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| - Great trail, nice challenge!
I've hiked this trail a few times - always in the early summer. I wouldn't say that was the best time of year to go, as the waterfalls are probably better in the spring when the snow is melting.
Pretty much any trail up Mt Charleston is great in the summer, since it's usually a good 20-30 degrees cooler. :-) This is a very popular trail, which means it can get quite busy. If you're looking for a quiet, more secluded trail, this probably isn't for you. There is plenty of parking, but since the trail is so popular, you might end up parking quite a ways down the road. There are also toilets at the beginning of the trail - in case you're willing to brave the non-flushing toilets.
This trail starts out pretty rocky with a pretty decent incline - not too steep, but definitely not flat. About when the terrain smooths out, the switchbacks begin. They are kind of a beast. After all the switchbacks, the ground gets pretty rocky again; that's when you know you're getting close to the reward of the waterfalls!
If you're expecting a waterfall like in the Pacific Northwest, you might be disappointed, but if you're expecting a cool desert waterfall, you'll be impressed. I've seen it when it was barely a trickle and when it's flowing much heavier. Definitely want to see it at its peak sometime!
Up at the waterfall, there are a couple really cool caves. The one right at the waterfall is pretty big. Lots of flat areas to sit down and really enjoy the views. Also, the shade is very much appreciated when the sun is blazing. The 2nd cave is a little farther up passed the waterfall. It's definitely much smaller, but just as cool.
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