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| - MaryJane
For its tranquilty and breathtaking view of the valley by the quiet waterfalls above 9500ft, MaryJane Falls is probably the most popular hiking trails in Las Vegas for locals and tourists of all ages, including toddlers and seniors with walking canes, pets...!
- Despite its popularity, it's never too crowded. One can enjoy its tranquility and the magnificent natural beauty, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon!
My wife and I hike there often. One early afternoon in mid-August, we had another wonderful, slow hike on MaryJane. Even though we heard occasional thunders and saw some lightnings, the intermitten sunshine kept us going and we were all rewarded! The sky did clear up with beautiful sunshine later!
We had a quiet, relaxing picnic, with the backdrop of the waterfall gently trickling down the cliff to the open area below, and a breathtaking view of the vast, green valley beyond...not to mention a large, intriguing cave (see pic) some 100yds from the waterfalls, that invites exploring! Paradise in the Las Vegas desert? What desert?!
- Please note that in general MaryJane Fall is NOT, as what one would imagine, a gushing waterfall with large column of water splasing down the mountain, but rather a sheet of slow water tricking almost invisibly down the WET face of the huge cliff, but manificent and awe-inspiring, nevertheless!
- By the way, one day in early June a few years back, probably due to a heavy rainfall a few days before, and perhaps also because of the melting snow, we actually saw water splashes, among some icicles, streaming onto a column of melting snow and ice below! What an incredible sight it was! We were very lucky indeed
Although this trail is rated Easy/Moderate, it could be strenuous to some, with its 900ft vertical gain, over a 1.7mi ONE WAY distance, especially its last 0.25mi of steeper climb with a series of stone steps.
According to my GPS (iMapMyFitness iPhone App):
(a) From the parking lot to the STARTING POINT of the uphill "switch-backs" is a 0.7mi of easy, gorgeous shaded path with gradual inclination, among tall trees! From there, just follow the sign, "Trail", with an arrow pointing to the RIGHT path to climb up MaryJane Falls.
(b) The narrow, uphill path with switch-backs is about 0.8mi, rated easy/moderate, reaching about 700ft vertical gain from the base.
(c) The last 0.25 mi trail section is a bit strenuous. It consists of many stone steps, some of which pretty high. But the grand prize is only minutes away!
- Make sure you have a pair of hiking shoes or good walking shoes on. Take rests when needed; drink lots of water!
At the end of the trail is a wide, spectacular open space, where you'll be awed by the 70+ft high cliffs with sheets water trickling down (depending on the season); a breathtaking view of the valley, beyond which, one could see the another Water Fall way yonder (depending on the seasonal rain/snow, of course)! This is a wonderful place for a picnic, to reflect...to enjoy!
DRIVING DIRECTION:
1. From the Strip, take I-95N; turn left on Hwy157, which is 2-lane scenic route;
2. After passing the Hotel Resort, watch for the small Visitors Center on the left. Go there and pick up a free trail map and other helpful info
3. Continue on Hwy157, straight onto Echo Rd. Follow the MaryJane Falls sign, drive 100 yrs FURTHER on a gravel road into its own Parking lot/Trailhead.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
If you follow Hwy157 and drive uphill to the mid mountain, you'll find a scenic picnic area, a rustic lodge, and a nice restaurant bar in a gigantic parking lot! The view there is spectacular, too!
Peterskis, Aug, 2012
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