Ice Box Canyon v Willow Springs Loop - 10/16/23

Ice Box Canyon Waterfall (a trickle fall)

Ice Box Canyon Wash

Signs along the Hike

Climbing a steep hill on Willow Springs Loop

Usually a very well-trafficked area, we avoid Ice Box Canyon. However, early on a Monday morning, we are here to say, we had the canyon to ourselves until we were already half way out. We were curious to see what all the rain and flooding the Spring Mountains received in August did to this dependable rocky canyon on the Red Rock Scenic Loop. The Fearsome Foursome parked at the Willow Springs Loop Trailhead and started down the signed trail that begins by crossing the Red Rock Wash. This little loop trail is a hidden gem as it offers a variety of moderate challenges along with its easy advertisement. Right away, we climbed steeply up the side of the sandstone hill where rock climbers treasure the interesting walls and hiked between large boulders. The trail winds around giving beautiful views then drops by the ancient seasonal dwelling area. Finally, I found the pictographs! 😄 Next, we turned to the right and hiked up to the Lost Creek Waterfall. Barely a trickle flowed down on the rock high above but it was enough to get sprayed if you stood in the right place. After photos, we hiked back to the trail split and continued on to the junction with the SMYC Trail.

Fun descent between Boulders

Ancient people's Seasonal Shelter

Posing at Lost Creek Falls (also a trickle fall)

Hiking the SMYC Trail

The SMYC Trail is a beautiful trail that leads along the base of the sandstone hill to the west. There are a few dips and climbs and it is decorated with red dirt, white rocks, prickly pear cacti and views. Sometimes we see mule deer foraging in the Red Rock Wash below the trail but not this time. The trail runs for about a mile between the Lost Creek Trailhead and the Ice Box Canyon Trail. This trail and Dale's Trail are both beautiful desert trails and should not be overlooked. We moved along quickly and, soon, arrived at the junction of Ice Box Canyon Trail. The canyon's wide mouth opened up to our right. We turned and started a steady trail climb up into the canyon alongside the wash below. Unlike back in the day, the trail is well trod and easy to follow - especially with the park's effort at trail signs.

Climb on SMYC Trail

View of White Rock Hills

Starting up the Trail into Ice Box Canyon

Trail up into Ice Box Canyon

We were soon out of the sun and dipping into the canyon wash. There are two places where you can easily step down into the wash. We took the first one going in and the higher one on the way out later. Turning up the rocky wash, we immediately noticed that we weren't in Kansas anymore. The flooding had moved the furniture around and we didn't really recognize our landmarks as they used to be. Great! A new hike! As we scrambled up through the sandstone rocks, we followed a trail that had already been established by hikers in the past month and a half. Only once (maybe twice) was it necessary to make use of the trails in the trees on the south side of the wash. Otherwise, the scrambles were fun and doable. We followed Mike as he gracefully led the team up. (This is when I noticed that we had all gotten the same memo this morning. "Wear light blue!")

Mike descends into the Ice Box Wash

Ice Box Wash Scramble

Interesting new rock fall out of bigger Boulder

Kay & Rita climb up the tree to Waterfall Area

Along the way, we noticed large slivers of the pine tree that had fallen in the wash a decade ago. It was huge and when it fell, it lay in the wash lengthwise. For several years, we would balance on the tree as we made our way up. After a handful of years of flooding and rotting, the tree has been taken over by foliage and is too rotten to stand on ... therefore, the pieces of it seen in the wash downstream. We recognized the live climbing tree when we got to it. It stands in the fork of the rock wall. The option is to wind your way up the middle of the wash through humongous boulders. (Ralyn tried this.) Mike, Rita and I were drawn to the tree and scrambled up the same way we always had. It seems to be the easier of the two choices. We walked along the wall and settled in just below the dry waterfall area. There was a tiny trickle wayyyy above but, essentially, it was dry. We took our photos and our break. (Mike explored around on the slippery limestone.) And, the best part was that we had the place all to ourselves! After the rest, we started down the wash the same way we had come up. ... Or, at least, we tried. Everything looks different from the other direction. About half way down, we heard a large group of animated hikers coming up the wash. We passed them taking note of so many smiles.

Ralyn tries the optional Route

Fearsome Foursome at Ice Box Waterfall

Using a side trail on the Descent

Finishing the Wash Descent

Hitting the sun on the trail out of the canyon, we knew we needed to not dally. Our pace was consistently swift, only stopping when we hit the occasional shade. As we turned left onto SMYC Trail, we noted that some volunteers were working on cleaning up Dale's Trail. We took on the undulating SMYC with force. It was a good workout after what we had already done. Arriving at the Lost Creek Trailhead, we crossed the paved road and continued on the Willow Springs Loop Trail. This side of the loop followed along Rocky Gap Road at a distance and took us all the way back to the car. A wonderful challenging day.

Stats: 5.2 miles; 950' gain; 4.25 hours

Hiking out the Trail from Ice Box Canyon

Heading toward Willow Springs on SMYC Trail

Completing the Willow Springs Loop to Trailhead

SMYC Trail & Ice Box Canyon

Willow Springs Loop