LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Twenty Six Foot Drop
Nevada • 26 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Twenty Six Foot Drop
Twenty Six Foot Drop is a lesser-known waterfall located in Nevada. It is named for its approximate height of 26 feet and is a seasonal waterfall, typically flowing during periods of rain or snowmelt. The surrounding area features desert landscapes and rugged terrain.
The Setting
Twenty Six Foot Drop sits at 4,019 feet in the mountains of Nevada. The falls drop 26 feet.
Height: 26 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Details about the trail leading to Twenty Six Foot Drop are not well-documented. The terrain may include rocky or uneven surfaces, and visitors should be prepared for potential off-trail navigation.
What to Expect
The falls drop 26 feet.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The terrain may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twenty Six Foot Drop?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Twenty Six Foot Drop?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during or shortly after periods of rain or snowmelt, typically in spring or early summer.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September).
Safety Information
The area is remote, and cell service may be limited. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for desert conditions, including high temperatures and potential wildlife encounters. Ensure your vehicle is capable of handling unpaved roads if necessary.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Truckee Canal, 7.7 miles away, not on Twenty Six Foot Drop's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
34 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
8.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TRUCKEE CANAL NR HAZEN, NV (12 km away).
Today
Roaring
37 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
36 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
43 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
42 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
35 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
33 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
33 cfs
10/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Fallon hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Twenty Six Foot Drop Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Twenty Six Foot Drop is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 33 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 31 feet through Twenty Six Foot Drop over a long run of ledges. It lines up with the 26 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 4,024 feet.
The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 13 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,024 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 31 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The waterfall is located in a remote area of Nevada. Specific directions may vary depending on the starting point, and visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local resources for the most accurate route. The area may require driving on unpaved roads.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is uncertain, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated pullouts. Ensure your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct traffic.
Elevation
4,019 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.484638° N, -118.903490° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall is seasonal and may not flow during dry periods. Bring plenty of water, as the area is arid and can become very hot. Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Fallon by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Near Fallon Naval Air Station
Quality Inn & Suites near NAS Fallon
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Fernley
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not well-documented, but the area may offer opportunities for exploring desert landscapes and other natural features.
Wildlife
The area may be home to desert wildlife, including lizards, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Twenty Six Foot Drop
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