Waterfalls are always popular tourist attractions, no matter where they’re located. These nature-made wonders seem permanent, but they’re extremely fragile. Even one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls, is eroding at an alarming rate. Some of the smaller waterfalls of the world won’t be around long, so falls like the Mary Jane Falls in Vegas are a must-see feature if you’re a fan.

The Mary Jane Falls site in the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada is one of the most visited in the region. It’s not hard to find the trailhead if you follow the proper roads. Take I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N in Reno. Then you’ll drive to Echo Road, just past the USFS ranger station. You’ll see a fork in the road and the marked sign at your destination.

You’ll find trails to multiple falls here. You can choose to check out the Big Falls, or you can proceed with hiking toward the Mary Jane Falls. Most likely, unless the weather is really bad, you’ll run into a lot of people at the parking area, picnic area, on the trails and especially at the falls. This is a highly visited destination, so it might not be right for you if you’re seeking seclusion.

People also have a habit of bringing their dogs to the falls. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as most of the dogs are friendly and aren’t looking to bite your leg as you walk by, but it means you will have to watch where you’re walking.

On the trail to the Mary Jane Falls, you’d be wise to watch exactly where you walk at all times. Although you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to make it up to the falls, it still helps if you’ve hiked before and are wearing the proper shoes. With a steep incline and loose rocks in some places, you could easily fall if you’re not paying attention.

The hike up the trail to the falls is relatively short. You’ll only have to proceed up the trail about 1.5 miles before reaching your destination. This takes most people an hour at most. However, the steep switchbacks and rock steps will surely leave you winded if you’re not in shape.

As far as navigating the trail, there are a lot of markings en route to tell you exactly where you’re going; and until you get to the steps and the switchbacks on the trail, it is very well maintained. Once you make it to the Mary Jane Falls site, you’ll be amazed at the view. You’ll see the Big Falls to the south and the snow-covered Charleston Peak in the background.

The Mary Jane Falls site is open year round and you can go at any time. However, the falls run the strongest in the spring. This is when you can really see nature at its finest.