Hikes/United States/Nevada/Las Vegas

Icebox Canyon

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
112 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.7
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Panorama from the Icebox Canyon hike near Las Vegas, Nevada

This extremely popular hike ascends a steep-sided canyon carved into a slot between two incredibly steep mountains. After crossing part of the desert, you will hike up a very rocky creek basin to access the microclimates of Icebox Canyon.

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Route Description for Icebox Canyon

The trail begins on the right side of the road. Follow the signs pointing towards Icebox Canyon at the first fork as you begin to cross the desert. The desert crossing can be excruciatingly difficult in midday sun, so plan the timeframe of your hike accordingly.

Once you arrive in the canyon you will be greeted by not only the usual shade of the canyon walls, but also the shade of many trees lining each side of the creek bed. The trail, after all, soon fades and all you are left to follow are the people ahead of you and the boulder filled creek bed.

This is truly the crux of the hike. The mileage and elevation gain on this trail pose no real threat, however, navigating through the larger boulders can be a real challenge. Additionally, it is very easy to twist an ankle while meandering over the patches of the creek filled with medium size rocks. In our most recent trip, in fact, a member of our party did just that! Continue as far up the canyon as you wish (at the end there is a small seasonal waterfall) then return the way you came.

Check out more amazing hikes around Las Vegas:

Insider Hints for Icebox Canyon

  • If a member of your party sprains his or her ankle, get ice from the Chevron near the edge of town to reduce swelling of the appendage.

Getting to the Icebox Canyon Trailhead

From Las Vegas follow Route 157 West as it exits the city. After less than 10 minutes of driving from the city limits you will reach the turn off for Scenic Drive, and signs towards the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Centre. Make this turn and pay your dues at the park entrance. Follow the one-way Scenic Drive for approximately 12.9 km until you reach the Icebox Canyon parking lot. This is a very small lot, which fills quickly.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat

  • Backcountry Campsites

    None

  • Toilets

    At Trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Icebox Canyon Elevation Graph

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Icebox Canyon Reviews

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