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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 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Liz Tiesdell on 3/27/2012 25 March 12Suffering badly from acrophobia I was persuaded to attempt this hike. From the start of the zig zag up everyone told me it was 'just a little way now' as the jogged down smiling and laughing. It took me about 2 hours to reach the waterfall and the beautiful ice stalagmite gasping for breath every 10 steps. But what a site I would have missed if I had stayed at the bottom. I"m sure it will look as breathtaking in the summer, who knows I may run up next time. 
Reviewed by Rochelle on 9/19/2011 Yesterday I went hiking at Mary Jane Falls with my boyfriend Kyle and 2 of our friends Mark & Lori!!! We ended up running into 2 of our other friends Niki & Jay and their 3 kidson the way down. It was a beautiful hike!!! The weather was gorgeous and the scenic view is breath taking! I took a lot of amazing pictures of all of our beautiful surroundings!! This hike is definitely a work out but is so worth the pain the next day. I was not so impressed with the food at the Lodge that we stopped and ate at on our way home. Next time I think we will take some light snacks and maybe some sandwiches!! Don't forget water when you hike.... it's important!!!!
Reviewed by Kristina on 7/10/2011 We hiked Mary Jane Falls yesterday and had a wonderful time. My husband carried our 11 mth old daughter in her hiking backpack the whole time. We were able to reach the falls in about 45 minutes. It is definitely a strenous hike as there are quite a few switchbacks but well worth it. Once we made it to the falls which were not that big since it is July, we hiked over the cave about 100 yards away. What an amazing view of the canyon. We will definitely hike this trail again.
Reviewed by D.L on 6/28/2011 I just got back from hiking Mary Jane falls this morning. I started at the trailhead at around 5am and finished at around 7am. A little faster than what other people have said, but I also cut across the switchbacks(which I do not reccommend, I slipped a few times, its definitely pretty steep). Ihad about 20min to enjoy the falls with not a soul in sight. The water was still moving, about the amount of a heavy rainfall. There is still a large chunk of ice, igloo shaped, at the base of the falls. Definitely worth the trip!
Reviewed by LocoTLZ on 4/30/2011 VERY NICE! start at 8am and back at base appox noon. Had diffcult find trail due to no signs we mange to get up to the end. There was pently of ice around which was little diffcult to get by. Would recommend go in first week of May instead of April.
Reviewed by Deborah on 1/19/2011 We just hked at Mary Jane Falls in December, right after a snowfall. It was beautiful, but really took the breath out of us. We're from Ohio and not used to the altidude. We shot video of the trail and uploaded it to TripFilms. Here's the linkhttp://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v76509-Las_Vegas-Hiking_Near_Las_Vegas_Part_IV_Mary_Jane_Falls_at_Mt_Charleston-Video.html 
Reviewed by CM on 11/5/2010 Read a review (5/16) from someone who stated he/she ran out of water during the hike and so drank spring water. No immediate showing of a problem...but I did the same thing once and wound up quite ill with Giardia and losing 8 pounds. It's a parasite you don't want to get..trust me!!
Reviewed by Dan The Man on 10/11/2010 Make sure you go when the snow is melting, so you can see the falls in all it glory. The views are great, but the trail is often full of people. Luckily most of the hikers on the trail don't make it to the top, so the crowd won't be too large at the top. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
