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.

02-21-09 Spring Trip

Today we headed to the base of the Spring Mountains, relatively close to home. It's a 15min drive on the freeway and about 40 minutes on some dirt roads. I have been driving by this particular area on a daily basis and for some reason it has just called to me. My gut feeling that there had to be something had paid off. We discovered a spring and it's waters flowed into a small stream which carved through the snow. About 10ft from where I parked were ruins of an old cabin. 100 yards or so down stream lay what seemed to be the remains of a cemetery. The cabin was small, not much more than a foundation. Some of the doorway and walls were still intact. The "cemetery" looked like just a few dead tree branches stuck into the ground at first. upon closer inspection I noticed the old wire that joined them. I then realized they made up a fence which covered about a 20ft square area.

Video of the spring:





We spent the day exploring the area as the dogs ran around playing in the snow. Unfortunately, after deciding to drive further down the snow and mud covered road, we ran into a dead end. We turned around and headed back up the narrow, slippery road back to civilization. Now my gut is telling me there might be more back in this valley and we're eager to explore here again.

Law of the land

In some of my future posts, I may not have specific directions to a site or use the site's actual name. The reason is not because I am selfish or forgetful. Giving out this information would violate a confidentiality agreement and possibly damage a site by contributing to a rise in it's visitation. Vandalism of these places seems to be on the rise, whether intentionally or through ignorance of proper site etiquette. I personally feel that those who are truly interested in exploring these places will go about discovering them the way we have; through research, luck or volunteering. Groups like the Clark County Cultural Site Stewardship program, Nevada Rock Art foundation and the Nevada Archaeological Association are a great way to get involved. Here are links to some of these programs.

The Nevada Archaeological Association- http://www.nvarch.org/

Nevada Rock Art Foundation- http://www.nevadarockart.org/

Nevada Cultural Site Stewardship- http://www.blm.gov/heritage/adventures/want_2_help/site_steward.html

Federal law prohibits anyone one from digging or collecting items from these sites (arrowheads, pottery, etc). If one were to find an artifact, take pictures of it, enjoy it, but don't move it. It's illegal and would effect future research in the area. I also recommend notifying your local BLM offices of your discovery. If you are caught collecting, potting (digging) or vandalising a site, you will be arrested and all items you have used, including your vehicle, will be confiscated.

Graffiti over petroglyphs


vandalized charcoal kiln






If you discover Rock art, whether it be petroglyphs or pictographs, refrain from touching or climbing on them. The oils in your skin may cause damage to them. Do not use charcoal to create a rubbing of them, this too can cause damage.






Most of these unique sites are only accessible by dirt roads and are seldom located on maps. I recommend using a 4 wheel drive vehicle or at the very least, one with high ground clearance. Always stay on designated roads as well





Items recommended for desert exploring:

• basic tool kit
• radiator repair kit
• extra fan belt
• tire patch & plug kit
• spare tire w/ jack & tire iron
• a fully charged cell phone (best left off to avoid draining battery, if searching for signal.)
• compass or GPS unit
• flashlight w/good batteries
• extra oil & brake fluid
• duct tape
• shovel
• tow strap
• sun screen
• first aid kit
• warm clothing (even during the summer)
• gloves
• bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Most of these items can be picked up at any auto parts store.


So have fun on your outings and remember to respect these places so others may also enjoy them.