Lost Creek and Children's Discovery Trail: What to Know Before You Go
Lost Creek is two short trails in one: a spur to a seasonal waterfall and grotto, and the self-guided Children's Discovery Trail, built specifically to introduce younger visitors to Mojave Desert plants and ecology. Together they add up to well under a mile of easy walking, passing ancient pictographs along the way. Welcome to Lost Creek and Children's Discovery, one of the most approachable short hikes in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Trail Snapshot
Distance | Approximately 0.7–0.9 miles round trip
Difficulty | Easy
Hike Time | Under 1 hour
Elevation Gain | Minimal (roughly 125–165 ft)
Fee | $20 per vehicle (Red Rock Canyon entrance fee)
Reservation | Required for Scenic Drive entry Oct 1–May 31, 8am to 5pm (free, via recreation.gov); not required June 1–Sep 30, or outside those hours any time of year
Restrooms | Not confirmed at this trailhead
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed
Difficulty | Easy
Hike Time | Under 1 hour
Elevation Gain | Minimal (roughly 125–165 ft)
Fee | $20 per vehicle (Red Rock Canyon entrance fee)
Reservation | Required for Scenic Drive entry Oct 1–May 31, 8am to 5pm (free, via recreation.gov); not required June 1–Sep 30, or outside those hours any time of year
Restrooms | Not confirmed at this trailhead
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed
How to Reach the Trailhead
The trailhead sits on Rocky Gap Road, off the Scenic Drive about 7.2 miles in. The standard $20 fee and Scenic Drive reservation apply, same as other trails along this stretch of the drive.
What to Expect on the Trail
This is one of the easiest trails in the park — short, flat, and well-defined, suitable for nearly any fitness level. A short spur leads to a seasonal waterfall and grotto, flowing December through April after rain or snowmelt. The connected Children's Discovery Trail is a self-guided interpretive loop specifically designed to introduce younger visitors to Mojave Desert plants and ecology, with ancient pictographs visible along the route.
A Trail Built for Young Explorers
The Children's Discovery Trail's interpretive signage is designed specifically for younger visitors, walking through basic desert ecology in a way that works for curious kids as much as adults. Ancient pictographs sit along the combined route — look for them without touching, since skin oils damage the rock's surface over time.
Best Time to Visit and Conditions
December through April offers the best chance of a flowing waterfall; outside that window, expect a dry grotto instead. The nature-trail loop itself is pleasant in any season given its short length.
Practical Advice for New Visitors
- Visit December through April for the best chance of a flowing waterfall.
- Bring 1 liter of water per person.
- Pack sun protection.
- Bring a camera for the pictographs and waterfall.
- Point out the interpretive signage along the Children's Discovery loop for curious kids.
- Reserve your Scenic Drive time slot ahead of time in peak season.
- Leash your dog for the full route.
- Use the Visitor Center restrooms before you start — none are confirmed at this trailhead.
For families or anyone wanting an easy, educational introduction to the desert, Lost Creek and Children's Discovery is one of the most approachable trails in Red Rock Canyon. Stay on the marked path, leave the pictographs untouched, and enjoy one of the park's gentlest short hikes.
