures of the top of the waterfall posted here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/primarycolors/2344202771/
Reviewed by David on 5/14/2007 Hiked it twice and felt the hike did not justify the ends. 
Reviewed by Alice on 3/11/2007 One of the most excellent hikes I have ever taken. Wish We would of had more time to spend at the top. We got a late start and got distracted with the beauty. A camera is a most. Make sure you leave yourself time to hike out before it get dark. Which happened very fast. Wear some good hiking shoes for some of the boulder climbing is serious but a lot of fun. The waterfall was dry so will return again. Took some amazing picture which I will post.Seen a wolf high up on the rocks from us. Also some animal that looks like a weasel. Did get a great picture of the fury thing Not sure what it was. Going to research it to find out what the beautiful animal is
Reviewed by dave in vegas on 2/19/2007 This is a really good hike. The farther you go, the harder it gets. You can hike all the way to the end of the box canyon where the mail waterfall is. You can also climb up a bit to get under the actual falls. It is not easy, however, and care must be taken. On the main trail into the canyon, once you hit the creekbed, some serious bouldering and scrambling takes place. Be careful, especially with little ones!
Reviewed by rb on 7/17/2006 July 16, 2004 - 95 Degrees at the visitor center by 8 am, so this was not a cool day for a hike. Observed one small pool beyond pine tree, which now appears to be dead. The one redeeming aspect was siting 6 sheep on a ledge 50-75 feet above the pine tree. Took many pictures while observing them for about 1/2 hour before leaving.
Reviewed by MZS on 4/10/2005 My mid-March hike of Ice Box Canyon was accompanied by the return of the White-Throated Swifts. Along with the various falls, they provide a wonderful display of nature including their territorial disagreements. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||