Psst.
Here's a little secret.
Whenever it rains in Las Vegas, go hiking the next day (as long as the skies are clear).
You'll find trails flowing with springs or waterfalls, depending on how long it pours in the valley.
Personally, I love the sound of rushing water!
Sometimes, I feel like I'm a hiker version of Disney's Moana.
"I always come back to the water..." Shoot, now that song will be stuck in my head all day.
So, here's a list of some the hikes I've done with springs or waterfalls. Keep in mind, the definition of a "waterfall" in the desert isn't that grand! ;)
Coming in at number one (with no pun intended), First Creek in Red Rock Canyon.
"Secret" waterfall, First Creek.
I love this trail because there's plenty of springs the farther you go.
If there's a lot of rainfall the day before, you'll find strong rushing water. Mini waterfalls are also nestled between the massive boulders.
Rushing water on the main trail, First Creek.
In the winter, there's a beautiful "secret" waterfall near a wash before the canyon. You have to trek off the path to get there.
"We're number one. We're number one," First Creek chants.
That's because it's also free to hike, since it's outside the scenic loop.
First Creek: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/firstcreek/
Pine Creek.
Second place goes to Pine Creek in Red Rock Canyon.
I don't know how many times I've said it, but I FREAKING love this hike. An army of pine trees line up along the left side of the trail, guarding all the springs and streams.
Depending on the season, you'll find a good amount of water here.
It's hard to believe how GREEN this hike is. It's truly stunning. You'll feel like you're not in the Nevada desert anymore.
Pine Creek: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/pinecreek/
Ice Box Canyon.
Ice Box Canyon comes up next.
This hike will get your heart rate up, so it better have something interesting at the end. At least that's how I feel! ;)
Depending on the time of the year, you'll find a massive amount of water at the end. Sometimes, there will be 2 waterfalls cascading down the mountain. At the very top is a giant pool of water.
Ice Box Canyon: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/iceboxcanyon/
Lost Creek, after snowfall at Red Rock Canyon.
Lost Creek is the "baby" waterfall of Ice Box.
It could be training wheels for those who want to make hiking a hobby. The trail is fairly easy, so it's a good option if you have small kids or dogs accompanying you.
Lost Creek (after the snow): https://www.thewritehike.com/#/lostcreek/
So now we're headed outside the Hoover Dam.
That's where we hit the jackpot with Gold Strike Hot Springs.
This hike has it all. It has the springs, small waterfalls, but something even better: hot springs and the Colorado River.
Gold Strike Hot Springs: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/goldstrikehotsprings/
Here's some honorable mentions we don't want to leave out.
La Madre Springs is a pleasant hike with some springs at the end. I've been on this trail at different seasons, and have only seen a small amount of water.
La Madre Springs: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/lamadresprings/
Watering hole, Calico Tanks.
Calico Tanks does not have springs or a waterfall, but it does have a watering hole before you climb up higher to see the Las Vegas strip.
Calico Tanks: https://www.thewritehike.com/#/calicotanks/
Note: We know this is NOT the complete list of hikes with water sources. We're continuing our adventure of trying to hike all the trails around Las Vegas. We will add more as we get to it.