Ice Cube Canyon (The Maze)

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Ice Cube Canyon (The Maze) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
Also known as: The Maze; Icecube Canyon.
Rating:
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Ice Cube Canyon (The Maze) Banner.jpg

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Difficulty:‌4B IV R (v5a2 IV)
Raps:‌7-23, max ↨190ft
Metric
Overall:10-14h ⟷8mi
Descent: ⟷2mi ↓2224ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Location:
Condition Reports:
22 Jun 2024

"Fun run through the Maze on a hot day! We did the shuttle and found Rocky Gap Rd to be in good shape, though high clearance 4x4 is still required..&#3

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Weather:
Best season:
Apr-Nov
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Introduction

This is possibly the best technical canyon near Las Vegas. Long but fun has varied scenery and technical challenges. Lots of cold swims, big rappels, and beautiful slots. There is a fair amount of water throughout this canyon and wetsuits are highly recommended year round, atleast for the lower section which is typically colder than the upper.

Drive in through the gate at Red Rock National Conservation Park which opens at 6am. (Keep in mind there may be a line at the pay station) Drive the 1 way scenic loop around to Lost Creek TH. From here you can either shuttle with a 4x4 up to the approach trail, drive your own 4x4, or hike the 4x4 road.

Unfortunately, the exit TH is on a 1 way road so shuttling from the exit would require driving the entire park loop twice.

Approach

From the Willow Springs pavement, the approach is 4.5 miles and 1800' elevation gain to reach the Rocky Gap Road summit. Best done by shuttle in high clearance vehicle. From there it's hiking 900' elevation gain in one mile via the well established bridge mountain trail.

Descent

Most anchors are bolted, or have bolted options, current as of 2023

Descent has 3 main sections:

Upper - Slottier with water lots of downclimbs and multistage rappels

Middle - "The Long Walk" this section takes on average 1 hour of hiking, rock hopping, and downclimbing to get to the first rappel of the lower section. Beneficial to lower wetsuit tops as this section can get hot in the sun with minimal water available depending on time of year.

Lower - Big rappels, more swims, colder water. Final rappel is the largest at 190'. Multiple bolted anchors placed high to avoid pull issues. Recommended to only use low rock pinch as a belay point to protect those stemming up to rig as there are high consequences if you slip.

Exit

After the big rappel you now have a large boulder field maze ahead of you. Prepare to rock hop and downclimb. Stick together, some routes cliff out. Many of these downclimbs are tough, some have slung boulders for anchors but this is unnecessary the exit is entirely downclimbable spotting each other.

Once you see the ridge appear DCL high on the side of the wash, head for it, this is a hiking trail out.

Once to Ice Box Canyon TH, stash packs in the bushes (or have someone wait with them) and hike the road back up to Lost Creek TH to retrieve your car.

Red tape

This route lies within the Red Rock National Conservation Park which opens at 6am and closes at various times in the year. https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/

Entrance to the park is $20 but the "America The Beautiful Parks Pass" is also accepted.

Bolting along the main escarpment, which is a wilderness area, is illegal and should not be done. Many of the bolts in The Maze were placed illegally, and might be removed at any time. Be prepared to descend the canyon if this is the case.

Beta sites

Trip reports and media

ICE CUBE CANYON- EVEN FURTHER

Background

First descent by John Perry, Randi Poer, Scott Smith, Mark Duttweiler, Willy Hunt and Chris Brennen in May 2003.

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).

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