Ice Box Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
HCR 33, Box 5500
Las Vegas, NV 89124
(702) 515-5350
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is run by the Bureau of Land Management and the canyon is a stunning natural area located just west of Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s known for its breathtaking red sandstone formations, unique desert landscapes, and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The canyon is part of the Mojave Desert and contains ancient rock layers, including Aztec Sandstone, which gives the landscape its vibrant red hues. The Keystone Thrust Fault is a notable geological feature, showcasing dramatic shifts in rock layers. The area features striking red and tan sandstone cliffs, formed over millions of years by geological forces.
There are numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Ice Box Canyon Trail is a cool, shady hike with seasonal waterfalls. From the parking lot, the trail heads down across the wash and up the other side toward the canyon. The trail is well defined as it leads you up the side of the canyon for approximately 1/4 of a mile. It then drops into the bottom of the canyon. From this point the trail becomes a route over or around boulders as it continues upstream. The official trail ends at the large ponderosa pine tree in the bottom of the canyon (2. 5 miles round trip). To reach the upper pool filled by a seasonal waterfall, be prepared for some tricky wall scrambling, and a 3 mile round trip. Return to the parking lot the same way.
- click for a trip report of this hike on the Ice Box Canyon Trail: March 28, 2007 (password required)
- click for a topo and trail map of this hike to Ice Box Canyon
- click for a trail map of the hiking trails in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- click for a topo and profile map of this hike to Ice Box Canyon (password required)
- click to view maps of this hike near Las Vegas, Nevada
- click for another hike we did near Las Vegas in August 2022
- click for a guidebook Hiking Nevada with more hikes in this area
- click for more hikes in the State of Nevada