Mt. Charleston is typically 30 degrees cooler than the Vegas Valley, so it makes for a great escape from the summer heat! It's only an hour drive from Campus, and there is no fee to enjoy its 20+ hikes! Hikes in the area start ~7,000', and top out at ~12,000' (Mt. Charleston Peak). There are great camping spots at the Lee Canyon or Kyle Canyon Campgrounds during the spring, summer, and fall months ($15/night). If you're a student on a budget you can camp for free in Blue Tree or Mack's Canyon (my personal favorite). There is always the Mt. Charleston Hotel with rooms, for those of you who aren't into roughing it. If you take Hwy 168 it ends in Kyle Canyon at a nice restaurant/bar where you will usually see a group of motorcyclists on one of their weekend rides.

Mummy Mt. with snow. Viewed from the 156 towards Lee Canyon

Some of the more popular hikes are:

Mary Jane Falls or Big Falls (not a registered trail); the most popular hike(s) in Kyle Canyon; especially in Spring when the snow-melt really gets the water flowing.

Mary Jane Falls

Big Falls 7/05'

N. Loop Trail to “Raintree” – a 3000+ y/o Bristlecone Pine.

Cathedral Rock (great beginner-intermediate hike, with spectacular views from the top!)

Shot of Echo Cliffs from the top of Cathedral Rock

Mt. Charleston Peak (from S. or N. loop trailheads). If you want to test your fitness, and have ~10 hours to spare, this is one of the best hikes around Las Vegas!

Bristlecone Trail is a great “flat” hike, and is the only trail that is mt. biker friendly.

Shot from Bristlecone Trail towards LVSSR

If you're into skiing, the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort (LVSSR) has 3 lifts, a half-pipe and some jumps for you boarders and skiers. It's no Brian Head, but definitely worth a trip or two per season!

There are also some unmarked and un-maintained 4x4 trails off the 156 and 157, so 'wheel' at your own risk.

For more info and hikes you can visit these sites:

• localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_4120.asp
• www.hikinglasvegas.com/hikes.html
• www.skilasvegas.com/winter/index.html
• www.mtcharlestonhotel.com
• www.mtcharlestonlodge.com

Directions: 95-N to the first Mt. Charleston Turnoff (Hwy 157). This takes you to the Mt. Charleston Hotel, Kyle Canyon restaurant/bar, and such hikes as Mary Jane Falls, Cathedral Rock, S. Loop Trailhead, and Kyle Canyon Campgrounds.

The 2nd turnoff from 95-N is Hwy 156, and is about 15 miles past the first turnoff. This is a more direct route to get to Lee Canyon for skiing and camping. Blue Tree and Mack's Canyon are both on the rt. Side (NW) of 156 before you get to the inter-connecting 158.

Hwy 158 interconnects both Hwy 156 and 157, and is a popular stretch of road for a spirited mountain drive. Off the 158 you will find several hikes, including the N. Loop Trailhead.

Map from skilasvegas.com website

Article Author:
Jason Rodgers
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