Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers a high-altitude escape with pine-scented trails, summer hikes, winter snowplay, and year-round adventure.
This guide helps you plan your perfect 1–3 day trip, whether you’re seeking rest, altitude training, or snow-capped fun.
How to Use This Guide
Mount Charleston has two main zones:
- Kyle Canyon: Classic hikes, cabins, and the visitor center
- Lee Canyon: Skiing, disc golf, and summer chairlift rides
Choose your adventure:
- Half-Day Getaway
- Full-Day Exploration
- Overnight Escape
- Winter Wonderland
When to Visit
| Season | What to Expect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, cool weather | Snow lingers on high trails |
| Summer | Prime hiking, busiest season | Go early for parking |
| Fall | Best weather, light crowds | Aspen color around late Sept |
| Winter | Snow, sledding, skiing | Chain restrictions possible |
Sample Mount Charleston Itineraries
Half-Day Getaway (Local Favorite)
- Hike: Mary Jane Falls or Cathedral Rock
- Quick stop at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
- Picnic at Kyle Canyon Picnic Area
Full-Day Adventure (Nature + Play)
- Hike: Raintree or Bristlecone Loop
- Scenic overlook stop (Desert View)
- Disc Golf or Axe Throwing at Lee Canyon
Overnight Escape (Stay + Explore)
- Stay at The Retreat or Mount Charleston Cabins
- Stargazing, campfire, and a high-altitude morning hike
- Optional: Robber’s Roost, Fletcher Peak, or Mummy Springs
Interactive Map
Top Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Spring Mountains Visitor Center | Trail info, exhibits, restrooms |
| Lee Canyon Resort | Skiing, disc golf, chairlift |
| Desert View Overlook | Iconic photo stops |
| Robber’s Roost | Short cave hike |
Most Popular Hikes
Group by difficulty or goal:
Easy/Medium
Moderate
Advanced
- Raintree Trail
- Mummy Springs
- Fletcher Peak
- Charleston Peak (via South Loop)
Where to stay in the Mount Charleston area?
Mount Charleston has a mix of lodging and campgrounds to choose from in the area.
Resorts / Lodging
Unfortunately, in late 2021, there was a fire at the Mount Charleston lodge and it burned down. Luckily, the cabins have re-opened and there are plans to rebuild the lodge in the future.
Campgrounds
- Fletcher View Campground
- Hilltop Campground
- Mahogany Grove Group Campground
- McWilliams Campground (also available for winter camping)
Picnic Areas
If you’d like a little more adventure, dispersed camping is also allowed in many areas of the Spring Mountains. More information on where dispersed camping is allowed can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Charleston
Is Mount Charleston Free?
The Mount Charleston Wilderness Area is free to enter. The only exception is the local campgrounds which require a fee and also parking at the Lee Canyon Ski Resort during the winter months.
It is free to park at all the trailheads in the area and to visit the Spring Mountains Visitor Center. The mountain gets busy during the summer months and on the weekends, so be sure to go early to get a parking spot.
Are there bears in Mount Charleston?
No, there are no bears in the Mount Charleston area. The Spring Mountains are surrounded by the Mojave desert and bears have never lived in the area. Additionally it would be difficult for them to cross the desert from surrounding areas to relocate.
Are there mountain lions on Mount Charleston?
Yes, it is possible to run into mountain lions on Mount Charleston. It is rare to run into them, unless you’re in a more remote location around the mountain or at higher elevations. You can find warnings of mountain lions at certain trailheads, such as Mary Jane Falls.
Final Tips
- Start early, especially in summer.
- Bring layers — it’s 20–30°F cooler than Vegas.
- Check official updates for trail closures and fire damage before you go.