The Ice Box Canyon Trail is a favorite local hike. It's popular but less busy than Red Rock Canyon Park's big-name hikes. The scenery is stunning, with weathered limestone walls providing shade from the sun, making the hike usually much cooler than the surrounding landscape. Once inside Ice Box Canyon, there's some light scrambling as you navigate your way up to the point where the canyon walls make it impossible to continue safely. It's a fun adventure and feels different from Red Rock Canyon's other hikes.
You will have to do some easy scrambling on this hike, so light hiking gear or fitness clothes are a good bet. And I'd wear some good trail runners if you have them.
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It's often 10-20°F cooler than the surrounding area once you are in the canyon.
There's a fair amount of scrambling once you are in the canyon. There are no extreme areas where you must pull yourself up boulders, but be prepared to go around and do small climbs up along the wall to pass certain boulders.
Usually, the stream bed is dry with some random pools of water. But it could be wet if there's snowmelt or rain.
If there are thunderstorms in the forecast, you should avoid the canyon. It is susceptible to intense flash floods. The water has enough power to move huge boulders, and it can move you. Watch this incredible video if you're skeptical (or just curious).
Ice Box Canyon Hike Directions
The coloration on the rocks is staining from minerals that are dissolved during erosion.
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When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.