
Waterfall Escape: Hiking Little Falls Trail
Season 2 Episode 8 | 4m 50sVideo has Closed Captions
Maria hikes Little Falls Trail—short, scenic, and perfect for families.
Just minutes from the heat of Las Vegas, the Little Falls Trail at Cathedral Rock offers a refreshing getaway. Maria explores this short, shaded trail surrounded by pines, limestone cliffs, and a beautiful waterfall—perfect for families and solo hikers alike.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Tales from the Trails is a local public television program presented by Vegas PBS

Waterfall Escape: Hiking Little Falls Trail
Season 2 Episode 8 | 4m 50sVideo has Closed Captions
Just minutes from the heat of Las Vegas, the Little Falls Trail at Cathedral Rock offers a refreshing getaway. Maria explores this short, shaded trail surrounded by pines, limestone cliffs, and a beautiful waterfall—perfect for families and solo hikers alike.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Tales from the Trails
Tales from the Trails is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipI'm in one of my favorite areas here at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Ar.. Cathedral Rock I love this area.
There are several trails to choose from and a picnic area.
This is also a hub for several connecting trails.
Cathedral Rock and Mount Charleston trailhead is a popular spot with good reason.
It offers visitors access to multiple family and dog friendly trails, has decent parking, and access to restrooms and other amenities.
One of my favorite trails here is Little Falls.
This is a great trail for all skill levels.
It is a quick hike, perfect for a brief escape into nature or a family friendly outing.
It starts off as an easy hike.
The trail is pretty level with the nice width.
It has its sections of the trail narrowing with a few obstacles here and there, but nothing serious.
The trail winds through a shady canyon dotted with tall pines, offering cool relief from the desert heat.
Though shor.. limestone cliffs and forested slopes.
For the more adventurous, the trail pairs well with nearby hikes for a longer adventure.
Gentle inclines and a short distance make it ideal for young hikers and curious explorers.
Lush vegetation includes wildflowers in spring and vibrant aspen foliage in fall.
It's quieter than nearby trails, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
This trail gives you so much to see on and just off the trail.
The views of the surrounding area, the variety of trees and plants, and when you really look around, you'll notice fallen trees, each unique in their beauty like pieces of nature, is art.
Taking the time to look around makes this tra.. Little falls offers so much.
Eventually, the trail takes a slight turn and the footage shifts to more of a gravel.
From here, it's a steady climb, and at this altitude you might feel a bit of a burn.
This is where Little Falls makes me put in some work, but at this point you are in the home stretch.
This is also a great opportunity to take a break or to enjoy your surroundings.
They are breathtaking.
Small boulders and creek crossings provide light scrambling and a playful challenge for hikers.
At the end of the trail, a gentle waterfall flows over smooth rock walls, especially after active snowmelt or rain.
As the canyon walls close in, you'll be able to hear the soft sound of the waterfall.
Flagstones near the falls offer a peaceful place to sit, listen, and reflect.
Little falls is a hike I love to and highly recommend.
Short, sweet and memorable.
I could spend all day, every day in this amazing area.
It truly is a magical place.
It just makes my heart so very happy.
Getting out and exploring the spring Mountains National Recreation Area really is one of the great joys of living here in Southern Nevada.
To learn more about this trail or other trails, make sure to stop by the visitor's gateway.
I'm Maria Silva.
Until next time, I hope to see you out on the..

- Science and Nature

Explore scientific discoveries on television's most acclaimed science documentary series.

- Science and Nature

Capturing the splendor of the natural world, from the African plains to the Antarctic ice.












Support for PBS provided by:
Tales from the Trails is a local public television program presented by Vegas PBS