Mount Charleston Peak stands proud in the Spring Mountains at 11,916’ above sea-level. In the shadows of the mountain, you’ll find a recreation area filled with amazing hiking trails.
From impressive alpine views to larger-than life slot canyons, you won’t want to miss these epic Mount Charleston hikes.
Notice: Mt. Charleston recently experienced substantial storm damage from Hurricane Hillary. Be sure to check for updated information about closures here.
Fletcher Canyon Trail
Best known for: Exploring slot canyons
Fletcher Canyon trail is a moderate hike with beautiful views of the Spring Mountains, seasonal wildflowers and ends in a captivating journey through a variety of towering slot canyons.
Fletcher Canyon is one of our favorite hikes in the area.
- Distance (round trip): ~4.0 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: ~1,000 feet
- Route type: Out and back
- Average time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Trail start: Fletcher Canyon Trailhead, Mount Charleston, NV 89124
- Season: Spring through Fall
Related: Read about our experience at Fletcher Canyon trail.
Raintree Trail
Best known for: The 3,000-year-old bristlecone tree
The Raintree trail is a popular 2.7-mile trek (each way) that takes hikers through scenic forests, past epic views and culminates in what many believe to be the oldest living thing in Nevada, a 3,000-year-old massive bristlecone tree.
- Distance (round trip): 5.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard (due to distance and max elevation)
- Elevation gain: ~1,650 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Average time: 3.5 hours
- Trail start: North Loop Trailhead, Deer Creek Rd, Mount Charleston, NV 89124
- Season: Best used late spring through late fall
Related: Read about our experience on the Raintree trail.
Mary Janes Falls Trail
Best known for: Seasonal waterfall
This heavily trafficked trail near Mount Charleston features a scenic trail with a seasonal waterfall at the end. The trail is more challenging due to the high amount of switch backs and erosion from hikers cutting corners to shorten the length of the trail.
The best chance to see the waterfall is early in the season during the months of April and May.
- Distance (round trip): 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: ~1,114 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Average time: Less than 3 hours
- Trail start: 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mount Charleston, NV 89124
- Seasonal: April to December
Related: Check out our complete review of Mary Jane Falls.
Cathedral Rock Trail
Best known for: Expansive views from the summit
Expansive views of Cathedral rock and the Echo Cliffs greet you immediately upon starting this trail. Enjoy wildflowers, beautiful views of the valley below and a chance to see a variety of wildlife.
This well marked trail has several benches along the trail to stop for a rest and a grand pay-off at the summit.
The elevation gain and rocky path make this a moderate hike, but one not to be missed.
- Distance (round trip): 2.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate (due to elevation gain & max elevation)
- Elevation gain: ~984 feet
- Route Type: Out and back
- Average time: 2 – 3 hours
- Trail start: Cathedral Rock Trail, Mount Charleston, NV
- Season: Late Spring through Late Fall
Related: Read about our experience on the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Eagles Nest Loop hike
Best known for: Family friend hike with views of the Kyle Canyon Valley
This short refreshing hike heads through lush forested areas in the Spring Mountains. Enjoy the well-marked and traveled trail with expansive views of the valley and majestic old growth trees.
After a slight incline at the beginning of the loop, you’ll come out of the forested area and soon be wandering peacefully down an easy path that’s sure to impress.
- Distance (round trip): 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: ~400 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Average Time: Less than 2 hours
- Trail start: Fletcher Canyon Trailhead, US-95 and NV-157 W/ Kyle Canyon Road
- Season: April through September
Related: Read about our experience at Eagle’s Nest Loop.
Bristlecone Loop Trail
Best known for: Expansive views of Lee Canyon, the endangered Mount Charleston Blue Butterfly and wild horse sightings.
Beautiful views, wildflowers and wildlife await you on this pleasant trail on the Lee Canyon side of Mount Charleston.
This 6.3-mile moderate trail is best traversed clockwise starting at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead. This trail is also used for mountain bikers and is dog friendly with a leash.
- Distance (round trip): 6.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: ~931 feet
- Type: Loop
- Average time: 2 – 3 hours
- Trail start: Bristlecone Trail, Las Vegas NV, 89124
- Season: May through October
Related: Read about our experience at Bristlecone Loop Trail.
Robber’s Roost Trail
Best known for: Exploring caves and watching rock climbers
Robber’s Roost Trail is a short 0.2 miles path that tells a legendary tale of a horse thieves’ hideout in the late 1800s. This unique trail ends with a set of caves to explore and beautiful limestone rock walls that are frequented by elite rock climbers. The steep limestone cliff walls make this area one of the most difficult sport climbing locations in the world.
- Distance (round trip): 0.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (due to scrambling in the cave area)
- Elevation gain: ~236 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Average time: 1.0 hours
- Trail start: Robber’s Roost Trailhead, NV-158, Mount Charleston, NV 89124
- Season: Accessible year-round, best from spring through fall before snowfall.
Related: Read about our experience at Robber’s Roost Trail.
Echo Overlook Trail
Best known for: Views of the Echo Cliffs and Spring Mountains from the summit (including Charleston Peak, Cathedral Rock and Mummy Mountain)
The Echo Overlook trail is a popular hike to escape the Vegas heat in the summer and enjoy gorgeous views of the leaves in the fall. The trail is filled with seasonal wildflowers, Aspen trees, Cottonwoods and the famous Echo Cliffs.
Enjoy a picnic at the summit of the overlook and soak in the views of the Spring Mountains on this favorite hike of locals and visitors alike.
- Distance (round trip): 4.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
- Elevation gain: ~1,415 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Average time: 3 hours
- Trail start: South Loop Trailhead
- Season: Best used June – October
Related: Read about our experience on the Echo Overlook trail.
Mount Charleston Peak
Best known for: 5th largest peak in Nevada, and 1st with the largest prominent summit.
Clocking in at 11,916 feet above sea level, Mount Charleston Peak is an epic alpine hike located near Las Vegas, NV. The peak is accessible starting at the North Loop trailhead or can be accessed at the more popular South Loop trailhead. It is also possible to do a loop if you leave vehicles at each trailhead.
The hike boasts beautiful views of the Spring Mountains, seasonal wildflowers and depending on the route you choose, a 3,000-year-old bristlecone tree.
Trail Stats from North Loop Trailhead:
- Distance (round trip): ~20.6 miles
- Difficulty: Most Difficult
- Elevation gain: ~5,000 feet
- Route Type: Out and back
- Average time: 10 -12 hours
- Trail start: North Loop Trailhead
- Best Used: June – September
You Might Also Like:
