Hiking Charlie's Spring in The Valley of Fire

Charlie's Spring is a small oasis in the Valley of Fire State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The unmarked trail is flat and follows a wash for 2.5 miles down dry sandstone waterfalls, a small slot canyon and ends in a small spring surrounded by cattails and bushes, a start contrast to the dry desert you walk through to get there.

Roughly a half mile in to the Valley of Fire, from the East entrance, you'll see a "historical marker" sign and a grave marker on your left. Park in one of the pull outs and follow the unmarked trail down in to the wash. From here you can either go up to the grave site or follow the wash for 2.5 miles to the spring.

The marker is where John Clark died, along with his horse, presumably from lack of water. After checking out the grave, head down the wash to the spring. There's no official trail but just stick to the wash. You'll see some cool sandstone formations and possibly some sheep that roam the park. Climb down the dry waterfalls, go through the small slot canyon, and you'll arrive at the spring. To get back to your car turn around and return the way you came.

There's no cover on this trail so it's best to do it not when it's deathly hot in the summer. The wash terrain varies, it's mostly flat, but it's sandy and rocky so be prepared. There's no water at the trail head so bring your own. You can fill up on water and snacks at the visitor center in the park.

This is a great hike that won't be full of visitors like the other trails in the area.