Top Things to do in Mount Charleston
Countries
6 Outdoor Activities in Mount Charleston That You Shouldn't Miss
Just 35 miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, this beautiful mountain area, is part of the Spring Mountain Range and Toiyabe National Forest. Mt. Charleston is a year-round recreation area. Activities include hiking, camping, nature walks, and skiing at Lee Canyon in winter. There is lodging and food available at Mt. Charleston Lodge and Mt. Charleston Hotel. Groceries are not available.
1. Mount Charleston Alpine Resort Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
2. Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By G9758TKdonnac - Coral Springs, United States
A worthwhile day trip if you're visiting Las Vegas. Stunning views of the beautiful mountains along the winding roads that effortlessly take up up to an elevation of about 8400 feet. There are plenty of places along the scenic byway to pull over for a photo op. You may see some wildlife too! We saw a couple of wild horses while we were there. There are many hiking trails. 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. So serene and quiet and the scenery is breathtaking! Definitely recommend!
3. Spring Mountains Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By LostWagesinLasVegas - Las Vegas, United States
The visitor center has exhibits and a bookshop. The staff is friendly and can provide information on different hikes in Kyle & Lee Canyon. On the grounds are a memorial, picnic areas, and amphitheaters to name a few. There are a few trails for all skill levels you can do while you are there. The escarpment trail is a fave since it has nice views.
4. Bristlecone Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Y8215WKtimb
Start at the upper Bristlecone trailhead for a shorter but still excellent walk up in the Spring Mountains. Weather is likely to be much cooler here than down in Vegas and makes it a comfortable place to hike in the summer. You can walk the whole trail or just to the ridge top and back for great views. There are a few bristlecone tress near the parking lot, but the best ones are higher up near the mountain ridge. Look out for humming birds defending their territory (they may buzz you so you get a great up close view) and, if you are very lucky, the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly.
5. Trail Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By PawsMona - Toronto, Canada
After hiking Frenchman's Mountain to get a view of Vegas from the East we decided to try hiking the western mountains that surround Vegas. We enjoyed the hour drive from the Vegas strip, along Hwy 157 to the village of Mount Charleston. We parked at the Trail Canyon parking lot. We left Las Vegas and it was 84 degrees. At the parking lot it was 60 degrees. So be aware of the temperature differential when you prepare and dress in layers. The hike is about 2 miles. It will take you close to 2 hours. The trail is ALL uphill. The slope can be pretty steep at times and the footing can be tricky. This is not an easy climb, you need to be in pretty good shape. There are no distance markers on the way up so you never realize how close you are to the summit. Take layers of clothing as the temperature will drop as you climb. And the elevation will make you tired more easily. Remember you will be at over 8000 feet above sea level. We brought lots of water and stopped often for a drink. And to take pictures of the wonderful views we witnessed. We climbed and finally reached the trail marker that denotes the end of the Trail Canyon Trail and the junction with the North Loop. At the top you get a view of the entire canyon and it is amazing. Be careful as there are sheer drops off the top of the summit. The trip back down was fairly easy, a few parts you need to watch your footing. We did the hiking on a Friday and we passed 10 people on our hiking. One note, we brought a lunch but there were no public picnic areas in the whole area. You could pay $18 to use the official park picnic areas, but that seemed a little too much to use a picnic table.
