These 5 Waterfalls in Nevada Are Worth Chasing

Learn about five phenomenal waterfalls in Nevada, including hiking information and everything else you need to know.

Nevada is home to several cascading waterfalls despite the dry climate. You just have to be willing to put in some extra steps to experience them. From a quick jaunt with the whole family to a major climb across steep inclines, there’s a waterfall to reward just about everyone in the Silver State.

If you do go chasing waterfalls, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Walk, don’t run, or you might slip on a rock and hurt yourself.
• Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
• Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks.
• If you take advantage of a pet-friendly trail, keep your dog on a leash.

Now, check out these five waterfalls in Nevada:

1. Lost Creek

Where: Las Vegas
Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate
Length of Trail: 0.8-mile loop
Time: About 1 hour

Family and dog-friendly, the Lost Creek–Children’s Discovery trail in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is rife with features like petroglyphs, plant life, views, and a seasonal waterfall. To get to the waterfall, you pass across the Red Rock Wash and up a short canyon, traversing hills and large sandstone steps. Since it’s a discovery trail, explanatory displays along the way educate you on the area’s history, topography, and indigenous drawings.

From December through April, and after it rains, the area is known for a cascading creek, several small waterfalls, and a 40-foot waterfall spilling over the Red Rock cliffs. You can play in the waterfall, explore behind it, or take a photo from dryer land. Watch out for slippery rocks.

If the water isn’t flowing, you’ll see a wide black line on the rocks created by minerals and water. Your chances of seeing waterfalls are greatest during rainier years. 

2. Hunter Creek

Where: Reno
Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Trail: 6 miles roundtrip
Time: About 3 hours

People of all ages enjoy Hunter Creek Trailhead in the Carson Range. From April through October, this busy family and dog-friendly trail accommodates walkers, hikers, bikers, and runners providing mountain and city views, creek crossings, wildflowers, and a 30-foot waterfall.

The trail is easy to find, marked by a sign off a paved public parking area with restrooms. The hike is three miles uphill to the waterfall and three miles downhill for the return trip. There are long sunny stretches without shade before entering a forest of pine trees about 2.5 miles in, so be prepared with a hat and sunscreen. In another half-mile, you’ll encounter the waterfall, framed by large fallen trees. 

Though this is a perennial waterfall, the flow may slow down near the end of the season. Depending on when you visit, you may see snow. Children may need help with narrow passageways along a steep ravine. 

3. Galena Creek Falls

Where: Incline Village
Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate
Length of Trail: 4.8 miles roundtrip
Time: 2 hours

Located at the top of Mt. Rose Highway, the out-and-back Galena Creek trail is busy but beautiful, especially from June through August. There isn’t much elevation gain along the way – and there’s lots of shade – so it’s a great trail for families with young kids and dogs.

There are many natural perks on this journey through the Mount Rose Wilderness Area. You won’t have to walk a mile before encountering breathtaking views of the Tahoe Meadows and Lake Tahoe area. From there, you’ll stroll past alpines, wildflowers, and cool rock formations before reaching Galena Falls 2.5 miles in. The waterfall is impressive, especially in wetter years, cascading from the hills 70 feet above. Be sure to bring your camera!

4. Kings Canyon Waterfall

Where: Carson City
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Trail: half a mile roundtrip
Time: 45 minutes

If you’re looking for instant gratification you can have it here. Almost. The 25-foot Kings Canyon Waterfall is barely a quarter-mile from the trail entrance. You can get your photo opportunity and go home, or be cool and continue to the top of the falls for another adventure.

Flowing primarily in the Spring but beautiful year-round, Kings Canyon waterfall is located about five minutes from downtown Carson City. The trail entrance is located at the end of King Canyon Road. Despite its proximity to town, the alpine scenery makes it feel remote. Hikers, walkers, and birders use this trail but it isn’t open to dogs. 

5. Genoa Falls

Where: Genoa
Difficulty: Challenging
Length of Trail: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Time: 3 hours

Travel along a creek, across slopes and ridges with glorious views of Genoa and the Carson River to find Genoa Falls on the Genoa Canyon Trail. A refreshing respite about 2.9 miles in that’s best visited April through November, the out-and-back trail in the Carson Range is part of the greater Genoa Trail System.

Beginning at the end of Genoa’s Carson Street, this popular hike is not recommended for bikes and horses due to the steep drop-offs. The trail travels through conifers and into a dense forest before meeting up with the Discovery Trail, which connects the waterfall with additional trails and scenic sites. 

Dogs are welcome on this difficult hike. Watch out for sliding gravel or rocks.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.