On the northwest side of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Ice Box canyon offers the hiker a chance to escape the direct heat of the desert in the main canyon for a somewhat cooler hike below towering sandstone cliffs.  The narrowness of the canyon provides shade while cool air and seasonal streams from the mountains to the north bring cooler temperatures.  As a result of the increased moisture, the canyon supports some flora not seen in the main canyon, such as Ponderos Pines.  Be sure to check out a ponderosa pine up close to smell the butterscotch scented sap.