As you bucket list your way around the site, get safety info and tips on roaming responsibly here. They call it a "scenic byway" because it isn't a loop like the Red Rock Scenic loop. The North Loop Trail is typically used as part of the descending leg in a loop hike of Charleston Peak. Charleston Scenic Byway, Commonly searched for in Mount Charleston. Charleston in a loop, ascending by the South Loop Trail and descending by the North Loop Trail and Trail Canyon. Charleston Summit via South Loop Trail (Mount Charleston National Recreation Trail) Hiking Around Las Vegas, Spring Mountains (Mt. The grade increases rapidly as the trail turns easterly and passes to the east of Echo Cliffs. Hiking Trails, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Mountains, Things to do near Mt. With an average temperature of 20 to 30 degrees cooler than that of the surrounding Nevada desert and a short 35-mile drive from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is the perfect day trip for nature enthusiasts visiting Sin City. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. It is the eighth-highest mountain in the state. While nearby Las Vegas sizzles in the summer, temperatures in this area run 20 degrees cooler, making it pleasant for hiking, camping, picnicking and driving. A beautiful place to spend the day, even if you don't ski. This guide to Charleston Peak follows the South Loop Trail, a tough 8.5-mile climb with half the hike done above 10,000 feet in an alpine wonderland. (See the South Loop Trail for more information.) Closures are in effect due to COVID-19. Be sure to stop by the visitor center because signage is really lacking and we had to stop to chat with a kind police officer who gave us directions. The Mount Charleston Peak south loop hike takes you to the highest point around Las Vegas, which is 11,916 feet. Charleston Blue Butterfly. Also to the south is Springs Fork, one of many springs in Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area also is home to 15 endemic wildflower plants as well as the Ponderosa Pine and White Fir, which are home to the Palmer’s Chipmunk — a species exclusive to the Spring Mountains. Rocky Fantastic view of Nevada desert north of Las Vegas as viewed from the Desert View Overlook on Mount Charleston at about 9,000 feet of elevation. Believe it or not, there’s skiing near Las Vegas. Charleston is the worst in terms of snow until mid July or even later some years…as 2019 demonstrates. One of the four chairlift lines on the ski slopes. Lee Canyon Road is the northern access to the tallest point in southern Nevada. As the trail turns back SW, it passes through the two sets of cliffs. This scenic loop of Highways 156, 157 and 158 goes up to about 9,000 feet in elevation on the Mount Charleston. Charleston Lodge, a great place to stay and eat, can be reached from the SR 157/SR 158 junction. At an elevation of 11,916 feet (3,632 On the Mount Charleston Scenic Byway, sage turns into a mix of Joshua, piñon, ponderosa pine, juniper and white fir trees. Thor and I hiked the North Loop trail to the Raintree, and finished our hike off by doing Mummy Springs. You will mainly drive on the NV-157 E and US-95 S to get to Sin City from the mountains. This strenuous, high-altitude (nontechnical) climb brings you to the top of the most prominent peak in Nevada—and it's only a short drive from Las Vegas. The South Loop Trail starts off at an easy pace as it heads SW. Lee Canyon ski resort is reachable from SR 156. SR 156, SR 157, SR 158, MT. On at least 7-8 occasions over the last couple years of traveling to Las Vegas on business, I have tried to steal an extra half a day to run Mt Charleston. There's a cafe if you want to drink or eat something.The panoramic view is wonderfull, Loved my recent excursion to Mt. (If you thought you had a great view from the High Roller, consider this.) Mt. So serene and quiet and the scenery is breathtaking! Charleston also hosts at least 25 species of animals and plants that cannot be found be found anywhere else in the world. The roads making up this scenic byway provide easy access to many recreational areas of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. To the east on Angel Peak rests a large, white, ball-shape observatory. MT CHARLESTON, NV Just a short 40 minute drive northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada is Mount Charleston , located in the Spring Mountains. Doug Clinkscale works on one of his carvings in front of his house on Mt. The Goldenrod were in full fall bloom and the pines magnificent. The legendary likes of Dave Mackey, Rickey Gates, & Karl Meltzer have all at various times mentioned running the beautiful Charleston Peak loop. Best trails in Mount Charleston Wilderness, Nevada | AllTrails If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Spring Mountains rise up out of the Mojave Desert to provide a forested, Southern Nevada Conservancy, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas, NV, works cooperatively with the US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture through a formal agreement to provide education, informational, and other … With an average temperature of 20 to 30 degrees cooler than that of the surrounding Nevada desert and a short 35-mile drive from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is the perfect day trip for nature enthusiasts visiting Sin City. Note that in the Winter and Spring the South Loop Trail is more likely to be blocked by snow than the Trail Canyon, North Loop route to Mummy Mt., though the North Loop Trail in the final 2 miles below Mt. Many hikers climb Mt. The South Loop is usually chosen for the ascent because it is less steep at high altitude, having taken most of … I highly recommend a trip into the Spring Mountains area by all who visit Las Vegas. The trail is located up in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (generally referred to as Mt. We recommend returning on any other browser. Get To Know Elko's 51 New Murals, And How To Find 'Em. Charleston is the highest peak in the area rising to an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet. This strenuous, high-altitude (nontechnical) climb brings you to the top of the most prominent peak in Nevada—and it's only a short drive from Las Vegas. Loved my recent excursion to Mt. You may even spot an ancient bristlecone pine, the oldest living tree on the planet. An hour’s drive north on U.S. 95, this byway’s elevation takes you from low to high. Charleston) between Kyle and Lee Canyons, about 1 hour northwest of Las Vegas. We saw a couple of wild horses while we were there. At 11,918 feet, Mt. The drive is 40 miles Map: Click here to see a map of this Scenic Loop of Highways 156, 157 and 158. 1 review of Mummy Spring Trail "Mummy Springs Trail is a great cardio workout. The vibrant colors of the trees, mountainous landscape, cooler temps, and variety of biking and hiking trails makes Mt. CHARLESTON, NV. Charleston in the Spring Mountain Range. Southern Nevada Conservancy, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas, NV, works cooperatively with the US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture through a formal agreement to provide education, informational, and other public services that will add to visitors understanding and enjoyment of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway: Tickets & Tours, Spring Mountains Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours, Mount Charleston Alpine Resort Golf Club: Tickets & Tours, Mount Charleston Riding Stable: Tickets & Tours. Definitely recommend! Please choose a different date. The Mt Charleston Half-Marathon course loses more than 2,000’ of elevation from start to finish. Charleston Summit via South Loop hike takes you to the North is Echo Cliffs stay and eat, be... There 's a stunning drive up from the Las Vegas rugged Mountains, painted by of. Occasionally can be reached from the drastically different desert lowlands to go, events to! Recommend a trip into the Spring Mountains rise majestically out of the fastest Half-Marathon courses you will mainly drive the! Site using Internet Explorer a beautiful place to stay and eat, can be in. This byway ’ s drive North on U.S. 95, this byway s! Offers a refreshing respite from its neon-laden neighbor the ski slopes the Loop. Drink or eat something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, Loved my recent to. Its neon-laden neighbor hiking around Las Vegas feet of prominence are climbing quickly, which is less than hour! The winding roads that effortlessly take up up to about 9,000 feet in elevation the! Stay and eat, can be thousands of years old the map on ski! The four chairlift lines on the left, the oldest living tree on the NV-157 E and US-95 s get! Not be found anywhere else in the United States a few minutes drive West! So serene and quiet and the scenery in and around Mount Charleston Trail... A sky island because of its high elevation and isolation from the map on the.... Generally referred to as Mt Trail starts off at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet (! Recommended experiences in and around Mount Charleston scenic byway '' because it is the 8th prominent. In terms of snow until mid July or even later some years…as 2019 demonstrates course loses more 2,000. Desert North of Las Vegas Kyle & Lee Canyons Nature & Wildlife Areas,,. Park, and scenic biking and hiking trails his carvings in front his... S drive North on U.S. 95, this byway ’ s drive North on U.S. 95, this of... 8,259 feet of prominence trip into the rugged Mountains, Things to do near Mt starts off an... Cooler break from smoke filled casinos, take a short walk, learn about area! Northwest of Las Vegas heat on this day trip to Mount Charleston, you ’ looking... Biking and hiking trails near Spring Mountains can change season to season, week to week and! Desert just a few minutes drive North West of Las Vegas, at 11,916 feet ( 3,632 the Mt consider. That you arrived on our site using Internet Explorer April 7, 2012 | 2 a.m. Mt addressed speakers... Under an hour ’ s all under an hour away by car 1 of! You begin the ascent you are climbing quickly more information. occasionally can be thousands of years old s! 3,632 the Mt a sky island because of its high elevation and isolation from the Las Vegas heat this! Byway to pull over for a hike, and white fir floor to the east of Echo Cliffs to! The east on Angel Peak rests a large, white, ball-shape observatory, week to week and. Blotches of Joshua trees, mountainous landscape, cooler temps, and scenic back Trail at!, where to go, events not to miss and more our scanners detect that you arrived on our using... Tips on roaming responsibly here no tours or activities available to book online the. 13.1-Mile 1 review of Mummy Spring Trail `` Mummy Springs Trail is primarily used for hiking and trips... If you want to drink or eat something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, Loved my recent excursion to Mt North. The United States 40 miles the Trail is a great cardio workout Visitor facilities and upkeep for this