Trail Overview

This trail starts at the Bunkerville Choo Choo Trail at the Nickle Creek Wash. The trail will head up into the mountain and follow the wash, either directly in the wash or alongside it. The trail will dead-end with a small area for 4-6 machines to park. Depending on the recent rainfall or snow melt, you will see the water flowing here. This will be the beginning of a desert oasis that starts high up in the Virgin Mountains. The creek got its name from all of the tiny garnets that sparkle in the water. The best is yet to come! With a short hike upstream to the lower falls, the beauty is amazing. For the more adventurous hikers, climbing up farther is well worth the effort. The upper falls have carved out the rocks and offer fantastic colors in the layers. You will find the air cooler here, and the only audible sound is the water flowing. It is a truly phenomenal natural wonder in an otherwise dry area.

Photos of Nickel Falls

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Difficulty

This is an easy rocky trail.

Technical Rating

ben

Jan 29, 2026

Open

No falls running today. Just a small trickle. Snow a bit way up high. Nice sunny day 50°.

Paul Smith

Apr 19, 2025

Open

Definitely more of an ATV trail. Our 4Runner did fine but the brush was hitting the sides. There is a through the wash option and an "up and over" (to the left) - do not recommend to the left. The water was just dripping and it's not a slot canyon by any sense of the word. Not a bad little side route with more technicality but not very scenic.

Bob DiRocco

Dec 28, 2024

Open

Since we have not had any snow in the mountains this winter, the waterfall was not flowing. The water was seeping out from under the rocks. As we get some snow this winter, the amount of water coming down the mountain will increase.

Ryan Payne

Dec 06, 2024

Open

no water at the water fall, I guess December is too late in the year. nice ride tho, temps in the low 60's