Box Canyon (NW Summerlin NV) Update

Pics by Harlan W S & Celes C
Sept 4, 2023

Much has changed in Box Canyon since I went on trips to Gottlieb Mt in 2011 and 2016. The most important thing: THE TWO CABLE LADDERS HAVE BEEN REMOVED. I'm not exactly sure when or why this happened, but I know some canyoneers were itching to make this a "real canyon." The ladders dated back to the times when one could easily drive to the outlet, and the canyon was used as a shaded rock-climbing area for hot Las Vegas days.

Celes and I did a "quick" 10-mile loop, just hitting Box (also called Water) Canyon. We took just 2x 20m 8mm ropes, and a minimum of anchor-building material. This trip was just after big rains, so the drive in from the north would have many washouts (which might be "fixed" by 4x4 traffic breaking down the sharp sides of the washes); hence we walked. Note the normal drive has a small stretch over private land.

I would recommend this canyon in conjunction with a descent from Gottlieb, especially with the more "exciting" entry described below. If you do the normal entry from Gottleb, you could take just 1x 20m rope and a 20m pull line. HOWEVER, the alternate entry point is at least 60m above the normal entry, and would require 2 to 4 additional raps. If one were coming from Buckskin Parking, the ropes needn't be carried up Gottlieb; I'll let you figure that out. Celes Link.

Our Sept. 2023 route is in red, indicated by red arrows. The blue is a route from the north. Green indicates combo with Gottlieb, magenta is a way to avoid sh*t Celes and I hit.The light orange is BLM land, white iis private, owned by Redi-Mix.	Close up.	Even closer, Google Earth. We dropped into Canyon east of "normal," and quickly realized this would be a neat variation for the prepared. For this variation, bring 200' cordage and lots of anchor-build material (e.g. webbing and links).
Early on, passing outlet for Hidden Canyon.	View N from normal drop-in to Box Canyon.	First obstacle, R (E) side: you can do a class 4 non-rap down here. In 2016, there was a rap sling here. The bolted rap in on the L (W) side. In 2023 I used this, Celes went down on L.
Now I'm at bottom of E side, looking S back on how I came down, non-rap. Best to lower pack.	Same spot, Celes raps W side (view S)	Next obstacle looks like a rap required, till you look L and see a class 2-3 climb-down. View N.
View S as Celes comes down same spot.	2nd rap. There is a chain on W (L) wall, but we were low on anchor materials, so put a black spliced Dyneema sling around closer tree(s).	View S, 2nd rap is 10' in back of Celes.
View S, 3rd rap. There is a chain anchor at L (E) which allows a walk-off to slight overhang. Maybe 40' from chain. I used Munter. We tied 2x 20m ropes together with double EDKs directly on chain.	Celes, View S, old dam.	Summerlin Peak on way out.