|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by TJ on 6/16/2009 Went Sunday, the trails were full of hikers. I counted over 50 dogs on the trail at the same time I was there with my two little guys. Never, ever go on the weekend, would go back during the week maybe. Beautiful views, nice trees, but a long walk back. I kept thinking, "Is that the parking lot?" but alas, I was still about 1/2 mile away...
Reviewed by Rob on 5/24/2009 I'd just like to confirm Al's story about the absurd parking tickets. My girlfriend and I also made this hike on 5/23 and parked in the exact same place as Al. The all-gravel parking lot was full so we parallel parked on the side of the gravel road leading into the parking lot. $175 for parallel parking on the side of a gravel road leading to a gravel parking lot where NO SIGNAGE WHATSOEVER warned anyone that parking was not legal there. We're not going to just mail it in. We WILL go through the court process, if only for the simple fact that we can tell ourselves "at least we tried". The National Forest Service completely ruined our day!! I guess we were supposed to stay in Vegas for the day instead of trying to enjoy nature. 
Reviewed by AL on 5/23/2009 Nice hike... very steep switchbacks, very refreshing temperature (in the 70s in May), waterfall with light flow, with a chunk of snow still remaining at the base. However, the parking situation just about destroyed the day. The parking lot was full, so we parked (along with about 20 others) on the side of the road (there were no signs saying we couldn't). We came back to find a parking ticket for $175 on the window, as did everyone else. Ridiculous amount. There were also plenty of police lurking around Nevada 157 where there are speed traps. So, nice hike, but beware entrapment... this is why the park is free.
Reviewed by LLK on 3/31/2009 It is really close from Vegas and a great escape from the casino world. The hike is not hard at all and does get the legs and lungs a pumping. The trees are amazing and right now March 30, 2009 the falls are coming down in several areas at a good flow. It was cool seeing the snow on the hike still melting away the day was perfect with hiking boots and a sweat suit. Grab some chicken and hike to the top for a fabulous picnic.
Reviewed by Alicia on 12/30/2008 We love Mt. Charleston, I hiked the Mary Jane Falls to celebrate my recovery from cancer. It was hard as some of the areas are very steep, but it was so beautiful and the thrill of reaching the top on my third try was wonderful. It marked my triumph over cancer that I could conquer the mountain. Everyone who comes to Vegas should try it, we have so much more to offer then the Strip, and best of all it's free!
Reviewed by JSK on 9/17/2008 Very nice! Would recommend to a friend.
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||