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 Reporter |
Summary: This is no longer a designated or maintained trail by USFS, but it's too great of a spot to keep it hidden. Follow the directions for Mary Jane Falls and begin on that trail until you reach the base of the switchbacks. At this point, leave the MJ trail (turns R up the mtn.) and go straight up the old gravel road into the canyon. You can follow the path as it heads along the wash rocks and eventually turns into a bouldering route. If the water is running, follow the path along the R side, eventually heading up either the steep L or R slopes when you find a 20 ft. waterfall and boulders blocking your way. I've been up both sides and they're about the same difficulty - scrambling up a game trail, loose rocks. Take heart, it's a really easy path, albeit sloping once you're up top. You can see Big Falls from here and a tilting old wood USFS marker on the R or W slope along the path. Keep going to the incredible falls - it really roars in early spring, pool at base. 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 R (almost straight) as it becomes Echo Road. Turn L at the fork (signed) onto the gravel road and park at the trailhead for Mary Jane Falls. Big Falls is an UNDESIGNATED trail which is no longer maintained by the USFS. The rocks in Big Falls Canyon are very slippery, and this hike is mostly bouldering (much like you would find in Red Rock Canyon) so be very careful of your footing. You will need to follow some game paths up along the slopes more than halfway into this hike, so be very careful with small children and dogs. To the L (E) above and beyond Big Falls is the "hard" way to Charleston Peak -- this is a mountaineering route and not for the novice. Water is always cold at Big Falls! (Lat:36.26762 Lon:-115.66354) Trail Guides for Big Falls: Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) 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 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mercy on 6/20/2008 I went with a scout group on a Sunday and had to go back solo on Thurs. It was great! The falls were roaring and everybody we ran into would just comment on ow beautiful the hike was. I would not take little one because the boulders are big to climb over but it is safe to take kids.
Reviewed by J&R on 11/18/2007 Great hike! Brought the dog along and she had almost as much fun as we did on the boulders (wouldn't recommend bringing a small dog on this trail unless you plan on carrying him/her)!! Hiked in the tress on the way in, no real "trail" to speak of but still awesome and followed the wash on the way out...talk about beautiful! Hopefully next year there will actually be water coming off the falls.
Reviewed by myra on 11/6/2007 I've hiked big falls several times, I must say it is especially beautiful in may. Hiking up the steam bed wearing a tank top enjoying the warm sunshine until we get to the falls, Giant snow caves and icicles covering the walls! (as it is in the shaddows) BREATHTAKING!
Reviewed by brandon on 12/22/2006 it is enchanting to see this much water activity in such a dry region of the world. 
Reviewed by HH on 8/14/2006 No little falls this time of year and the "big" one at the end was hardly a spray but it's got some fun slopes out there and the views are awesome! Careful with the loose rocks! Will definitely try again next year in July as it seems like the best time to go.
Reviewed by dt on 4/11/2006 lots of water in 2005 http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/vegashermit2005/album?.dir=7e19&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/vegashermit2005/my_photos
Reviewed by Dennis on 4/11/2006 good hike in 2005 lots of water falling and snow tunnel behind falls but did not go into it. Doing this again in late april 2006
Reviewed by Tim on 9/12/2005 wonderful trail... easy... nice payoff with the waterfall at the end. don't be confused the first small water fall is not the big one. keep going. you won't see it until the end. smow is tough, even in July. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||