I have finally lived through my first Summer here in Las Vegas. As I write this it is currently winter and I got lucky enough to witness snowfall, which was great for a unique view of Red Rock (Short Blog Post Coming soon).

I will have to say that as Spring is nearing I am already dreading those upcoming hot days. Temperatures can reach sweltering levels from late April all the way through early October. Talk about long Summers!

But there is a place I like to go and escape the heat, especially during Summer heat, called Ice Box Canyon.

GETTING THERE

Ice Box Canyon is accessible through Red Rock’s scenic route. Around the 8 mile marker, you will encounter a reduction of speed to 15 mph and you will see a small parking lot along with an outhouse on the left. This is a popular trail so parking can be limited. The trailhead starts here.

This trail can be difficult. I don’t recommend you bring small kids or pets on this one. The boulders you will encounter are big and will make things difficult. These are some of my recommendations for preparing for the hike.

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Hike Summary

• Distance | 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
• Elevation Gain | 300 ft (92 m)
• Average Time | 2 hrs
• Difficulty | STRENUOUS
• Trail Type | There-and-back

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Check the weather forecast as well. Since you will be climbing on boulders, they get very slippery, the sandstone is unforgiving when wet.

Phone reception is non-existent on this trail.

THE HIKE

The hike starts from the parking lot. As you look towards the canyon you will notice that part of it is in the open. During the Summers this part is brutal. The heat just comes down on you mercilessly, but don’t worry it is just about 30 minutes till you start getting into some shade.

Once in the shade, you have two ways to take this trail. You can go into the creek’s gravel bottom or maintain the higher ground. The higher ground is a lot easier, but eventually, you will end up at the creek as you go deeper into the canyon. Enjoy the desert flora while in this open area.

You will then feel the temperature drop as you enter the canyon. You can feel the coldness radiating from the canyon walls as you get closer, thus giving it the name Icebox Canyon. You will see some greener plants that are surviving in this cooler and wetter environment but don’t forget to look back. You can capture a beautiful view of Red Rock’s Calico Basin.

At this point, you will also begin to find yourself trying to scramble in making your path through boulders as the trail becomes steeper. This is why you don’t want to bring pets or small children. A friend of mine brought a dog once and had to return cutting the adventure short.

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Making it through the boulders you will notice that the canyon is narrowing. The path eventually will lead you to the trail’s end where you can see a small waterfall stream.

The waterfall stream depends on the weather. You’ll have better chances of seeing it in the Winter to Spring season (December through April). The other parts of the year just do not rain much or at all.

Don’t be afraid to try to climb up. There is a tank of water that spills over that makes the waterfall.

CONCLUSION

There are many ways to stay cool and escape the heat in Las Vegas. You can stay in the AC dive into a pool, but if you need to get some outdoor activity in you and stay relatively cool, this could be your place

What if your favorite way to escape the summer heat? Leave a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as possible.

• hiking
• nevada
• outdoor
• Red Rock
• Red Rock National Conservation Area
• Redrock
• vegas