Location: About 30 minutes northwest of Las Vegas
About Mount Charleston: Just outside of Las Vegas is a distinctly non-desertlike mountain brimming with waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife. With an average temperature 30 degrees below what you'll find in town, Mount Charleston is a favorite destination for anyone who's tired of the 115-degree summer heat. In the winter, it's a great place to hit the slopes.
Charleston Peak was named by Las Vegas explorer John Fremont, whose wife was from Charleston, S.C.
Mount Charleston, as the locals call it, is located in the Spring Mountain Range - part of the Toiyabe National Forest - and borders the western part of the Las Vegas Valley, stretching for 55 miles with elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to just under 12,000 feet. It's the tallest mountain in southern Nevada, and one of the top 10 most topographically prominent peaks in the America.
Though a dusty desert of Joshua trees stands at its base, the scenery changes with the altitude, giving way to trees such as aspens and Ponderosa pine as you climb up to the alpine forest. Mount Charleston is its own little town, with picturesque homes, a fire station, an elementary school and a library. Mount Charleston is an ideal day-trip destination, and there are countless beautiful spots for picnicking. Stock up on gas and grocery items before coming, though; it's not metropolitan enough to provide those amenities.
With more than 40 miles of hiking trails, Mount Charleston is an ideal destination for fresh air and exercise. Mary Jane Falls is one of the most popular hikes: Steep switchbacks lead up to a waterfall where you can climb on rocks and cool off in the refreshing water. The hike is 3 miles round-trip with a 1,200-foot elevation gain.
Another great hike is Cathedral Rock, where you'll find breathtaking views of Kyle Canyon; this hike is 3 miles, with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. On weekends, the mountain can get crowded, but during the week tourists are relatively sparse. Always remember to bring water: Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, and the air is notoriously dry.
Staying on Mount Charleston: You can stay overnight in a campground or in one of the two hotels on the mountain. The Mount Charleston Lodge is the most popular choice; call far in advance for a reservation. Located at 7,717 feet, the lodge overlooks Mummy Mountain and has plenty of stunning views. The accommodations here are individual log cabins with their own private decks, fireplaces and whirlpools. Step into the lodge-style dining room and enjoy a drink by the crackling fire. In the winter, warm up with Mount Charleston Coffee - a mixture of brandy, Scotch liqueur, vanilla milk and coffee - or a Butterfinger made of hot cocoa and butterscotch schnapps. Or cool off on the deck and enjoy pizza, a buffalo burger or some deep-fried cheesecake.
The Hotel on Mount Charleston is a more upscale option. The log-built hotel offers rooms with electric fireplaces and feather beds, and there's a large fire pit in the lobby for guests to enjoy. The restaurant offers everything from burgers to steaks and seafood, and there's a spa for guests to enjoy.
Suggestions for Mount Charleston: From about November to April the mountain is snow-capped. That's when the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort fires up the snow machines and opens the slopes. It's one of Las Vegas' best-kept secrets. With trails with names like Keno, Blackjack and Slot Alley, the skiing here may not be Mammoth or Whistler-grade, but it has its own charms. The lifts run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., carrying a constant stream of skiers and snowboarders. As with hiking, expect to encounter crowds on the weekends but a much lighter presence during the week. There's also a bar and cafe here, so you can warm up between runs. Equipment and clothing are available for rental, and lessons are offered for adults and children.
Getting to Mount Charleston: Take State Highway 95 north to State Route 157 west. This road leads you up the mountain; it's about 20 miles to get to the top. Look for parking on your way in; there are some free spots. There's a $7 charge to park in the picnic areas. Avoid the areas with rangers and you'll save some money.
