Ice Box Canyon, easy beginner hike and scramble in the shade

A great hike for beginners, experienced hikers welcome too.

This is a 3.5 mile out-and-back hike, maybe 600' elevation gain with easy class 2 and 3 rock scrambling in the canyon. It has high walls so the canyon is shaded and often surprisingly cool in otherwise warmer weather. It also gets cooler air flowing downhill from higher elevations, hence the name Ice Box Canyon.

You should be able to comfortably walk 3-4 miles to attend this hike. Expect a lot of easy scrambling over small boulders, through trees and a lot of stepping from one rock to another. We may see ferns, frogs, wild grapes and other unexpected lifeforms.

We'll carpool from South Tower Park, see the map. Each car needs a park pass or the cost to enter is $20 per car. We leave South Tower Park promptly at 7 am, please arrive 5-10 minutes early to arrange carpools.

Sorry, no guests, no children, no 'plus one' allowed on any event unless otherwise stated. Everyone must be a member of Hikers with Heart and sign up through the waitlist.

You'll need a backpack so your hands are free. You'll need at least a liter of water, in metal or plastic containers, no glass. A water hydration pack is the most convenient. Bring a light snack that provides quick energy.

You'll need sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and shoes with good grip or 'sticky' on sandstone. Approach shoes are recommended but hiking shoes are okay for this hike. Sneakers are not recommended, they're usually too pliable.

You must indicate that you read the entire hike description by answering the question asked when signing up for the hike. Sign up is through the wait list.

Please carefully read the following liability disclaimer:

• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking, climbing and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. You further agree that you assume the risk of negligence by the organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.