Ascending Mt. Charleston Peak via the South Loop Trail Trek
Mt Charleston Peak Hike: A Must-Do Challenge Under an Hour from Vegas!
embark on an epic adventure just outside Las Vegas, climbing Mt Charleston Peak - the highest point around Sin City, standing tall at 11,916 feet. This guide takes you through the South Loop Trail, a tough 8.5-mile ascent that'll leave you marveling at breathtaking views rivaling National Parks.
Choose Your Adventure Time
For an unforgettable hike, aim for late spring to early fall, with the best months being June and September. Winter on the summit can be treacherous, with snow and ice transforming the trail into a challenging mountaineering experience. Hikers have perished due to exposure, even on lower slopes, so don't underestimate the conditions.
To assess the snow situation, you can check Mt Charleston from various points in and around Vegas, such as Northeast areas near South Rainbow Blvd and 215, or the top of the Lone Mountain Trail hike. Remember, there's a snow report website, but its accuracy isn't guaranteed.
Be aware that July and August are monsoon season, with heavy thunderstorms that can make this hike dangerous due to exposed terrain.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Getting There
The picturesque Mount Charleston trailhead is just 45 minutes from downtown Las Vegas in the scenic resort town of Mount Charleston, NV. Follow Rt 157 for about 20 miles, climbing approximately 5,000 feet through Kyle Canyon, part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest). This drive takes you from Mojave Desert to the alpine environment of the Mount Charleston Wilderness, home to unique plants and animals found nowhere else.
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Pass the Spring Mountains Visitor Center on your way, and remember: there are no gas stations in Mount Charleston or along Rt 157. Parking is free at the first lots in the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, but there's a fee area further in, so don't park there. Most lots fill up quickly in summer and on weekends.
Gear Up
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
This hike calls for serious preparation. I recommend bringing extra layers, 3-6L of water, food, survival gear, and trekking poles. Don't heed the advice of some Yelp reviewers who suggest a windbreaker and water bottle; you need real hiking gear!
Camp Out
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Turn this hike into an overnight backpacking trip. Althoughyou're free to camp anywhere (just remember to keep 200 feet away from springs and trails), there are some great spots. Choose from flat areas at switchback turns on the climb up Echo Cliff (after about 3 miles), the meadow area after reaching Griffith Peak Junction (around 5 miles), or even sleeping on the summit in a rocky pit.
Alternatively, consider the Fletcher Canyon Campground, free BLM camping along Rt 157, or the now-defunct Mt Charleston Lodge (hopefully they'll rebuild). Of course, staying in Las Vegas is always an option, too.
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
The Trail Awaits
Following the South Loop Trail, you'll reach Charleston Peak and return the same way. You can hike the North Loop Trail to the summit or combine the two for a full loop hike, but first-timers might prefer the out-and-back route.
No need to worry about bears, and no permit is required for this exhilarating hike. Embark on your adventure, and remember, safety first!
- To experience an extraordinary hike, schedule your expedition during late spring to early fall, with June and September being the optimum months.
- While winter on the summit can be daunting with snow and ice, assessing the snow situation can be done by observing Mt Charleston from various points around Las Vegas.
- The trailhead for Mount Charleston, a scenic 45-minute drive from downtown Vegas, is located in the resort town of Mount Charleston, NV, accessible via Rt 157.
- Preparation is necessary for this hike, and it's recommended to bring extra layers, plenty of water, food, survival gear, trekking poles, and appropriate hiking gear for the challenging terrain.
- Turn your hike into an overnight backpacking trip by camping at switchback turns on the climb up Echo Cliff, meadow areas after reaching Griffith Peak Junction, or even sleeping on the summit in a rocky pit.
- Following the South Loop Trail, you'll reach Charleston Peak and return the same way, or opt for the North Loop Trail to the summit for a more challenging route, keeping safety as your top priority.
