7 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In Nevada That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Nothing is quite as breathtaking as seeing a waterfall at the end of a long hike in the wilderness. Even more stunning is that same waterfall during winter in Nevada, especially if it's frozen solid or a glistening mix of frozen and flowing water: It makes for a truly incredible picture-perfect sight. Here are seven hikes that will take you to views of frozen or partially frozen waterfalls in Nevada during the winter.

1. Ice Box Canyon

​​Ice Box Canyon is located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada. The trails is a 2.5-mile loop. There's a lot of rock scrambling on this hike, so it's definitely not the best for beginners, small children, or small dogs. The hike has some really pretty views all year round, and all your hard work scrambling through is definitely worth it to see the waterfall.

2. Little Falls

​​Little Falls is another hike near Las Vegas that is part of the Toiyabe National Forest. It's a short hike, clocking in at about .8 mile, and it's out and back. The hike starts with a short staircase, and you'll find the falls at the end. This is a fairly easy hike, so it's good for families, young children, and dogs.

3. Hunter Creek Trail

The ​​Hunter Creek Trail is located near Reno via the Michael D. Thompson Trailhead. This out and back trail is 5.7 miles, and it's moderately difficult. Be careful in the winter as the rocks can be quite slippery when icy. The waterfall at the end is gorgeous, and even more so in the winter when it's frozen and covered with a soft blanket of white snow in the forest. Winter is also a great time to take this hike, as it can be quite crowded in the summer months. It's less heavily trafficked when there's snow on the ground, and the temperatures are colder.

4. Lost Creek/Children's Discovery Trail

This is a ​​short, .7 mile trail that is a great option for beginners, families and small dogs. In addition to the lovely small waterfall, you can see lots of flora and fauna, terrific views and some petroglyphs. You may also see wild burros.To get a feel for Red Rock Canyon winter hiking in this area, check out this YouTube video from Sarah Nicole::

5. First Creek Canyon Trail

This ​​three-mile trail is rated easy and also has some nice shade, which, in the desert, is always appreciated - even in winter! The hike is good for beginners because it's fairly level, and the trail is maintained well for the majority of its lenght. So there's no serious rock scrambling, although reaching the waterfall base does require some moving over large rocks. First Creek Canyon is part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

6. Mary Jane Falls

Editor's Note: As of December 2023, the Mary Jane Falls area was closed due to storm/flood damage. This closure is temporary but indefinite. Visit the ​​U.S. Forest Service website for updates.​​​​Mary Jane Falls is located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area near Las Vegas. The trail is 2.6 miles out and back and is generally good for all levels of hikers - although be warned that some sections are steep and more prone to being slippery in the winter. Winter is a great time to view the fall, as the trail is not quite as crowded and also much cooler than it is in the intense Vegas summer heat.

7. Cathedral Rock

Editor's Note: As of December 2023, the Cathedral Rock Trail was closed due to storm/flood damage. This closure is temporary but indefinite. Visit the ​​U.S. Forest Service website for updates.​​Cathedral Rock Trail is located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area just north of the city of Las Vegas. The trail is 2.7 miles, out and back, and it's considered a moderate difficulty level. It's slightly harder in winter, as the trail can be quite slippery with the snow and ice - so be warned! In addition to the waterfall, you can get an amazing view of the Echo Cliffs on the trail and another incredible 360-degree view at the top of Kyle Canyon. The waterfall is about halfway along the trail, and you need to take a short side route to get to it.

We think winter in Nevada is quite often the best time to go hiking in the state, especially in the south, near Las Vegas, where the warmer months can be unbearably hot. While temperatures don't often get low enough for water to freeze, if you combine elevation with the cooler winter temperatures, you get the incredible spectacle of frozen waterfalls in Nevada. If you do head out to chase frozen waterfalls, be sure to pack all the winter essentials that you'll need to stay safe and warm.

Have you visited any of these incredible waterfalls in Nevada - frozen or otherwise? Let us know in the comments!