DOG-FRIENDLY HIKING TRAIL

from Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine, May/June 2023

Pet Month!!

Nothing says spring in the desert more than a hike to a waterfall. Located in Red Rock National Conservation Area, First Creek Falls is an easy hike across the open desert to a small seasonal waterfall and pond.

While this hike is located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, it is not located along the Scenic Loop Road. The trailhead is located off of West Charleston Blvd, past the main Red Rock entrance area but before Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. The parking area is located right off Charleston Blvd on the west side of the road. Note: if coming from the southwest side of the valley, take Blue Diamond Road to Route 159. You will pass the town of Blue Diamond, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, then the parking area for First Creek will be on your left.

The trailhead is located near signage and a gate. To begin the hike, walk through the gate onto the trail. The trail is well-maintained and heavily used. Almost immediately, the trail crosses Oak Creek Wash. The trail curves back and forth through the desert among a plethora of plant species. This is often a great area to visit during spring wildflower blooming.

Burros are often seen in the area, and it is common to see small herds moving through the desert grazing. It is essential to keep your dog on a leash, not only because it is a rule of the park but also because interactions with wildlife can cause harm to the wildlife or your pet. In addition, remember to bring along bags for cleaning up your dog’s waste.

As you hike, you will notice the wash on your right wind back and forth and narrow as you move closer to the mountains. After about 2/3 mile, the trail will veer off to the left, but there is a smaller trail leading to the right towards a pinyon pine tree at the edge of the wash. This is your cue to take the trail to the right. Head towards the tree and look for a trail that heads downslope along some large boulders.

The trail leads to the base of the waterfall, where a small pond resides. A stream gently flows from the pond further down into the wash. How much water is in the pond and how fast the waterfall flows depends on rainfall and snowmelt, but spring is usually a wonderful time of year to experience First Creek Falls.

There are a multitude of small trails in this area to guide you to places farther downstream or up above the waterfalls if more solitude is desired. This is a popular hike, and it is likely to see others on the main trail or at the waterfall/ pond area. When you are ready to leave, return the way you came.