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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 Big Falls is an UNDESIGNATED trail which is no longer maintained by the USFS.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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/25/2005 T'rific hike! I combo-ed this and Mary Jane Falls on 07/24 and from parking .5 mile from the parking lot (due to road closure) and hiking both trails (the former incorrectly/very creatively) still made it back to the car in about 3:45. If the drivetime isn't too much, this could be done as an after work hike as there was still sufficient light to navigate the wash at 8:15 pm. Two things, 1 - the below reviewer who went 7/16 is right, now is the time to go, Big Falls is looking great (at least to a first timer) although I wasn't as brave as to venture out on the unknown thickness melting snowpack bridge.. 2- checkout http://birdandhike.com/Hike/Mt_Char/Big_Falls/Big_Falls.htm But hike on the R shore/hill, L hill is adventureous
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/17/2005 Like the previous hiker said... it's a must do this year b/c of all the snow (melt off). I went on 7/16/05', and you have to walk about 150yds on the cold stuff to get to the falls (or else hike along the hillside). I have pics posted here: http://community.webshots.com/album/397216846zgLwUB. I suspect another month or so and it will still be good, but don't wait too long to go!
Reviewed by mrgiggles on 6/19/2005 now is the time, this is the year to do this hike. there is a 25' snow pack that the falls drop into. very dramatic. huge avelanch flows in the area have snapped off trees at the ground and collected up the timbers in the snow pack with trees and boulders showing through now as the snow melts off. great trip to do. dont fall off the snow ledges.
Reviewed by Tom on 5/3/2005 Did the hike on 25 April. Snow all the way. Recommend snow shoes. Traction was tough. It was a great walk though and loved the falls when we got there. Even got a bonus snow shower at the top! Would like to do again when snow is gone.
Reviewed by desertdave on 4/15/2004 Did this hike on April 12, 2004. Did not have to do any bouldering as to much snow pack. Just walked up the wash on top of hard snow all the way to falls. Their was just a trickle of water running and some ice hanging down from the top. Will do again when snow is gone.
Reviewed by Donnie on 3/31/2004 What a picture perfect 1st day of spring 3-20-04 ascending Big Falls to peak! Weather conditions were awesome as we snowshoed in warm n sunny conditions w/ snow ranging from ice like packed to post holeing in waist deep powder. Only 1 other party (tele-skiers doing the "Hour Glass chute)has been to peak since we were there 5 days ago via Echo Canyon. The Big Falls route is not for the weak of heart in winter with several areas being prone to causing severe injury should ya slip and some are covered in very packed snow that you needed to kick hard to get some traction steps built. Visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mtcharlestonbackcountry/ for more details. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||