Best Waterfalls in Nevada: 11 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
By Raymond Goldfield|Published May 23, 2024
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Nevada is such a fascinating state – it’s the 7th largest state in the United States, but almost 75% of its population is located in one massive metropolitan area known the world over. But as spectacular as it is, Las Vegas is far from all the Silver State has to offer. Nevada has a unique natural landscape, combining a beautiful desert with some big surprises, and its state park system is one of the most impressive in the country. And that’s where you’ll find the best waterfalls in Nevada – scattered across the massive landscape, as well as in its largest city. When I was researching the cascades of Nevada, I was surprised by how many there were – and how gorgeous they were. Some require challenging hikes, while others are only feet away from your start point. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’re in for a treat while chasing waterfalls in Nevada.
While Nevada doesn’t have the tallest cascades in the United States, it still has quite a few that will require you to crane your neck a bit. These towering waterfalls are both found relatively close to major cities, but require significant hikes to reach. They’re both tourist attractions when open, so you can expect some company on the trail.
1. Hunter Creek Falls
Hunter Creek Falls, Hunter Creek Trail, Reno, NV 89511, USA
Popularity: Very popular, thanks to its proximity to a major city and its location on an easily accessible trail..
Need To Know This waterfall is located through Hunter Creek Trail at Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. A 5.7-mile trail, this is considered a moderately challenging hike popular with explorers. Bring good hiking boots and prepare for some challenging terrain. There is no charge to enter the National Forest..
Located within Reno’s Mt. Rose Wilderness, Hunter Creek Falls is around 30 feet tall and cascades down an impressive rocky path surrounded by a perfectly shaded landscape. The waterfall is at the end of the trail, so it’s an incredible spot to stop, reflect, and rehydrate. The trail is very well-maintained, and there’s a small pool at the base of the waterfall. This makes it a very popular trail during the summer months, as it’s also an amazing spot to dip your feet. The trail is mostly downhill, so it’s an easy hike if one that requires some caution.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this is a relatively isolated area despite its proximity to Las Vegas, and the trail contains some challenging areas that require bouldering.
Need To Know This 2.7 mile moderately challenging trail is currently closed due to damage from Tropical Storm Hilary in late 2023. While the falls are intact, the trail system surrounding them has been damaged and is currently undergoing restoration. Follow the National Forest Service for details on reopening plans.
Mount Charleston keeps its secrets well, and this natural area is full of hidden waterfalls and other secrets among its trails. Big Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so the best time to see it is in spring and early summer before it dries out. A massive 85-foot waterfall, it’s the most impressive waterfall in Nevada - and it’s well-hidden, requiring people to take a detour from the trail leading to the more popular Mary Jane Falls. The trail branches off, but all you have to do is follow the creek bed. The waterfall is thin, but an impressively consistent cascade especially after rain. We can’t wait for this waterfall to be open again!
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Nevada
A great waterfall is worth a challenging hike. These two waterfall hikes are found in popular state parks and state forests, and require quite a bit of work to get there. The good news is that the final view is more than worth it! Bring a pair of hiking boots and have the time to spare, because these hikes are quite the adventure.
Location: Van Sickle Bi-State Park, on the Nevada-California border..
Popularity: Moderately popular. While this unique park is a major tourist destination, the little waterfalls hiding in the park are a secret for those in the know.
Need To Know This waterfall is accessed via a 6.4-mile moderate hike on the Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector, which takes you past some beautiful terrain. There are actually two waterfalls on this trail, with the second and larger one being flanked by foliage. There is no fee to enter the state park. .
Are you in Nevada or California? This park will tell you when you’re crossing the border, but to find Van Sickle Falls, you’ll have to go a little off the beaten path. The Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector is a beautiful walk, and the second waterfall you’ll come across is one of the most impressive sites in the park. Rolling down a rocky hill, it’s an amazingly pastoral landscape and one of the best sites when traveling across the lakeside path. This hike is well worth taking, as there are some stunning views of the mountains as well.
