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HIKERS AND DRIVERS WELCOME ON

MOUNT CHARLESTON

BY CHUCK N. BAKER

L ike to hike? Well separated from higher peaks by Yes, you can absolutely drive up Mt.
large, low basins, Charleston Peak is
Charleston. The mountain is accessed
the most topographically prominent
Charleston Peak is a
via the beautiful, fully paved Mt.
popular destination
for hikers. There peak in Nevada, and the eighth-most- Charleston Scenic Byway (consisting
prominent peak in the contiguous
of SR 156, SR 157, and SR 158). It is
are two well-marked and well- United States. It is one of eight a mild, steady drive with no extreme
maintained trails to the summit: ultra-prominent peaks in Nevada. highway switchbacks, and it takes
South Loop Trail and North Loop Trail. It is located about 35 miles (56 only about 30 to 45 minutes to reach
The trails can be done on their own km) northwest of Las Vegas within the mountain from Las Vegas.
as an out-and-back hike, or combined the Mount Charleston Wilderness,
as a loop. Both approaches involve a which is within the Spring Mountains If you are planning the drive, keep
strenuous 16-mile+ round trip with National Recreation Area of the key details in mind: The drive
over 4,000 feet of climbing. The hike Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest. transitions from low desert terrain to
often takes all day. The hike is most pine forests and massive elevations,
accessible in the snow-free months of Mount Charleston is a year-round
summer and fall. getaway for local residents and and temperatures can be up to 30
visitors, with a number of hiking to 40 degrees cooler than on the
If language is your thing, check trails, a modest ski area, a hotel and Las Vegas Strip. Mountain weather
this: Mount Charleston, including a small restaurant. The mountain is unpredictable. Always check
Charleston Peak (Nuvagantu, literally is snow-capped more than half for current road closures, chain
“where snow sits”, in Southern the year. Mount Charleston has requirements, and active alerts
Paiute or Nüpakatütün in Shoshoni nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 on the Nevada Department of
at 11,916 feet (3,632 m), is the picnic areas, some of which are Transportation 511 system or the Go
highest mountain in both the Spring RV-accessible. The village of Mount Mt. Charleston Road Conditions page
Mountains and Clark County. It is the Charleston lies at its base to the east. before you head out.
eighth-highest mountain in the state.