- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
First Creek Waterfall
Category: Active Life Hiking Hiking [Edit]
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaLas Vegas, NV 89124
(702) 515-5000
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for First Creek Waterfall
5 reviews in English
-
Review from Shae H.
7/18/2011
One of the easiest hikes you can access without entering the Red Rock loop. First Creek is right after Oak Creek and before Bonnie Springs to the right, it's easily accessible from the highway. The hike is mainly flat terrain through the desert until you get to the more dense areas of First Creek, but even the descent down into the small waterfall and pond isn't as strenuous. Kids can do this hike no problem, as well as dogs.
I would suggest going a little after the Springtime (March-May) and even after monsoon season in Las Vegas (around July-ish) in the summer to see the real effect of the waterfall. The pool gets to a sustainable depth, and there's even fish and crawdads that are in the pool as well. If the trail is too bland, you could also jump off the trail and head into the more rocky, bushy area of it without a problem (you'll run into multiple streams and pools here). Occasionally there are burros to see passing through the area.
More than a beginner's hike (it really is a very easy hike), this place is beautiful during sunrise and sunset. One of my favorites to go to when I don't want to go too far away from town or I don't want to get too strenuous. This place can get busy on the weekends, so it's suggested to go on the weekdays in the mornings if you want to avoid the crowds!Listed in: The Great Outdoors
-
Review from Daniel S.
Henderson, NV
I fell short of finding the First Creek Waterfall. I did find solitude.
Whether or not the First Creek Waterfall Trail hiker finds the waterfall, they will find a memorable desert hike. The desert landscape is candy to the eyes. Every progression forward brings the hiker closer to the Spring Mountains. Picture postcard views. To the north, Red Rock Canyon is visible. Gradually the trail develops into deeper greenery, and the elevation to the north is lower. From my observation this is First Creek. But where is the waterfall? I'd take a few detours to the north to look for it. These detours rewarded my eyes with a gentle stream and ears with a flowing rhythm made for a Back to Nature CD. I stopped after the wilderness area pole and where the trail developed into rocks. I obviously exceeded the distance posted for the trail proper. Just like another hiker mentioned, it is possible that the waterfall is nonexistent at this time.
Regardless that I failed to find the First Creek Waterfall, I did not feel letdown. In my eyes, this is similar to experiencing Disneyland and feeling letdown when an attraction is closed. No big deal. Regardless, signage would be appreciated.
Wildlife is plentiful. Looking to the north, I was rewarded with a couple of burros. Throughout the hike I'd see an abundance of birds and lizards.
The hike is by no means difficult. Still be cautious. Walking to the creek requires walking down a rocky path. Segments of the trail are rocky. And there is the occasional branch to duck.
First Creek Waterfall Trail is contiguous to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. I parked at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park ($7), and walked the relatively short distance northbound on Route 159 to the trail head. My reasoning was the perception that my vehicle was safer, an extended hike, a guarantee of finding a parking spot, and the possibility of additional hiking in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
For an even better experience, I recommend combining First Creek Waterfall Trail with the adjacent Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. On the open desert segment of First Creek Waterfall Trail, you will see Spring Mountain Ranch State Park to the south. Look for a trail that goes to the south. On my way back, I discovered that it feeds into Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This is where I saw the most birds and least people.
I rate First Creek Waterfall Trail 4 stars for the experience. And 4 stars for burning over 500 calories on a hike combined with Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.Listed in: Vegas is Sun City
-
Review from Holly C.
3/12/2011 2 photos
I went out here as part of a UYE with Norm as our guide. It is a super easy hike with great views and a beautiful waterfall and pool at the end. It's a nice place to just sit on the boulders in the shade, relax and chat.
We started at 8am and the trail head was very crowded when we got back to the parking around 9am so get there early! -
Review from Norm K.
This is an easy 2.2 mile hike out and back. The trailhead is at the parking area along SR 159 not too far before the entrance to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This is a popular hike, so get here early for a parking spot on weekends. This is especially nice to hike in the winter when the temperatures are not blazingly hot!
The trail is very easy to follow. Almost immediately after going through the gate, the trail crosses a wash and continues on the other side. The trail is wide and very well defined. You will pass sections that have wire strung between wooden posts. These are to keep you from wandering from the trail in an area that was damaged by fires a few years ago. It will help the restoration if you stay on the trail.
There are a few places where others have made side trails. Stay on the main trail for about a mile. At about exactly one mile, there's a fork in the trail. Take the right turn and follow that trail over to the wash toward a section of conglomerate called Shinarump. At the edge of the wash just to the right of a very healthy piñon pine, the trail descends along the wash wall to the pool below.
Seeing water in the falls is a hit and miss proposition. I have been there in the early spring--the best time to see water--and it was flowing beautifully. When I hiked here just over a month ago, it was dry. There is generally a pool of water at the base of where a waterfall would be, and it makes a nice spot to have a snack before going back to your car. Please respect the area and leave no trace. You wouldn't believe how much trash I pick up when I hike Red Rock Canyon trails.
If you want to extend your fun, go back to the main trail, and then continue your hike toward First Creek Canyon. There are multiple routes when you get back far enough, and it doesn't really matter which one you take. If you go into the canyon far enough, you often see wall climbers on the southern parts of the canyon. In this area, there are many huge sandstone boulders that make the area special! Whenever you've had enough, return to your car. You can see it from almost the entire hike.
Tips: Remember to take water. I can't count the number of times I've seen hikers with tongues hanging lower than their dogs because they brought no water. It's a desert folks
If you want to have GPS coordinates for this hike, or see photos of it, go to http://www.everytrail.... and see this hike I posted on EveryTrail.
Here are some photos I took when I hiked here on February 15, 2010 when the waterfall was flowing nicely.
http://gallery.me.com/...
Happy Hiking!Listed in: Hiking Red Rock Canyon
-
Review from Ken M.
Las Vegas, NV
3/14/2011
This is a quick and easy hike, suitable for dogs. The waterfall and pool are nice just before Spring. I hear it dries out during the hot weather. You have to know where to veer off of the trail to get to it. As with any other hike in Red Rock, the earlier you get there in the morning, the more you can beat the crowds. The waterfall area itself is not very big, and it's not a place where you need to hang out for more than half an hour at the most.
