Las Vegas, NV: Mary Jane Falls

There’s more to Las Vegas than just bright lights and $8.99 surf-and-turf specials. Just 45 miles north of town, immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty of the area by hiking to Mary Jane Falls. This moderately strenuous, out-and-back trail culminates at a 50-foot waterfall (and several caves) and offers views of the regal Mount Charleston.
The well-marked trail starts by winding through a deep canyon lined with ponderosa pines, mountain mahogany, white fir, and aspens. Around mile 0.75, the trail delves into a series of sharp switchbacks that offer magnificent views of Kyle Canyon.
Following the switchbacks, gray limestone cliffs form the backdrop for Mary Jane Falls, which are fed by springs and snow. Though the falls are most vibrant in early spring, it’s best to explore the caves once the snow has melted in the summer.
Even miles away from Las Vegas, it’s likely you’ll run into other groups on this well-traveled trail. And though hikers of all fitness levels can complete the hike, be prepared for the challenge of climbing nearly 1,000 feet in under two miles. Expect cooler weather beginning in October, and look out for snow and ice on the trail during the winter and early spring.
-Mapped by Chelise Simmons

Trail Facts

• Distance: 5.6

Waypoints

TCN001

Location: 36.2675705, -115.6580734

Follow gravel service road from behind trailhead past a water station.

TCN002

Location: 36.2699356, -115.6581726

This is where dirt road leads to thinner path.

TCN003

Location: 36.274189, -115.6560593

Dried up creek bed is on your left. Mummy Mountain comes into view as does Aspen covered hillside to the West.

TCN004

Location: 36.2764931, -115.6563873

Trail crosses over the dry creek bed which now stays on your right.

TCN005

Location: 36.2779808, -115.6560822

Trail intersects with dry creek bed. Stay straight.

TCN006

Location: 36.2832375, -115.6547699

Path veers to the right through trees burnt in a fire.

TCN007

Location: 36.2853737, -115.6520309

Trail begins to snake into gentle switchbacks.

TCN008

Location: 36.2860718, -115.6474533

Trail Canyon trail reaches a saddle to merge with North Loop. Head West towards Cave Springs. On your way back down, briefly head East from here for views of Kyle Canyon.

TCN009

Location: 36.2906036, -115.6515274

Trail veers off steeply to the right for a quick scramble up to the Cave.

TCN010

Location: 36.2911377, -115.6527634

Cave Springs. Turn back here or continue West on North Loop Trail towards Charleston Peak (11,918 ft) which you can see South West from here.

TCN011

Location: 36.2855072, -115.6467743

Views South into Kyle Canyon. From here head back to the trail intersection and down to the trailhead.

Trailhead

Location: 36.2670784, -115.6580582

©Chelise Simmons

Looking Back Towards Griffith Peak

Location: 36.267807, -115.6577072

©Chelise Simmons

Looking Back Down Canyon at Charleston Peak

Location: 36.2689133, -115.6579666

©Chelise Simmons

Limestone Rock Faces & Aspens

Location: 36.2722359, -115.6584015

©Chelise Simmons

Mummy Mountain Ahead

Location: 36.2746201, -115.6568069

©Chelise Simmons

Enter burnt tree area

Location: 36.2844124, -115.6517868

©Chelise Simmons

Aspen Covered Mountain Face

Location: 36.2854153, -115.6507587

©Chelise Simmons

Mummy Mountain

Location: 36.2861061, -115.6499863

©Chelise Simmons

View Towards Kyle Canyon

Location: 36.2854156, -115.6482239

©Chelise Simmons

View Down Kyle Canyon

Location: 36.2854153, -115.6467676

©Chelise Simmons

Mummy Mountain Looms

Location: 36.2864189, -115.6474533

©Chelise Simmons

Burnt Forest Affords Terrific Views

Location: 36.2875938, -115.649086

©Chelise Simmons

Thick Forest of Aspens

Location: 36.2897034, -115.6499405

©Chelise Simmons

Springs

Location: 36.2910194, -115.6536331

©Chelise Simmons

Cave Springs

Location: 36.2913666, -115.6533737

©Chelise Simmons