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 view some of the best waterfalls 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.
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 has recently stormed, 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. Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Next up is the gorgeous Kings Canyon Waterfall in Carson City.
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. It is one of the best waterfall hikes in Nevada. Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
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.
Chris Ainsworth/Flickr The Big Falls Trail is located in the Mount Charleston trail system and the hike is approximately miles. 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 until you hit the first set of switchbacks (there are several) and take the road off the trail. Big Falls, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
The Mary Jane Falls is the other well-known waterfall in the Mount Charleston area.
Chrislynn M./Yelp Once you’ve visited Big Falls, head back to the Mary Jane Falls Trail and continue following the switchbacks, until you reach 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 is also a small cave. The waterfall tends to be seasonal so spring is the best time to visit, but the views are still worth it even if there’s no water. Mary Jane Falls Trail Head, 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
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.
Norm K./Yelp Entering Red Rock requires a small day-use fee per vehicle. 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. The First Creek Trail is about 3.5 miles and is a good match for any level of hiking skill. The waterfall is small and seasonal, although the pool is usually there all year long. This is definitely one of the best Nevada waterfalls! Fish Creek Trail, Arlington, TX, USA
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 are recommended.
Finally, the Lost Creek Grotto Trail is a nice, short, family-friendly hike with a seasonal waterfall and lovely riparian habitat.
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 and is an out-and-back trail. 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. Lost Creek Trail, Nevada 89161, USA
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.
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. Aliante Nature Discovery Park, 2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA
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.
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 free show is definitely a bit on the corny side, but 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! Mystic Falls Park, Parking lot, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
What are your favorite falls in Nevada? Do you have a favorite waterfall hike in the state? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and don’t forget to include some of your favorite Nevada waterfall photos as well!
Google Maps
You can click on the image credit link to access the actual Google Map.
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 has recently stormed, 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.
Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, 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. It is one of the best waterfall hikes in Nevada.
Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Chris Ainsworth/Flickr
The Big Falls Trail is located in the Mount Charleston trail system and the hike is approximately miles. 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 until you hit the first set of switchbacks (there are several) and take the road off the trail.
Big Falls, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Chrislynn M./Yelp
Once you’ve visited Big Falls, head back to the Mary Jane Falls Trail and continue following the switchbacks, until you reach 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 is also a small cave. The waterfall tends to be seasonal so spring is the best time to visit, but the views are still worth it even if there’s no water.
Mary Jane Falls Trail Head, 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, USA
Norm K./Yelp
Entering Red Rock requires a small day-use fee per vehicle. 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. The First Creek Trail is about 3.5 miles and is a good match for any level of hiking skill. The waterfall is small and seasonal, although the pool is usually there all year long. This is definitely one of the best Nevada waterfalls!
Fish Creek Trail, Arlington, TX, USA
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 are recommended.
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 and is an out-and-back trail. 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.
Lost Creek Trail, Nevada 89161, 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.
Aliante Nature Discovery Park, 2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, 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 free show is definitely a bit on the corny side, but 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!
Mystic Falls Park, Parking lot, 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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 two 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 with 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!
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 two 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 with 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!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
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 two 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 with 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!