Adventures in Southern California: Red Rock Canyon

Icebox Canyon Waterfall

Icebox Canyon is a fantastic intermediate hike in the Red Rock Conservation Area which is located just outside of Las Vegas Nevada. Icebox Canyon is about 2.5 miles round-trip from the parking area, but will probably take most hikers 2-3 hours to complete it at a normal pace. This trail can be a little sporting and requires some climbing and moderate uphill hiking on a rocky trail. Sprained ankles are a real concern on this one. If you have young children, if you're brand new to hiking, or if you're unsure you can handle the physical exertion, you may want to avoid this hike.

What to bring:

Red Rock Canyon is actually part of the Mojave Desert. Summer temperatures can reach 120+ degrees. Ideally, you want to hike this trail when the temperature outside is mild. I can not stress how important it is to bring at least a gallon of water per person if you plan on hiking this trail in the summer like a lunatic. Second, do not forget sunscreen. If you hike for 2 hours on clear day in Las Vegas, you will almost definitely end up with a serious sunburn . Third, sunglasses are a must. The Nevada sun will melt your eyes from your skull. Finally, let someone know where you're headed and what time you plan on returning. Protip: Remember to put your cellphone in airplane mode while you hike so your battery doesn't die searching for a signal. You won't get cell service in this part of Red Rock.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Trail:

From the parking area, the dirt trail heads uphill and winds through thick shrubs which provide a little bit of shade. The trail splits about a quarter mile in, with one path leading up through the middle of the canyon in the dry creek bed, while the other section climbs above the creek bed hugging the right side of the canyon. I recommend keeping to the higher trail on the right. Both trails meet back together again after another half mile. Once you're inside the main part of the canyon, the final section of the trail requires some rock scrambling. You won't be able to get lost because the cliffs are hundreds of feet high on both sides of you. Just keep heading upstream through the dry creek bed until you reach the end. If you're lucky, you'll see a small trickling waterfall when you reach the end. Some people climb the waterfall to see the small pool at the middle of the falls, but the rocks are extremely smooth and slippery. Many people have been injured attempting the final climb. The pool at the top of the waterfall is too small to swim in anyway. All warnings aside, this is one of the best hikes in the Las Vegas area. There are very few places in the Mojave Desert where you can hike in the shade and see a waterfall.

Directions:

Red Rock Canyon is located about 20 minutes from the strip in Las Vegas. From Blue Diamond Road, turn right at Scenic Loop Drive. You will pay a 7$ entrance fee at the gate to get into the park. Ask for a map at the entrance. Follow Scenic Loop Drive for 8 miles until you reach the parking area for Icebox Canyon.

The address for Google maps is:
Ice Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161

Red Rock Canyon Trail Map

Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon is a thirty minute drive from Caesar’s Palace on the Las Vegas strip. It offers a great opportunity for rock climbing, hiking, and rock scrambling. Although part of the Mojave Desert, the park has numerous seasonal waterfalls and creeks. Not surprisingly, you will likely encounter a wide variety of unique wildlife. The last time I was in Red Rock, I shared a seat with a sun bathing iguana that was at least 3 feet long. He refused to give up his rock while I rested. He just watched me jealously as I munched on a granola bar. His angry glare reminded me of the old guys who play 1-2$ Hold Em' at the El Cortez Casino downtown.

Although I’ve never had the opportunity to go rock climbing in Red Rock myself, it seems to be a very popular destination for climbers. Most of the park is hard packed sandstone. The park gets it’s red hue from Iron Oxide (rust) trapped in the rocks. I always cross paths with at least a few people who are toting climbing gear around the park.

My favorite thing to do in Red Rock Canyon is the rock scramble to the top of the mountain. Forget about a trail. It’s every man for himself. The distance to the top can be misleading. What looks like a 15minute climb, will probably take 90 minutes or more. When you reach the Summit, you get a 360 degree panoramic view that stretches for 100 miles in every direction. The pictures you take in Red Rock will make you envy of your Facebook friends.

A few words of warning about Red Rock: You can pretty much forget about doing this park from June-August. The daily temperatures are usually in the 110+ degree range. That’s the kind of heat that can kill anyone, regardless of your physical condition. The last time I was in Red Rock Canyon, I drank 2 liters of water in 2 hours and I still felt dehydrated. Its a great hike to work off all the free beer and all you can eat buffets. The best time to plan your trip is Spring or Fall when temperatures are usually in the 80s.

To reach Red Rock Canyon from the Las Vegas Trip, Take the Las Vegas Beltway (215) North towards Summerlin. Exit onto Charleston Blvd (159) and follow route 159 South for about 6 miles until you see the right hand turnoff for Red Rock Canyon Road (Scenic Loop Drive). Follow the signs to the parking area. Parking is 5$. (one hand of blackjack). I usually hike inside the loop, but there are plenty of slot canyons, creeks and geologic oddities to explore in the immediate area around the loop.