It’s a short, quarter-mile, uphill hike to reach this 25-foot waterfall. Several streams of water splashing over moss-covered rocks create a serene sight.
Where is it? It’s in the hills just above Carson City.
We visited Lower Kings Canyon Falls on Friday, October 31, 2025. At the time, most of the trees on the creek had lost their leaves for the season. But bushes clinging to the top of the falls added hints of color.
Cottonwoods at their peak brightened the drive up to the falls from Carson City on King Street. By now—or during tomorrow’s rain and windstorm—those trees might have lost their leaves. But the star attraction of this area is the waterfall itself and is just as enjoyable after the fall color fades.
In the winter, you might need snowshoes to get there, depending on the conditions. During cold spells, there’s always the chance it might freeze, which can be just as beautiful as when it’s running at full force in spring.
You can extend the hike by trekking your way up the 4.4-mile Waterfall Loop Trail, which passes by Upper Kings Canyon falls.
