High desert living has its advantages – clear skies and crisp air being the most favored – but the one downside is the lack of water in the surrounding environment. For this reason, the sources of water that we do have make destinations in themselves, whether lakes, streams, rivers, springs or even, on the rare occasion you can find one, a waterfall.
Photo: Lower Kings Canyon Waterfall
The Cliff Notes Version
Believe it or not, just five minutes west of Carson City there is a hiking trail that leads to waterfalls. Kings Canyon Waterfall is the name of this trail, and the hike to the lower set of falls is less than a mile long. This is about as accessible as it gets, great for big family hikes with kids and older adults.
It’s also a great hike to take in winter and spring because the falls are sure to be running strong and the trail, which is mostly along bare hillsides, and shadeless, will keep you warm rather than bake you under the heat of the sun.
Photo: View of the Kings Canyon Waterfall parking lot
Just drive to the Kings Canyon Waterfall parking lot and take the path to the west-most path, which sidewinds for a bit before heading north to the Lower Kings Canyon Waterfall.
Sagebrush intersperses with pines and firs as you zigzag through some modestly rising alpine terrain. In spring, the area feels like a meadow in full bloom. In no time at all, you arrive at the refreshing and exhilarating splashing of water tumbling down a hillside. The hike back down affords views of the Carson Valley, and the drive back home is just another five minutes before you’re back downtown.
Photo: Views of Carson Valley from the trails
The Uncut Version
The Kings Canyon trail network extends beyond the lower falls. For those daring spirits who demand more out of life than a convenient one-mile hike, there is the hike to the upper falls.
Clocking in at 4.4 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the Kings Canyon Upper Falls Loop should keep the moderate hiker happy for a half-day trip. This loop has some steep sections, so bring good hiking footwear, along with food and water. If hiking in winter in icy or snowy conditions, definitely carry a set of spikes or snowshoes and poles, just in case.
For this hike, you’ll also start at the Kings Canyon Waterfall parking lot, but instead of taking the west path, you’ll take the northbound one. Eventually, it becomes steep as it turns west and climbs toward the upper waterfalls.
Photo: The Upper Kings Canyon Waterfall below the Wooden Bridge
A wooden footbridge leads to the top of the falls at the end of the hike. The upper falls are more hidden than the lower falls, with thicker tree cover. The longer hike also gives you greater mountain and valley views, more meadows to walk through (they bloom in the spring) and more patches of evergreen forest to pass through as you ascend.
Beyond this four-mile loop trail, trails head further into the forest. The whole Kings Canyon trail system extends far up toward Tahoe and even connects to the northern trails that start near Western Nevada College, such as the Ash Canyon Creek Trailhead.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual family stroll or a real day hike, the Kings Canyon Waterfalls offer a chance to view water rushing down a hillside and experience views of Carson City and the surrounding high desert-alpine mix of country. At only five minutes from Carson City, you can’t beat the convenience of this hiking spot.
To learn more about Kings Canyon Waterfall, click here.
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About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
