Dale's Trail: What to Know Before You Go
Dale's Trail runs 4 miles along the base of the Red Rock Escarpment, connecting two trailheads LvLocal has already covered on their own — Ice Box Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. The trail passes Skull Rock, an oversized boulder formation, and four wooden benches placed along the way. It's named for Dale Morrison, a volunteer in his sixties who led its construction in 1996 with three Eagle Scout troops. Welcome to Dale's Trail, a real piece of local trail-building history.
Trail Snapshot
Distance | Approximately 4 miles round trip
Difficulty | Moderate to Moderately Strenuous
Hike Time | About 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain | Not officially stated
Fee | $20 per vehicle (Red Rock Canyon entrance fee)
Reservation | Required for Scenic Drive entry Oct 1–May 31, 8am to 5pm (free, via recreation.gov); not required June 1–Sep 30, or outside those hours any time of year
Restrooms | None confirmed on Dale's Trail itself; nearest at Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon trailheads
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed
Difficulty | Moderate to Moderately Strenuous
Hike Time | About 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain | Not officially stated
Fee | $20 per vehicle (Red Rock Canyon entrance fee)
Reservation | Required for Scenic Drive entry Oct 1–May 31, 8am to 5pm (free, via recreation.gov); not required June 1–Sep 30, or outside those hours any time of year
Restrooms | None confirmed on Dale's Trail itself; nearest at Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon trailheads
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed
How to Reach the Trailhead
Reach Dale's Trail from either the Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon trailhead, both already on the Scenic Drive. The standard $20 fee and Oct 1–May 31 reservation apply.
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail follows a generally gentle grade with several short steep sections, running along the base of the Red Rock Escarpment and Rainbow Mountains. Four wooden benches placed along the route offer rest points, and the trail passes Skull Rock, an oversized boulder formation that gives the trail one of its most recognizable landmarks.
Built by Volunteers in 1996
Dale's Trail was built in 1996 by volunteer Dale Morrison, a man in his sixties, working alongside three Eagle Scout troops and the National Outdoor Leadership School — a real piece of grassroots trail-building history in the park. The trail carries his name in recognition of that effort.
Best Time to Visit and Conditions
Fall through spring is most comfortable given the exposed sections along the escarpment base.
Practical Advice for New Visitors
- Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the steep sections.
- Pack sun protection.
- Reserve your Scenic Drive time slot ahead of time in peak season.
- Take a rest break at one of the four benches along the way.
- Watch for Skull Rock along the route.
- This trail connects Ice Box Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon — great if you want to link the two on foot.
- Leash your dog for the full route.
For hikers who've already visited Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon, Dale's Trail offers a genuine way to link the two on foot, with real local history behind its name. Stay on the marked route and take a moment at Skull Rock along the way.
