Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Las Vegas, Nevada is famous for its casinos, nightlife, and desert landscapes, but it may surprise some people to learn that the city is also home to a number of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States.
While it’s true that the desert is not typically associated with waterfalls, the surrounding mountains and canyons provide ample opportunities for these natural wonders to thrive, giving you plenty of options when it comes to sightseeing.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the waterfalls in and around Las Vegas, including the biggest waterfall in Nevada, and answer some common questions about these hidden gems.
Whether you’re looking to take part in the Las Vegas nightlife or are in town solely to explore the Nevada landscape, these waterfalls are perfect for cooling off on a hot Las Vegas Day.
Mary Jane Falls
Mary Jane Falls is located in Mount Charleston, just a short drive west of Las Vegas.
This lovely waterfall is a popular spot for hiking and photography. Its falling waters form a narrow stream as they drop into a pool below.
The hike to Mary Jane Falls is about 3 miles as a round trip and is considered only moderately difficult. It’s not a particularly strenuous hike, but it does involve some uphill sections and rocky terrain.
Seven Falls
Seven Falls is another well-liked and often-visited waterfall near Boulder City, located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
This site is a series of seven cascades that drop a total of about 180 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the region.
The hike to Seven Falls is a little longer than the hike to Mary Jane Falls, at about 3.5 miles round trip, and is considered moderate in difficulty.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a smaller waterfall located in the Mount Charleston Wilderness, just a short drive northwest of Las Vegas.
It’s only about 15 feet tall but is famous for its colorful rainbow-like appearance, which is caused by the sun’s rays refracting through the mist of the falls.
The hike to Rainbow Falls is about 3 miles round trip and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Indian Creek
Indian Creek Falls is another small waterfall located in the Mount Charleston Wilderness, again just northwest of Las Vegas.
This waterfall is a similar size to Rainbow Falls and is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and rock formations, making it a popular spot for photography.
The hike to Indian Creek Falls is about 3 miles as a round trip and is considered easy to moderate to accomplish.
Mooney Falls
Mooney Falls is a larger waterfall located in the Havasu Canyon area of the Grand Canyon, 135 miles from Las Vegas.
Here, you’ll see a series of cascades that drop a total of about 200 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the area.
The hike to Mooney Falls is about 7 miles as a round trip and is considered moderate to difficult, with some steep and rocky sections.
Quarry Falls
Quarry Falls is a small waterfall located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just a short drive west of Las Vegas.
This waterfall is only about 15 feet tall, but it’s surrounded by beautiful red rock formations, making it a perfect spot to take photographs.
The hike to Quarry Falls is approximately a 3.5 miles round trip and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Ice Box Canyon
Ice Box Canyon is a much-loved waterfall located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just west of Las Vegas.
At this site, the water travels down a series of cascades that drop about 100 feet, and it’s known for its beautiful, icy-blue water that flows through a narrow canyon.
The hike to Ice Box Canyon is about 3.5 miles as a round trip and is moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky passages.
La Madre Spring
La Madre Springs is a waterfall located in the La Madre Springs Wilderness Area, a short car journey west of Las Vegas.
It’s also relatively small at about 15 feet in height, but the natural beauty of its surrounding vegetation and rocky landscape makes it a wonderful spot for photography.
The hike to La Madre Springs is a 3-mile round trip and is thought of as easy to moderate to complete.
Lost Creek
Lost Creek Falls is a larger waterfall located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, west of Las Vegas.
It displays a series of cascades that drop down about 200 feet, and it’s known for its beautiful, crystal-clear water that flows through a series of rocky pools.
The 5-mile round trip hike to Lost Creek Falls is a moderately difficult one to accomplish with some steep and rocky areas.
First Creek Falls
First Creek Falls is a small waterfall located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
This photographic waterfall set amongst beautiful red rock formations is about 15 feet tall.
The hike to First Creek Falls is about 3.5 miles as a round trip and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Las Vegas, Nevada is home to several beautiful waterfalls that are worth checking out.
While the city itself doesn’t actually contain any waterfalls, there are several of these breathtaking natural features located in the surrounding mountains and canyons, just a short drive away.
Some of the most popular waterfalls near Las Vegas include Mary Jane Falls, Seven Falls, and Rainbow Falls, so be sure to check them out!
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