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Ice Box Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Vegas, Nevada · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ice Box Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Canyon hike (sometimes strenuous, sometimes moderate, sometimes short), featuring a waterfall and rock formations, with an icy section known as the “Ice Box”.
What runners say about Ice Box Canyon Trailhead
“Unlike the other hikes at Red Rocks, really beautiful with a very doable scramble at the end.”
Highly recommend Icebox Canyon trail. Depending on your pace, which can be affected by hot weather, will take 2 hours, not counting relaxation and sightseeing. Trail starts out easy with the easy incline, then leads into some rock scrambling in a steeam bed. You can look for routes around the scrambling portions.
You Must Hike #IceBoxCanyon in #RedRockCanyon! We didn't catch a heavy waterfall but the hike was still worth it! Tucked in the heart of the scenic loop is this famous trail. The trail starts off flat through the valley. After crossing a wide dry wash, the trail continues towards the towering canyons in the distance.
One of our favorite hikes in the Red Rock loop fee area. 3.7 or so miles out and back. Beautiful desert scenery as you work your way back. The first half of the hike is relatively easy with some rocks and boulders that need to be climbed over or around and can be managed by most.
Great hike, I recommend doing it within 3 days of it raining so you get to see the waterfall. Brought my athletic 5 year old, but I did have to lift him several times because of high rocks toward the end of the hike. Took us 2 ½ hours round trip with time for breaks and to enjoy the water fall.
Trail conditions & character
“The waterfall was dry in mid May, and the last stretch requires traversing sideways along steep rock faces.”
“You come up to the end of the trail pretty abruptly, but you could always climb up to the top of the canyon, which we did but not many others did.”
“Went around 9am and had to wait for a parking spot even though there are areas on both side of the road.”
“As you descend, you will see the Calico Hills, which is in the first part of the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop drive.”
“I am told Icebox Canyon, and Red Rock Canyon, are ideal for beginner climbers, And there is a fair amount for skilled level climbers.”
“Multiple routes to take on the entire trail, because the markers disappear about halfway up.”
Plan your run at Ice Box Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteredrockcanyonlv.org
- Phone(702) 515-5350
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Las Vegas
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Calico Tanks Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 456 reviews
Popular out-& back hiking trail on red rock with scrambling sections & scenic views of the canyon.
Calico Basin Trail
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Scenic trail running along the base of the Calico Rocks, popular with hikers & rock climbers.
Middle Oak Creek Trailhead
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Popular hiking area featuring trails with varying difficulty levels and scenic views.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 25,797 reviews
Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive.
South Oak Creek Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 273 reviews
Tranquil hiking area boasting scenic views and a popular Sunday drum circle.