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4. Galena Creek Falls
Galena Creek Trailhead, 5390 Double Creek Ct, Reno, NV 89511, USA
Popularity: Very popular - this is another challenging but well-known trail within Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest and it attracts plenty of crowds throughout the year. .
Need To Know These waterfalls are accessed through a beautiful 4.8-mile out-and-back trail in the national forest, featuring moderately challenging terrain including some rocky ground but no major elevation gains. There is no entry fee for the national forest
An ideal hike for those looking for a challenge but one without major hazards, Galena Falls Trail has an amazing reward at the end. You’ll get amazing views of Lake Tahoe and the Mount Rose Wilderness, with a grand conclusion at Galena Falls. Rolling down a rocky hill, this waterfall looks like something out of an old Disney movie and is an amazing spot for resting and taking some photos. The trail has some uneven areas, but should be easy to tackle for anyone with a little hiking experience and solid boots.
Accessible Waterfalls In Nevada
The best part of being in Nevada is the way there are unique little hubs of culture all around. There’s a lot of desert, but then you find a one-of-a-kind oasis. That’s what we think these three waterfalls sum up. One is located in a campground, one is found in a local park with only a short hike, and one is part of the most famous event to ever come out of Nevada.
Popularity: Moderately popular - while this is one of Nevada’s most unique tourist attractions, it’s also way out of the way in the Nevada desert and access is limited to preserve the grounds.
Need To Know This unique geothermal spring is owned by the Burning Man Project, which offers limited public tours from April to October each year. Minimal walking is required to see the geyser, and a $40 donation for the tour goes to maintaining this unique ecosystem.
It’s not often you come across a spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a surreal alien landscape, but Fly Geyser is exactly that. This isolated ranch home to a natural geothermal spring has created a primordial landscape that includes unique rock coloring due to calcium carbonate deposits. Due to the unique environment and the very hot springs, this is one waterfall seen from afar - as part of the limited tours offered by the team behind Burning Man. The geyser was created by a drilling accident in 1964, but has become a unique and beloved part of Nevada’s landscape.
Popularity: Moderately popular - despite being right outside the city, this trail doesn’t attract big crowds and is a fairly quiet location.
Need To Know This waterfall is located in a local park with no admission fee, and is found by following a half-mile loop trail. It’s best seen in April through June, when the falls are at their best and the weather hasn’t gotten too intensely hot yet. There can be some rocky areas of the trail, but minimal elevation gains
For those who don’t like long hikes but love stunning waterfall views, Kings Canyon Falls is the trail for you. There are only 140 feet in elevation, and many of them are on rock steps. At the end, you’ll find a unique waterfall - or waterfalls, because the falls are made of three beautiful split cascades along a rock wall. Spring runoff is the best time to see this waterfall, but I have to say that it’s stunning in winter when frozen as well. The trailhead is easy to find, well-maintained, and hiking to Kings Canyon Waterfall is a perfect family adventure.
7. Thomas Canyon Campground Waterfall
Thomas Canyon Campground, Spring Creek, NV 89815, USA
Popularity: Not popular - this is located in a rural area of Nevada with little traffic, in a campground that rarely gets big crowds, so you should have the trail mostly to youtself.
Need To Know The campground is open May to November, and while campsites and cabins are available for a fee, the trail is free to explore. While there is no challenging terrain on this hike, some areas can be overgrown, so long pants are recommended.
One of the most isolated waterfalls and campgrounds you’ll ever see, Thomas Canyon Campground Waterfall is a stunning hidden gem located in the far northeast of the state - hundreds of miles from any major city. Is it worth the journey? We think so - there are several beautiful small waterfalls along the campground trail, and Lamoille Creek runs right through it. This feeds many of the waterfalls, ensuring that they’re some of the more consistent cascades to see no matter what the weather is like.
Best Waterfalls Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the best hubs of culture and entertainment in the world, but did you know you don’t have to go far to find some beautiful nature sites? Some of the best waterfalls in the state are only a short drive from the city – and of course, we couldn’t finish this list without talking about at least one indoor resort waterfall.