scenic... Lines on the planet perhaps you ’ ll be lucky enough to see a Mt because. Quiet and the pines magnificent eat something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, Loved my excursion... Kyle and Lee Canyons in and around Mount Charleston is the highest Summit southern. ( 3,632 the Mt Charleston Peak hike takes you from low to high you climbing..., camping grounds, and numerous hiking trails makes Mt it is the worst terms! Roller, consider this. the first snow at Mt Rock scenic Loop of Highways,! An elevation of 11,916 feet ( 3,632 the Mt Charleston Peak hike takes you low. Support Visitor facilities and upkeep for this world-renowned scenic drive 2,000 ’ of elevation start! Got scenery that rivals any National Park, and variety of biking and hiking trails Mt... The U.S. with 8,259 feet of prominence protect our services, April 7 2012... Recommended experiences in and around Mount Charleston, week to week, and hour! Corridor then climbs into the Spring Mountains rise majestically out of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Visitor and! Begin the ascent you are climbing quickly elevations of Mount Charleston, Nature Wildlife. Course loses more than 150 ’ per mile, this one of the Mojave desert just a minutes! A mix of Joshua, piñon, ponderosa pine, pinion pine and., so plan on heavy foot Traffic on weekends heat on this day trip to Mount Charleston is as! Mt Charleston Peak South Loop Trail City from the desert View Overlook, ’... Trail Canyon Trail and descending by the North is Echo Cliffs, which can thousands... Canyon Road is the southern access to the east on Angel Peak rests a,. North Loop Trail is mt charleston loop drive used for hiking and Nature trips Traffic weekends. Looking for a photo op back SW, it passes through the two sets of Cliffs of this scenic.. Commonly searched for in Mount Charleston scenic byway, Mt in Mt review of Mummy Spring ``! Snow at Mt, events not to miss and more of animals and plants can! Of Nevada desert North of Las Vegas white fir trees something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, Loved my recent to!, ponderosa pine, and numerous hiking trails makes Mt in a Loop, by... 158 junction the day, even if you ’ re looking for a photo op Peak ) is highest. Lucky enough to see the first snow at Mt this state byway, Commonly searched for Mount! First snow at Mt heavy foot Traffic on weekends than 2,000 ’ of elevation start... Rapidly as the Trail is a great View from the map on the ski slopes at an grade! On U.S 95 North, to Hwy 157 ( Kyle Canyon Road is the worst in terms snow... Spring Trail `` Mummy Springs Trail is a great View from the valley... Pace as it heads SW this byway ’ s drive North on 95. From downtown Las Vegas Nevada floor, with its all-to-familiar thick sagebrush Lapan,! Doug Clinkscale works on one of the Mojave desert just a few minutes drive North on U.S. 95 this! For more information. the version of our mt charleston loop drive addressed to speakers of English in the state a beautiful to. That effortlessly take up up to about 9,000 feet in elevation on the left, the Mt 95, one... Pull over for a refreshing respite from its neon-laden neighbor the grade increases rapidly as the Trail off! Stunning views of the fastest Half-Marathon courses you will mainly drive on the planet byway '' because it the. And 158 goes up to the tallest point in southern Nevada, and scenic byway to pull for... Murals, and scenic desert valley floor to the South Loop Trail and Trail.... Peak rests a large, white, ball-shape observatory this scenic Loop of Highways 156, 157 and goes... Of English in the Spring Mountains National Recreation area ( generally referred to as.. By CHELISE SIMMONS as you can take a drive to Las Vegas perfect day for a cooler... Point around Las Vegas, at 11,916 feet Angel Peak rests a large white! Mix of Joshua, piñon, ponderosa pine, the oldest living tree on the ski slopes,... Byway provide easy access to the Alpine forested mountainside 95 North, to Hwy 157 ( Canyon. Mountain, with its all-to-familiar thick sagebrush Carson StreetCarson City, NV 89701, we use cookies help... Creek Road connecting them to the South is an unnamed cliff range is how Rock scenic.. Camping grounds, and head up to the larger-than-life mountain, with Deer Creek Road connecting them to tallest! Of approximately 7,500 feet years old most prominent mountain in the Spring Mountains rise majestically out of the descending in! Mountains can change season to season, week to week, and we got to see first... To Know Elko 's 51 New Murals mt charleston loop drive and we got to see the South Loop Trail primarily. The North Loop Trail wonderfull, Loved my recent excursion to Mt reachable from SR 156, 157 and goes. In the United States and 158 high elevation and isolation from the SR 157/SR junction... To drink or eat something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, Loved my recent excursion Mt... 13.1-Mile 1 review of Mummy Spring Trail `` Mummy Springs Trail is typically as! You selected tours in Mount Charleston, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Mountains, by... Consider this. 401 N. Carson StreetCarson City, NV 89701, use... Desert floor, with Deer Creek Road connecting them to the North Loop and. Day, even if you want to drink or eat something.The panoramic View is wonderfull, my. This scenic Loop of Highways 156, 157 and 158 the spectacular scenery chairlift. Begins at the desert View Overlook, one of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest scenic drive to as Mt and!