Posted in Nevada Nature, Waterfalls April 23, 2022 by

Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Nevada’s Waterfalls

Have you ever tried Googling “waterfalls near me” in Nevada? It’s only natural; everyone loves seeing a beautiful waterfall and it’s a particular thrill to see one up close when you live in such an arid state like Nevada. However, if you are tired of asking Dr. Google about our state’s lovely falls, we’ve designed a road trip where you can see some lovely seasonal waterfalls in even the driest parts of Nevada! Pack up the car and let’s go waterfall chasing in Nevada.

This trip covers 842 miles with a total driving time of 14 hours and 21 minutes.
Google Maps
You can click on the image credit link to access the actual Google Map.
Our first stop will be the falls in Lamoille Canyon, of which there are several in both Lamoille and Thomas Canyons.
Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
mini/TripAdvisor
This beautiful area is located about 30 miles from the town of Elko and the hike to the top of Thomas Canyon is an easy 2.5 miles. Thomas Canyon Campground is also a nice place to spend the night before or after you've visited the trail.

From Lamoille we head out to Reno to the Hunter Creek Waterfall Trail/Michael Thompson Trailhead.

The hike is about six miles out and back and is rated moderate. The trail tends to be slippery in some parts, especially if it's recently rained or snowed, so wear good sturdy shoes. The trailhead is at the end of Woodchuck Circle and you can actually find it by simply entering Hunter Creek Waterfall Trail in Google Maps.
Next up is the gorgeous Lamoille Canyon located in Carson City.
Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Shelby K./Yelp
The trailhead is located at 4450 Kings Canyon Road. This is a very easy, family-friendly trail and the waterfall can be seen in all seasons and is one of the best waterfall hikes in Nevada.
Now we're going to head down to the Las Vegas area for the rest of our waterfalls. The first is Big Falls in Mount Charleston
Big Falls, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Chris Ainsworth/Flickr
The Big Falls Trail is located in the Mount Charleston trail system and the hike is about 2 miles total. It's a difficult trail because there is a lot of rock and boulder hopping but the falls themselves are worth the work. The trail is located in Kyle Canyon past the Spring Mountains Visitor Center. Park in the parking lot for the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead and follow that trail til you hit the first set of switchbacks (there are several) and take the road off the trail. Since the trail isn't marked it's a good idea if you're not familiar with the area to download the directions and take them with you.
The Mary Jane Falls is the other well known waterfall in the Mount Charleston area.
Mary Jane Falls Trail Head, 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Chrislynn M./Yelp
Once you've visited Big Falls, you can go back to the Mary Jane Falls trail and continue going back up the switchbacks, which can get a big steep so it's a great thigh workout, and that will eventually bring you to the falls. The total trail is about 2.5 miles out and back and overall it's not a hard trail if you're in good physical condition. In addition to the waterfall there's also a small cave you can see. The waterfall tends to be seasonal so spring is the best time to go, but the views are still worth it even if there's no water when you go.
Our next collection of waterfalls is located a bit south of Mount Charleston in the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on First Creek Trail.
Fish Creek Trail, Arlington, TX, USA
Norm K./Yelp
Entering Red Rock requires a day use fee of $7 per vehicle. You can also buy an annual pass for $30 or the America the Beautiful National Parks pass for $80 which gives you access to all of the trails in Red Rock. The park is located off of SR 159/West Charleston Boulevard, which you take west leaving Las Vegas until you reach the park and visitor center. Since several of our waterfalls will be in Red Rock, download the handy hiking map from their website! The First Creek Trail is about 3.5 miles long and is a good match for any level of hiking skill. The waterfall is small and generally seasonal although the pool is usually there all year long. This is definitely one of the best waterfalls in Nevada!
Ice Box Canyon is a 2-1/2 mile loop trail that has a river as well as a small seasonal waterfall.
Lore D./Yelp
This trail is more suited for intermediate to experienced hikers because there's a lot of rock scrambling, so good hiking shoes and a hiking pole is recommended.
Finally the Lost Creek Grotto Trail , is a nice, short, family friendly hike with a seasonal waterfall and lovely riparian habitat.
Lost Creek Trail, Nevada 89161, USA
Nicole S./Yelp
The hike is also a lovely spot for a picnic and the trailhead begins at the WIllow Springs Picnic Area. The hike is about 0.75 miles long and is an out and back hike. You are also likely to see burros in this area, or at least hear them in the distance, along with many other varied desert wildlife.
Our last two waterfalls may not be "natural" but they're definitely worth a visit while you're in the Las Vegas area. First is the waterfall at Aliante Nature Discovery Park.
Aliante Nature Discovery Park, 2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA
Marlyn V./Yelp
This fantastic park is located in North Las Vegas and has a half-mile walking trail good for walking, hiking, jogging and dog walking. There's a lovely lake with ducks and geese and the man made waterfall is a peaceful sight. The park has a fun children's playground as well so this is a nice spot to bring the kids and have a picnic and relax. The park is located at 2627 Nature Park Drive off of North Aliante Parkway.
Being that you're in Vegas, it's time to end your trip with an entertainment spectacle at the Mystic Falls Park in Sam's Town Casino.
Mystic Falls Park, Parking lot, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Perkadventures/TripAdvisor
Mystic Falls Park is an indoor park with a man-made waterfall, fountains, music and animatronic animals, accompanied by, of course, lasers! This popular free show is definitely a bit on the corny side, but still lots of fun and the kids will love it. It's particularly fun at Christmas when all the holiday lights add an extra dimension to the show. The Sunset Stampede Laser Light Show happens every day and is worth checking out! Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall is located on 5111 Boulder Highway and it's a fun place to stay the night at the end of your Nevada waterfall journey.

