Big Falls

Big Falls is the most impressive waterfall in Nevada, an 85-foot plunge off a sheer limestone cliff face on Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains. The waterfall drops into a boulder-strewn basin at the end of a rugged canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient bristlecone pines. When fed by heavy spring snowmelt, the volume and force of the water are remarkable for a desert mountain environment. The remote setting and challenging access mean that far fewer visitors see Big Falls compared to the nearby Mary Jane Falls, giving it a genuinely wild character.

The route to Big Falls branches off from the Mary Jane Falls Trail about halfway up, continuing off-trail up a boulder-filled ravine for approximately 3.2 miles round trip with around 1,500 feet of elevation gain. This is not a maintained trail — the route follows a stream bed through boulders, requiring scrambling and route-finding skills. The terrain is rugged and the creek bed can be slippery. This is an adventure hike that rewards experienced hikers with one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the desert Southwest.

Spring is the only reliable time to see Big Falls flowing, typically from March through May depending on snowpack. The trailhead starts at the same parking area as Mary Jane Falls on Kyle Canyon Road. This hike is not for beginners — the off-trail section requires confidence with scrambling and navigation. Carry extra water and allow more time than the distance would suggest. The high elevation (above 7,700 feet at the trailhead) adds to the physical challenge.