Is swimming allowed at Little Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Little Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Little Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Little Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Little Falls.

Nevada

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Toiyabe National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.7 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Little Falls

Little Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into the Spring Mountains just outside Las Vegas. Nestled within the Toiyabe National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are best enjoyed in spring and early summer when snowmelt and seasonal rains feed the stream. The waterfall sits in a narrow canyon rimmed by rugged high-desert and pine‑covered slopes, offering a surprisingly peaceful escape from the city. The short approach makes Little Falls a popular spot for quick hikes and family outings. Many visitors reach it via USFS Trail Canyon (Trail #25147), and nearby Cathedral Rock Picnic Area provides convenient camping and day-use facilities only about 1.13 km from the falls, making it easy to turn a visit into an overnight trip under the pines.

The Setting

Little Falls sits at 8,287 feet within Toiyabe National Forest, in the high alpine of Nevada.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Trail Canyon (#25147), a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of +12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

TRAIL CANYON #25147

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+12-20%

USFS Segment

0.01 mi

Trail Description

Trail Canyon (USFS Trail #25147) is an out-and-back route of approximately 0.7 miles with about 200 feet of elevation gain and an overall "easy" difficulty rating. The tread is native material and the typical grade ranges from +12–20%. The USFS class is listed as Class 3. The route begins from the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area and follows a forested corridor with some rocky sections; the mapped spur to the waterfall is very short (GIS ~0.01 miles). Expect a mostly natural surface, moderate pitching on short sections, and a quick, scenic hike to the falls.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Little Falls is during the spring or early summer when the waterfall is most likely to be flowing due to snowmelt.

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

Be cautious of loose rocks and uneven terrain on the trail. Check weather conditions before visiting, as flash floods can occur during heavy rain. Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

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

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 0 0 0

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.

CORN CK SPGS AT NATIONAL FISH & WILDLIFE HDQRS, NV

USGS 09419625

20.9 mi from waterfall

Altitude: 2,927 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Little Falls is located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, also known as Mount Charleston. The trailhead can be accessed from the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, which is about a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas. Follow signs for the Cathedral Rock Trail, and the Little Falls Trail branches off from there.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. A parking fee may be required, so check with the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area for current information.

Elevation

8287 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.255217° N, -115.656352° W

Land Management

Toiyabe National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring plenty of water, as the desert climate can be dry and hot. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail has some rocky sections.

This trail sits at 8,287 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

For this easy 0.7 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

CATHEDRAL ROCK PICNIC AREA

0.7 miles away · 82 sites

Walking distance Reservable

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

Book on Recreation.gov