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Summary: Short but very strenuous hike utilizing switchbacks and stone steps (rip-rap) on a very well marked and heavily used trail. Keep your dogs leashed and under control since a lot of hikers seem to bring their dogs on this one. With a very steep trail, loose rock, and netting in place for erosion control, you definitely don't want to cut across this trail. Older children can make this hike, but be sure they are used to climbing and high altitude. There is a nice size cave along the N cliff, to the left of the falls on the left (see photo); with an easy to follow path leading to the mouth of the cave. From the base of the falls you can see Big Falls to the WSW, and Charleston Peak in the background (snow covered until mid/late Spring). This is a pretty trail with ponderosa pines, white fir, aspen, and mountain mahogany. Look for deer and fox in the aspens at sunrise and sunset, near the beginning /end of trail. Hike early to avoid the crowds at Mary Jane Falls. Trailhead: I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N towards Reno, W on SR 157 (Mt. Charleston - Kyle Canyon) continue past the hotel, 2 miles W of USFS ranger station, to Echo Road. This is where the road curves sharply to the left to head up into old town and the lodge. Instead, continue to the right (almost straight) as it becomes Echo Road. Turn left at the fork (signed) onto the gravel road and park at the trailhead. There are RR at this parking area and it is also the trailhead for Big Falls. MJ Falls is a good trail for the visitor who wants an escape from the casinos and from the desert floor - - it is a short hike and the drive up and back is very scenic. Pack a lunch to enjoy at MJ Falls, but don't expect heavy water flow over the falls unless it is early spring. LOTS of people use this trail so please pack out any trash you see along the trail, there is a dumpster at the parking area to put it in. (Lat:36.26776 Lon:-115.66295) Trail Guides for Mary Jane Falls: USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400, emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Alana on 11/21/2009 Hiked with my father and dog on a Saturday afternoon. Not overly crowded when we started, but would definitely recommend hiking during the week or earlier in the day as it got significantly "busier" towards mid afternoon and some of the serenity of the area was lost. Couple of loud kids combined with the amazing natural acoustics of the area around the falls meant we got to hear their nonsense most of the way back down the trail. Still, it was a crisp (35 degree) fall day, and absolutely gorgeous. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/22/2009 no don't go
Reviewed by mcbrecycle on 9/21/2009 Great morning or 1/2 day hike! I didn't find it too strenuous at all! If you take it slow, the switchbacks aren't bad at all. We went early enough to let our dog run free on the way up and at the top, but kept him leashed on the way down as there were a LOT more people! Still enough water to wash your hands at the top, mid-Sept. Bring a bag to pick up trash along the way. Aspens are beginning to change!
Reviewed by M. on 9/5/2009 Fantastic views. Trail well maintained. Beautiful wildflowers. We were there late August, early in the morning.
Reviewed by Eileen on 8/27/2009 Went with a group of Seniors today and it was lovely. Small amount of icy water still falls. I did not feel that this was an overly difficult hike. Stopped a few times on the way up but would call it moderate. 
Reviewed by amber on 7/4/2009 i went yesterday,i didnt find any falls? maybe went to the wrong trail? 
Reviewed by Pete on 6/24/2009 I've taken this hike with everyone from an uncle who is 65. To the grandkids. we like to go in early spring/summer. Because of the snow melt, the falls are a little better. also pack a lunch and enjoy sitting and taking pics of the area. I recommend this to first time hikers.
Reviewed by ZeroPM on 6/19/2009 A lot harder then I thought. Brought only water should have brought lunch. Quite a few people, thins out towards the top :) Switchbacks were tough. Dogs present, none seemed to be of any issue. Really nice. Falls were running very light but worth the trip. Took a few hours up and back. No parking ticket. Would definitely go back. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||