First Creek Canyon Trail

First Creek Canyon Trail is one of the shortest paths in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It leads to a heavily vegetated Mojave Desert scrub with striking cliffs as a backdrop. The trail is easy to moderate with only 377 feet in elevation, and considered one of the most popular treks in Red Canyon. 

The main point of interest of the trail is a pretty pool below a seasonal waterfall, a peaceful place where the creek falls four feet down a fern-covered wall of conglomerate, enclosed by high rocks on each side.

The First Creek Trailhead is beside the main road through the park, just north of the tune-off for Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. To the east, Joshua tree-covered land rises steadily to the flat summit of Blue Diamond Hill, while the western aspect is dominated by the Spring Mountains, 2 miles away, split by several deep ravines.

This is a pleasant 4-mile walk across a desert valley to a little waterfall with cottonwood trees, willows, and other shade trees. Except for the last few feet, the hike follows a well-maintained trail. At the falls, the route follows a use-trail down the side of the wash to the falls. As with other falls in the area, these often are dry.