Ice Box Canyon - South Wall Sneak Route (Nevada)
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| | Difficulty:3B III R (v5a2 IV) Raps:2, max ↨165ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Spring and Fall
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36.1428, -115.4997
36.1501, -115.4840
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Introduction
This is a two rappel route for Ice Box Canyon Falls that can be done without a shuttle or huge hike around the backside of the mountain. It is a technical canyoneering route and shares an exit with Ice Box Canyon (Nevada). It is distinct from the Ice Box Canyon North Face Sneak Route. This route does not involve any mandatory swims and is fully bolted. This canyon requires at least 1x 70m and 100' of pull cord. 2x 70m ropes are recommended. Webbing may be useful for rebuilding the approach assist devices if needed. The R rating is subjective and based on the technical portion of the ascent, not the rappelling section of the route.
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Approach
Non Technical Section: The approach starts from the Ice Box Canyon parking lot on Scenic Drive in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. From Spring until Fall, get an early start. The first half mile is open desert. Once in the canyon, you will likely be in shade until you finish the majority of the approach. The hike is a popular beginners hike, so expect a lot of people in the canyon with you until you start the technical section of the approach.
Technical Section:
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After approximately 1 mile, at 36.14409 -115.49818, there is a near vertical scrambling route on the south side of the canyon. Put your helmets on, consider having your harnesses on. This portion of the route is shared by Ice Cube Canyon Sneak Route. This is the largest risk section as the several hundred foot assent is unmarked, steep, and has lots of exposure. It varies from class 3 to low class 5 sections. Expect to need to help each other with packs and potentially backup ropes. There is a good break point on a large ledge with an overhang about 140 feet above the canyon floor. As you continue to follow the slot up the south side of the canyon wall, you will encounter a few places where webbing or ropes have been installed. As of 13 June 2026, all of these were in good shape.
Continue working up the slot until you come to a rope hung off a large tree 10-15' above the slot. Use the rope and / or chimney your way to the top of this feature. Continue up this section until you come to a 10' scramble up the left side of the canyon onto a narrow slot. As of June 2026, it had a length of black webbing installed as an assist. Work your way up this narrow slot, be mindful that dropped objects will likely be unrecoverable in this slot. This slot comes out into a section with Oak and Pine Trees. Continue forward through this section. As you begin to exit the trees, you will notice some cairns. This marks the start of the transverse. Work your way across the transverse toward the first rappel. There will be a lot of moss throughout this section. The transverse goes around a ravine and along a wall out toward the section above the Falls. There will be a V-shaped gully you will follow down to the first rappel section. The single bolt will be found on an exposed section west of the gully on a sandstone surface with iron concretions on it (aka Red Pimples, Moqui, or Indian Marbles). If your group is large, there is a shady ledge about 20-30 feet above the first rappel that is great for staging. If you have not already, this is a good place to don your gear.
Descent
Rappel 1: single bolt, ~90'
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This rappel finishes into a pool above the main Ice Box Canyon Falls. It typically has shade and is easy to navigate without getting wet or suffering exposure. If the canyon flashes, this is the most dangerous spot to be. It has few escape options except finishing the final rappel. A pot shot may be used to ascend ~15' out of the pool to the section above the falls. There are scramble routes on the north face that can be used here if needed. If there is significant water flow, this section can be HIGHLY DANGEROUS. If that is the case, use the rope from rappel 1 until you can attach to the bolt for rappel 2.
Rappel 2: double bolt with chains, ~165', if the falls are running, this will be a wet descent.
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This rappel lands on a rocky ledge above a large pool. When the water is running, this ledge will be wet and likely cold.
Exit
From the bottom of rappel 2, work your way around the large pool and scramble down the lower falls section. This can still be hazardous when wet. Once at the base of the lower falls, the exit is a 1.2 mile hike out on a very popular hiking trail. This section has bail options in case of a flash flood.
Red tape
National Parks Pass or Red Rock Pass
Beta sites
None