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 Reporter |
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 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by knn on 8/7/2008 I love the challenge those switchbacks gave me since I am a little bit out of shape but it was worth the hike up there to sit and relax with nature and I get to meet some interesting people. Thanks for the direction.
Reviewed by tr on 8/6/2008 This hike was great because although the temperature in Vegas was almost 100 degrees, it was 85 at mt charleston (in August!). The falls were barely flowing, but it was fun to see the cave down the path to the left past the falls.
Reviewed by a.r. on 7/31/2008 this hike was very fairly moderate considering this was our very first actual hike up a mountain. Even in mid august with temps of 100 in the valley the mountains was a nice 72 degrees with nice calm winds. saw quite a few people on the trail and the waterfall and the view from the cave was awesome. the water was freezing. all in all a hike you must do. 
Reviewed by Chris on 7/27/2008 7/26/08 Falls flowing well, temperature was between 65-75 w/ occasional drizzle. Beautiful escape from the city & felt great to get the legs & lungs in motion. saw maybe a dozen others on the trail at various times.
Reviewed by CB on 7/11/2008 Nice Hike to get out of Vegas where it is cooler. Loved the cave.
Reviewed by CHRIS T. on 4/18/2008 QUITE HESITANT TO DO IT AT FIRST DUE TO THE WINDY CONDITION, BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. ALONG THE TRAIL, THERE'S STILL PATCHES OF SNOW. SWITCHBACKING FOR QUITE AWHILE, BUT EASIER IN COMING DOWN THOUGH. PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST TIME TO GO. DUE TO MELTING SNOW AROUND THE FALLS AREA, YOU'LL SEE MORE AND MORE WATER GUSHING FORTH. SOME ICE DROPS DOWN TO THE GROUND CREATING A PILE BELOW IT ( CAUTION IN GOING ANYWHERE NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE FALLS, THE ICE COULD BE VERY HARD AND SOME COULD BE MORE THAN A FIST BIG!) DEFINITELY PICTURESQUE! 
Reviewed by Amanda on 2/27/2008 So beautiful especially when you live in Vegas and all you see is desert. The waterfall is cold and refreshing and the cave provides shelter from the sun and gives you a front row view of the mountain.
Reviewed by Tom W. on 12/23/2007 Great hike, not as strenuous as others say. Bring water and food (peanuts, fruit) and you should be fine. High altitude, sudden rain may occur. Great views of multiple waterfalls during the spring, and definately stay on the trail during the switch backs .. The netting is there for a reason, think of the others below! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||