Hiking Around Las Vegas, Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston), Kyle Canyon
 Departing the top of Little Falls (view NE) |
Overview The Upper Little Falls Trail is a short (0.4 miles one-way), easy stroll through the Pine-Fir Forest on a nearly level trail, but getting to the start of the trail required climbing the Cathedral Rock Trail just below the summit. Upper Little Falls is not a destination, but rather an add-on to the hike up Cathedral Rock. From the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, this hike starts on the Cathedral Rock Trail and climbs for about 1.2 miles. From the saddle behind the summit, the Upper Little Falls Trail forks left and runs out another 0.4 miles on a nearly level old road to the spring at the top of Little Falls. During springtime when snow is melting, there can be quite a stream flowing down the canyon here. While some hikers might rappel off the falls, most of us will return to the trailhead by turning around and wandering back down the trail. Presented here are photos of the return because it always looks different on the way down. For a detailed description of the route, including directions, maps, GPS coordinates, and photos, see Upper Little Falls Trail. |
 Lots of conifer trees on the hillside (view NE) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail contours across the hillside (view E) |
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 Upper Little Falls Trail contours across the hillside (view E) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail stays right at fork (view E) |
 The left fork runs through trench to Cathedral Rock Trail (view NE) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail climbs a few feet (view E) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail passing above the trench (view E) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail curves to the right (view SE) |
 Upper Little Falls Trail merges with Cathedral Rock Trail (view SE) |
 Starting out around the top of Maize Canyon (view SE) |
 Approaching the upper bench (view SE) |
 Grand scenery missed on the way up (view E) |
 Descending past the fifth switchback and third bench (view SE) |
 Long views while approaching third switchback (view E) |
 Approaching the base of Cathedral Rock for a last time (view NW) |
 More grand scenery missed on the way up (view N) |
 Descending around the first switchback (view SE) |
 Returning past the Echo Trail junction (view NE) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail at the South Loop Trail junction (view E) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail turns left at the junction (view N) |
 Vegetation restoration area above the trailhead parking (view N) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail approaching the trailhead (view NE) |
 End of the Cathedral Rock Trail (view NE) |
 Returning to Lower Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking (view SE) |
Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240329
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