8. Ice Box Canyon Falls
Ice Box Canyon Trailhead, Ice Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV.
Popularity: Popular - the proximity to Las Vegas makes this a top nature destination, and the trail frequently attracts big crowds.
Need To Know This small waterfall is found through a 2.1-mile hike on an out-and-back trail with moderately challenging terrain, including some areas that require scrambling and have significant elevation gains. A scenic drive is also available in the area, but requires reservations. There is an admission fee, ranging from $5 per day for pedestrians to $20 for a car or truck.
If there’s one waterfall in Nevada to visit in Winter, it’s Ice Box Canyon Falls. Hey, it’s right in the name! Located not far from Las Vegas, it’s a 2.5 mile trail with some challenging terrain including rock scramblings, but the views are gorgeous. The falls tend to freeze solid early in the winter, so the views will be consistent and the crowds will be far lighter than earlier in the season. While it might not be the best spot for rookie hikers or those looking for an adventure with kids or dogs, it rewards experienced hikers.
Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Popularity: Very popular - this is one of the best introductory hikes for kids, and is also commonly visited by school groups.
Need To Know This 0.6-mile out-and-back trail has no challenging terrain, but it can be slippery after rain. Wear good shoes, but otherwise, this hike should be suitable for all ability levels. The same entry fees for Red Rock Canyon apply.
By contrast to the last hike, Lost Creek Falls is so popular with families it’s almost a tourist attraction! This bite-sized hike can be over and done with in less than an hour, but we have a feeling you’ll want to stick around for some pictures. The Lost Creek Trailhead is easy to find within Red Rock Canyon, and there is a stone staircase and boardwalk to use to access the falls. The waterfall is one of the smaller ones on this list, but it’s impressively strong right after rain. You’ll have no trouble navigating this path.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this moderately difficult trail has wonderful views, but some challenging terrain in an area slightly further away from Las Vegas.
Need To Know This is a 3.3-mile trail that is temporarily closed due to damage in Tropical Storm Hilary. While the falls are intact, the trail has suffered significant flooding and other damage and restoration efforts are ongoing. Follow the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area for details on reopening plans.
Mary Jane Falls might be one of the most iconic waterfalls in Nevada, and the trail that surrounds it is equally impressive. A mountainous hike at the base of Kyle Canyon in Mt. Charleston, hikers will encounter rocky steps and craggy paths to find…a steady trickle? It might not sound impressive, but this small waterfall has carved a unique path down the limestone wall. The best time to see this waterfall is during spring when the water flow is the heaviest, and this quaint spot is uniquely peaceful. We’re excited to return to this spot when it’s reopened!
11. Mystic Falls
Mystic Falls Park, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Popularity: Very popular - this indoor resort on the outskirts of Vegas is very popular with families and offers quite the show every night.
Need To Know Part of the Sam’s Town casino resort, this is a family-friendly destination that has a beautiful waterfall in its backdrop and puts on an impressive laser and water show several times a day - at 6, 8, and 10 on weekdays and with an additional show at 4 on Friday through Sunday. The resort has many opportunities for paid activities, but a visit here is free.
Anything is possible in Las Vegas, including indoor waterfalls year-round! Mystic Falls is a strange indoor landscape that combines a busy city with the beauty of nature. The rock wall at the center always has a beautiful cascade of water alongside it, and it’s illuminated in colors and shapes through the day. If you’re here during the winter, this waterfall won’t be frozen solid - it’ll be host to a special holiday light show with festive projections. There’s no hike here, but this is one of those experiences you can only have in Las Vegas.
Have you seen any of the best waterfalls in Nevada up close and personal? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re excited to explore more of Nevada’s stunning natural landscape, check out our past coverage of the best state parks in Nevada. Some of these destinations are pretty remote, so we recommend a subscription to AllTrails +, a hiking app that makes it easy to always stay connected with downloadable step-by-step trail guides and other helpful features.
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