Mt. Charleston
Las Vegas, NV
Located just a short drive from Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, whether hiking and camping by summer, or a host of snow sports come winter. Also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, this mountainous retreat rising prominently from the Mojave Desert is a must for anyone who enjoys a dose of the great outdoors.
The basics
There are numerous ways to enjoy and experience Mt. Charleston. Soak up the views on a scenic byway drive, hike or horseback ride around 50 miles (80 kilometers) of trails, spend the night at a developed campground, or go rock climbing. In winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or sledding. Visit independently or join a tour; many tours start from Las Vegas and include round-trip transportation.
Things to know before you go
There’s no entrance fee to visit Mt. Charleston, though certain attractions and activities on the mountain may incur a cost.
There is limited cell phone reception on Mt. Charleston, in Kyle Canyon, and virtually none in Lee Canyon.
Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
Drinking water is only available from the Spring Mountains Visitors Gateway, plus certain picnic areas and developed campgrounds from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Parking and walking on roadways is not permitted between December and March.
How to get there
Mt. Charleston is located around 40 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Las Vegas, which is about 50 minutes by car. The best route depends on where you’re heading and what activities you have planned; there’s a selection of maps on the Mt. Charleston website that recommend directions based on the most popular destinations. It’s also possible to visit Mt. Charleston as part of a tour from Las Vegas, many of which include transportation.
When to get there
Mt. Charleston can be visited year-round. Summer is a popular time, as visitors look to escape the heat of the desert and Las Vegas. Winter brings the opportunity for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports—visit early on weekends to avoid capacity closures on access roads. Spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for other outdoor activities, along with spring wildflowers and fall colors, plus smaller crowds.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Located southwest of Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon is another popular outdoor destination near Las Vegas. In contrast to the alpine and mountain landscape of Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon features a striking desert landscape of red sandstone cliffs and canyons. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping.
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