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Hike: Lost Creek Overlook — up and back or closed loop
Trailhead: Children’s Discovery Trail — marked
Distance: 2 miles — round trip
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Elevation Peak: none
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: 2
Danger level: 2
How easy to follow trail: 3
Children: yes
Map: La Madre Mtn., NEV
Directions: Once at Red Rock Canyon, drive 7.3 miles along the Scenic Loop. Turn right onto the paved road that leads to Willow Springs. The signed Lost Creek parking area is 0.2 of a mile from the Scenic Loop.
Overview: The route goes up through a break in the sandstone, then across the sandstone ledges to an overlook above Lost Creek waterfall. Photo 1 shows an overview.
Comments: An easy route with a big reward awaits anyone who has a couple of hours and the desire to see the lower and upper Lost Creek Waterfalls. The best chance of seeing the falls flowing is in early spring.
Photo 1
The Hike: The hike begins at the Children’s Discovery Trail. The trail heads west with little elevation gain, soon crossing Red Rock Wash and turning SE. The trail passes a roasting pit marked by a BLM sign. The incline becomes moderate as the trail heads west. At the trail sign, go right onto the Willow Springs Trail. Though the trail looks like it deadends at the boulders, go in between the boulders and continue on the trail. Do not veer off onto the numerous side paths.
Looking towards the sandstone crags, a hill appears. Photo 2 outlines the path you take that leads up the hill to the sandstone crags. Stay on the main path; do not take any of the minor side paths. You’ll feel the incline as you get near the sandstone crags. Once on the sandstone, head SE 140 degrees (left) toward Lost Creek. Photo 3 shows where you climb sandstone slabs and head for the pine trees. Proceed in the same direction until the sandstone opens up into a large flat area. Go right (south) and head toward the two upper Lost Creek Waterfalls that come in view.
Photo 2
Once near the waterfalls, scramble onto the crag in Photo 4 and carefully walk out, toward the lower waterfall. At times, there are many people at the base of the waterfall; do not try to climb down to them. The crag becomes very steep; do not leave children unattended.To descend: Retrace your steps back to the Children’s Discovery Trail. From there, you can make a loop of the hike by continuing east (right) to intersect the Lost Creek Trail. Go left (north) onto Lost Creek Trail, which is by the wooden benches. The trail leads back to the parking lot.
Photo 3
Photo 4
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