03-07-09 Ice Box Canyon

We headed to Red Rock to check out Ice Box Canyon, located on the scenic loop at mile 8. It is considered a moderate hike involving some rock scrambling. From the parking lot it takes about 2hrs to reach the end of the canyon. January through March is considered an ideal time to hike this canyon due to the streams and waterfalls. As we left the parking lot and headed across the desert climbing in elevation. Within about 10 minutes, the desert became greener and there were Pinyon and juniper pines.

The trail began to descend into a rocky creek bed. Sounds of water filled the air, a sound not too familiar in the desert. It is in the creek bed were the trail becomes a little difficult. It involves rock scrambling over numerous boulders and negotiating which fork in the trail to take. Each fork seemed to lead to the same place, some more difficult and others just dead ends. I recommend leaving the dogs at home on this one. The stream runs along the trail from this point, occasionally developing nice pools of water.

At the end of the trail, a beautiful waterfall cascades down the side of a high cliff. Several large pools surround the bottom of the cliff feeding the stream which runs along the trail. A climbing rope draped down along side this waterfall, seemed more for coming down then going up. We hung out here taking in the sights and enjoying the calming effect of the creek.

Ice Box Canyons Waterfall

This is a very enjoyable hike, not to mention a good work out on the legs. While your on this trail keep an eye on the surrounding canyon walls. We observed several rock climbers as well as people repelling down from nose bleed elevations. A great Saturday get away.