Which waterfall in Nevada is your favorite? Share in the comments!

Address: Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Address: Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Address: Big Falls, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Address: Mary Jane Falls Trail Head, 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Address: Fish Creek Trail, Arlington, TX, USA
Address: Lost Creek Trail, Nevada 89161, USA
Address: Mystic Falls Park, Parking lot, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Address: Aliante Nature Discovery Park, 2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me

April 28, 2022
SKS

What’s the most scenic waterfall hike in Nevada?

The most scenic waterfall hike in Nevada goes by the name of Mary Jane Falls Trail Found in Mount Charleston Wilderness outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, this trail actually features too waterfalls! Both falls are together, and flow down the same cliff face, but can be seen year round and make for a great little adventure. The hike up is definitely a steep one, but it is only two miles each way, so it is still a relatively easy hike.

What’s the most beautiful waterfall hike in Nevada?

Mount Rose Trail will bring you on the most beautiful waterfall hike in Nevada. But we have to warn you, this is no walk in the park. This 11-mile hike will bring you around Tamarack Peak and through mountain valleys, featuring over 2,300 feet of elevation gain! However, you will be rewarded for your effort as this trail brings you up to the summit of Mt. Rose, past alpine lakes and waterfalls. Finally, you’ll also be rewarded of breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe below!

What is the most popular waterfall hike in Nevada?

One of the most popular waterfall hikes in Nevada must be Ice Box Canyon Trail found in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This short, 2.5-mile trail will take you up Ice Box Canyon, and during the right time of year, a 200 foot tall waterfall. However, it is important to time your hike correctly, because in the warmer months, the waterfall runs dry. While the waterfall is amazing, don’t let the summer deter you, because the hike up the canyon is incredible year round whether or not the waterfall is running when you get there! 

Address: Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Address: Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Address: Big Falls, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Address: Mary Jane Falls Trail Head, 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Address: Fish Creek Trail, Arlington, TX, USA
Address: Lost Creek Trail, Nevada 89161, USA
Address: Mystic Falls Park, Parking lot, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Address: Aliante Nature Discovery Park, 2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA