First Creek Waterfall

This hike seemed pretty easy at first but later it gets really confusing! Me and my group of friends got lost. After following the trail to a certain point you just notice that the trail disappears. We ended up parting ways and off trailing. Yikes! I knew we should of went early in the morning so we wouldn’t have to worry about the sun setting so quickly. We tried to look for the trail and we noticed that killed a lot of time just trying to figure it out. It was fun but yet aggravating at the same time! Hahaha. We saw a few mountain rams and deers as well. Anyways, next time when we get the chance to come back, we will definitely finish this trail to see the waterfall at the end! TIP: There is a lot of poop on this trail and when I say a lot of poop I really do mean A LOT! So please be careful on where you step!

If you’re looking for a short, quick hike near Red Rock First Creek Waterfall is one of the best.
It is easy to find the trail head since there is a sign and small parking area (it is located between Bonnie Springs and the Oak Creek trail head)…but it is not as easy to find the pool and waterfall itself.
The waterfall is not really a waterfall, just a short little drop into a pool. The pool offers a vastly different array of vegetation… as does the creek just upstream. It is always wonderful to see a literal oasis in the desert!
Go in the early spring or after a good rain.
The pool is little hard to find the first time. The best directions I’ve seen are at:

If you are an avid hiker then you probably aren’t looking for a short little hike near Red Rock, and I could see you being underwhelmed here… but as quick jaunts around Vegas go First Creek Waterfall is one of the best! Plus, you get to experience the beauty of Red Rock without paying the admission fee since this trail starts right off of Highway 159, just a little south of the Red Rock Loop!

I’ve hiked out here many times over the years.
This is one of my favorite hikes to take new hikers to who aren’t familiar with the amazing sights around the desert.
It’s a nice easy hike only a couple miles round trip. Best time to visit is in the spring when the falls are flowing.

Nice little hike just outside the Red Rock NCA. In other words, you get the scenery without having to pay the entrance fee. (Not that you should avoid paying the entrance fee – Red Rock NCA is completely worth it and we should all support our national parks).
I’ve been a few times. On the most recent visit toward the end of November 2012, I was surprised to find water still flowing. However, the area had changed quite a bit since my last time and there were more obstacles. Since I was with Jieun and Bawoo (Jieun’s Old English Sheepdog), we didn’t bother trying to find a way down to the bottom of the waterfall. Instead, we took the easy path to the top of said waterfall. But we did see a guy and his dog down there, so it probably isn’t that difficult if you so desire.

I fell short of finding the First Creek Waterfall. I found 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.

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!

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!

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
and see this hike I posted on EveryTrail.
Here are two photos I took when I hiked here when there was some water in the falls.
Happy Hiking!