You probably don’t think of waterfalls when you think of Nevada. But this desert state is home to several great waterfalls that you can hike to. To get the full effect, many of these require a rainstorm, but these lesser known waterfalls are worth a visit.
Waterfalls in Nevada
1. Lost Creek Falls
2. Hunter Creek Waterfall
3. Galena Creek Falls
4. First Creek Falls
5. Mary Jane Falls
6. Big falls Spring Mountains
7. Ice Box Canyon Waterfall
8. Kings Canyon Falls
9. Thomas Canyon Waterfalls
Visiting Waterfalls in Nevada
Here are 9 great waterfalls to visit on your next RV trip to Nevada.
1. Lost Creek Falls
Our first waterfall is located in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, just outside Las Vegas. This waterfall can be reached by hiking a short trail that’s less than a mile long. It’s a pretty easy hike and great for kids and adults. The hiking trail will take you right past Lost Creek Falls, a seasonal waterfall that flows during winter and spring. You can take the trail to the waterfalls as an out and back trail, or you can connect to a loop trail if you’re looking to do more hiking after you see the falls.
Things to do near Lost Creek Falls: Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area has many great trails to explore. You’re also just outside Las Vegas. We have a local’s guide to Las Vegas to help you find the best things to eat, see, and do. We also have a great selection of local RV rentals if you need a rig.
2. Hunter Creek Falls
Located just a short drive from Reno, Hunter Creek Falls is a great day trip. This 30 foot waterfall can be reached by a 6.4 mile out and back hike. It’s listed as a moderate hike and it’s even dog friendly as long as your pet is on a leash. Unlike most of the other waterfalls on this list, Hunter Creek Falls is surrounded by forest, which is a fun surprise for this dry, mostly desert state.
Things to do near Hunter Creek Waterfall: You’re just outside the city of Reno, so take some time to explore it! We have a guide to Reno to help you plan your trip. Need an RV? We’ve got you covered with great local RV rentals.
3. Galena Creek Falls
Galena Creek Falls can be found between Reno and Carson City, on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Just under 5 miles long, this out and back trail not only provides views of Lake Tahoe and the beautiful Mount Rose Wilderness, but it also takes you right past the 70-foot cascading waterfall, Galena Creek Falls. It’s the perfect spot to rest after your hike and watch the water tumble over the rocks before heading back.
Things to do near Galena Creek Falls: There’s some great hiking in the area including Mount Rose. If you’re here in winter, don’t miss out on the fantastic Tahoe skiing. Reno and Carson City are also an easy drive away if you’re looking to explore the city life.
4. First Creek Falls
Another fantastic waterfall in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is First Creek Falls. While it’s a small waterfall at only 7 feet, it’s a pretty plunge that flows into a punchbowl style pool. The out and back trail is just under 4 miles, and it’s through the desert so make sure you bring water! But you’ll be rewarded for your hike by this pretty little falls located among the desert trees.
Things to do near First Creek Falls: Explore Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area and be sure to visit waterfall number 1 on our list, Lost Creek Falls. You’re also just outside Las Vegas. We have a local’s guide to Las Vegas to help you find the best things to eat, see, and do. We also have a great selection of local RV rentals if you need a rig.
5. Mary Jane Falls
This next waterfall is a seasonal waterfall in Kyle Canyon on Mt Charleston in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Like many of the waterfalls in Nevada, this waterfall is biggest in late spring after snowmelt and rainfall. The trail to this waterfall is open from April to December. It’s an out and back trail that’s under 4 miles round trip, and it also shares a trailhead to the next waterfall on our list, Big Falls.
Things to do near Mary Jane Falls: Check out Big Falls which is off of the same trail. There’s great hiking in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is located just to the east. You’re also just outside of Las Vegas.
6. Big Falls
While Big Falls is very seasonal and only flows for a short time, it’s incredibly impressive when it does! With a heavy snowmelt or rainfall, this waterfall can drop 350 feet in a horsetail style waterfall. But you’ll need some hiking experience to get here. While it shares a trailhead with Mary Jane Falls, the trail that leads to this waterfall is labeled intermediate to expert. It takes some scrambling and it’s about a 4 mile hike.
Things to do near Big Falls: If you’re not up to a difficult hike, check out Mary Jane Falls instead, which is nearby. Or check out other great hikes in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.
7. Ice Box Canyon Waterfall
Another waterfall to check out in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is Ice Box Canyon Waterfall. It’s another seasonal waterfall, so it’s best to stop by this one after a rainfall or after snowmelt in spring. If you do catch it during the right time, it’s a pretty 160-foot falls that will be your reward after a difficult and rocky 4 mile out and back trail. It’s a popular trail, even if the waterfall isn’t flowing.
Things to do near Ice Box Canyon Waterfall: Check out the other great waterfalls in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area like Lost Creek Falls and First Creek Falls. Las Vegas is nearby, as well as Boulder City and Henderson And you can make the drive to Lake Mead National Recreation Area if you want to spend some time on the water.
8. Kings Canyon Falls
Kings Canyon Falls is a small but impressive waterfall located just outside Carson City. While it’s only 25 feet tall, the waterfall cascades over three granite steps, making it extremely picturesque. And what’s even better is the hike to see the waterfall is short! It’s less than a mile to this waterfall and is a great option for families and kids. The trailhead is only two miles from downtown Carson City and the capitol building, making it an easy side trip if you’re passing through.
Things to do near Kings Canyon Falls: Explore Carson City, the capital of Nevada. You’re also near Tahoe for great hiking, water activities, or skiing during the winter months.
9. Thomas Canyon Waterfalls
Last on our list is a series of waterfalls located in Thomas Canyon. Thomas Canyon is a shoot off of Lamoille Canyon, located in Elko County. The 5-mile round trip trail to the top of Thomas Canyon will take you past multiple waterfalls, many that run all year due to the constant snow melt. That and the beautiful hike make this a great destination for waterfall hunters. And the best part is that the trail starts at a campground, so you can park your rig there and end your hike back at home!
Things to do near Thomas Canyon Waterfalls: These waterfalls are a bit more remote and located in the northeastern part of Nevada. There’s some great hiking in the area, and Salt Lake City, Utah is just over 250 miles to the east and Twin Falls, Idaho is under 200 miles to the north.
Planning an RV Trip to Nevada
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the amazing waterfalls in Nevada, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Nevada, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
