Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
4.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,000 ft
About Big Falls
Big Falls sits in the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Toiyabe National Forest. This seasonal cascade is at its most dramatic in spring and early summer when mountain snowmelt swells the run—by late summer or during dry spells the falls can diminish or run dry. The surrounding high-desert and pine-lined canyons make it a scenic reward for hikers willing to leave the main route. Access to the falls requires negotiating steep, rocky terrain: many visitors approach via the nearby Mary Jane Falls corridor before dropping into the canyon that contains Big Falls. A short but steeper segment is along Trail Canyon (Trail #25147), a USFS route, and the nearest place to camp or picnic is the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, about 3.37 km away, making an overnight or multi-day visit feasible for those who want to explore the Spring Mountains farther.
The Setting
Big Falls sits at 8,855 feet within Toiyabe National Forest, in the high alpine of Nevada.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Trail Canyon (#25147), a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,000 feet of elevation gain with grades of +12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
TRAIL CANYON #25147
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.01 miTrail Description
The route commonly starts at the Mary Jane Falls trailhead and follows the well-maintained but steep Mary Jane Falls Trail for the initial miles. To reach Big Falls you leave the main tread and work up the canyon toward the falls; the final approach includes a short connection along Trail Canyon (Trail #25147). According to USFS trail data, Trail Canyon is Class 3 (scrambling), with a native-material surface and a typical grade of roughly +12–20%—the GIS segment for that connector is very short (about 0.01 miles) but technical. Overall route stats: about 4.2 miles round-trip with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain; rated hard and typically done as an out-and-back. Expect rocky, uneven footing and some hands-on scrambling on the unmarked sections, so this outing is best for experienced hikers comfortable with steep, off-trail moves. Cathedral Rock Picnic Area is the nearest campground/picnic area at about 3.37 km away.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Big Falls is in the spring or early summer when the waterfall is flowing strongly due to snowmelt. Visiting early in the day is recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Toiyabe National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The off-trail portion to Big Falls involves scrambling and can be hazardous. Be cautious of loose rocks and steep drop-offs. Flash flooding is a risk during storms, so avoid visiting during or after heavy rain.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 21 miles away
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 38 years of record
2.62 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mount Charleston hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Falls is accessed via the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead, located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. From Las Vegas, take US-95 north to State Route 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and follow it to the trailhead parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead. Parking can fill up quickly during weekends and peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
8855 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.268880° N, -115.678345° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and consider using trekking poles for stability. Check weather conditions before your visit, as flash flooding can occur in the canyon during storms.
This trail sits at 8,855 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 4.2 miles trail gains 1,000 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump by IHG
The Retreat on Charleston Peak
Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino
Best Western Pahrump Oasis
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
CATHEDRAL ROCK PICNIC AREA
2.1 miles away · 82 sites
Overview Cathedral Rock Group Picnic Area is located at the top of beautiful Kyle Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, just 30 miles from Las Vegas. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and scenic driving in this forested desert oasis.Recreation No trails can be accessed through the Picnic Area at the present time. Trails may be found at the Forest Service Trailhead on the other end of Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. The new Spring Mountain Visitor Center is a 15 minute drive d
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Nearby Attractions
Mary Jane Falls, Cathedral Rock, and the Mount Charleston Visitor Center are nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as mule deer, chipmunks, and various bird species. Be cautious of snakes and other desert wildlife.
Cities near Big Falls
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