Fun fact: Southern Nevada's Spring Mountain NRA has 7 different climate zones, a change in habitat that is similar to traveling from Mexico to the Canadian Arctic. SOURCE: Travel Nevada. There are also groves of Great Basin Bristlecone Pines--one of the oldest species on Earth that are only found in NV, CA, and UT--as well as at least 20 endemic species (that are found nowhere else on Earth). Home Means Nevada. :) read more

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Early May, 2024. (Arriving on a Sunday, leaving on Monday). We spent two days, including one night camping, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) which includes Mount Charleston. Administered by the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, the entrance is just 17 miles from Hwy 95 on Rte 157 or 45 minutes (and a world away) from the hustle and bustle - and heat - of the Las Vegas strip. Sunday. We started at the Visitor Gateway, where there are helpful staff and maps to help you to plan your stay. In addition, there is a gift shop, clean restrooms, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and trailheads to the Pack Rat Route and the Escarpment Trails. Next on our itinerary were a pair of scenic drives. From the Visitors Gateway, we traveled a short distance on Rte 157, until intersecting with Rte 158, which took us up the windy mountain road. We passed the entrances to The Resort on Mount Charleston, various trailheads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. We stopped at the Desert View Overlook, walking the short interpretive trail and taking photos. We continued in Rte 158 until we intersected with Rte 156, which we took left to the Lee Canyon ski area, passing picnic areas, campgrounds, and trailheads along the way. We then turned around, and went back down the mountain. Upon again intersecting with Rte 157, we took it to its terminus at the Mount Charleston Lodge. Our final destination was our campsite at the Fletcher View Campground (reviewed separately). Monday. We returned to the Visitors Gateway, and did the two "more difficult" hikes that originated there -- the Pack Rat Route (only 0.4 mi) is short, paved, and very steep. If you do it as a loop, the trail is somewhat washed out towards the end. Pack Rat connected to the 2.4 mile Escarpment Trail, which takes you above the cliffs and to some wonderful mountain views. Both of these trails are for hiking only. No bikes or horses. Some things to note: *The Visitors Gateway provides a good map of the area which I've posted a Yelp (in Spanish). It shows trails (including hiking, cycling, equestrian, and interpretative), campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, etc. *The map also highlights the trails in the NRA, with ratings of easy to moderate to more difficult to most difficult. It also provides distances, but not elevation changes. *When we were there (May, 2024), at least 6 trails, including the popular Mary Jane Falls Trail, were closed due to storm damage. read more

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On our way back, we decided to stop by here and it was a great experience. We met Ricky, the Bark Ranger. Too cute! They have interactive little exhibits in here. This area is a great place to go on a stroll. There's multiple hiking trails that connect to a campground. read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Ricky, the bark ranger! - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

We've always loved visiting the Spring Mountains as a peaceful escape from the city -- especially to enjoy the cooler weather and let our son explore. It's a place we return to often as a family. During a recent visit, we started our day at The Retreat on Charleston Peak for coffee and relaxation. On the way back down, we decided to make a quick stop at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway -- a favorite of our son's, who enjoys picking up small souvenirs there. Unfortunately, this visit ended on a stressful note. As I turned into the Visitor Gateway, with the entrance gate still open, a Forest Service employee rudely shouted at us, stating the area was closed, in a manner reminiscent of a military drill. Her vehicle was positioned in such a way that it prevented me from safely turning around or exiting without having to reverse onto the road--a maneuver that was highly unsafe, particularly with my child in the backseat. Only after I cautiously backed into traffic and ensured it was safe did she finally decide to move her SUV and head in a different direction, though she could have easily moved her vehicle earlier to allow me to pass safely. While I completely understand that areas may close at certain hours, clearer signage and a more professional, safety-conscious approach would've made a big difference. We didn't realize the facility had closed since the gate was open, and the situation could have easily been handled with more care. Unfortunately, this experience left us feeling rattled and disappointed. It may make us reconsider visiting that specific area again in the future. read more

Wow! I got to see snow and play in it for the first time. This place is beautiful, and it lets you uncheck because there's no cell service. Spring Mountain was a last-minute thing and I found out the family put this on the agenda one week before my flight. I scrambled and bought some snow gear on Amazon.com. The only thing I did not buy were the boots because I don't know what I do with it in Hawaii after the trip. I ended up wearing a pair of sneakers that had lots of grip and it worked fine when I walked on the melting ice and snow. I stayed in the flat areas and did some sledding down the hill. It was fun and I could see why my nieces had such a great time. They had their snow gear and went much higher up on the hill. We packed food, snacks, and drinks so we were able to do a picnic on the snow. If you're coming from the Las Vegas strip, it takes a little over 1 hour to get here. The drive into Spring Mountain was pretty! There was snowcapped mountains and snow on both sides of the road. I wanted to stop and take photos but there were cars in front and behind me. It's a good idea to go early, 7AM or 8AM so you can get a parking space. read more

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My recent discoveries are the amazing wildflowers, especially on the trail at Desert View Overlook in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This trail is very easy, paved trail, wheelchair accessible. It's another great hike when you're short of time! It has a decent size of parking lot, so you can park safely and not just on the side of the road. There are multiple benches by the trail if you need to sit down and relax, and enjoy the views. There are multiple areas with different information boards about each area which points to the direction of the site that informs you what used to be there and how long ago, and it's really interesting and informative. Unfortunately, our super hot weather doesn't seem to like those information boards, the pictures and writing is completely faded away in most areas. Hopefully, authorities are noticing that too and eventually repairs will be done or replacement is on the way soon! Regardless, we enjoy the amazing views from here. And enjoying the beautiful nature! read more

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Beautiful exhibits at the Gateway Ranger Station. Free picnic area up 158, it's called Sawmill Picnic area. The Gateway Ranger Station has a free map with all the different places you can camp too. read more

The view of the snow capped mountains from our house prompted us to take a drive up to the mountains sooner than later. On Veterans Day, 11/11/2020, it only took us 30 minutes after gassing up in the Chinatown area. Wow! Need to come up here more often. Look forward to visiting in the springtime, since most picnic areas and trails had their gates closed. But, most of us still found areas to park and play in the snow. Kids of all ages were either sledding down hills or building a snowman, just like us! The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Better known to locals as Mount Charleston! The Visitor Center was not open, I'm assuming due to COVID? Instead, we stopped at The Resort on Mount Charleston to stretch our legs (aka potty break). From I-215, we exited state route 157, Kyle Canyon Rd. The view of Mt Charleston was super exciting!! Still can't believe how close this is to us! We didn't need snow tires/tire chains on our visit. Just be sure to watch weather conditions as the elevation changes quite drastically! When we reached the North Trail parking lot, we were at 8,000ft Elevation! Safe travels! read more

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Nature lovers like me cringe at the thought of Las Vegas, and would look for any excuse to not need to go to The Strip. Casinos, hotels, casinos, neon, casinos, gaudy restaurants, casinos, adults acting like a teenager left alone with the keys to the Corvette and liquor cabinet, and did I mention casinos? - they'd say that Hell is not a town in Michigan, it's Las Vegas Blvd. south of Sahara Avenue. As for me, Jesus Christ saved me from the real Hell, but Celine Dion's show would be the next worst thing. For us, a quick trip north on US 95 and then west on Highway 157 takes us to a place that we never thought would exist in the waterless wasteland of the southern Nevada desert. Presenting the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. I intended to write a review about my hike to the top of Mt. Charleston. I went only three miles. Reason: too much snow. Snow in Southern Nevada??? Yes. I lost the trail one mile before Raintree because of so much snow. And I had over a thousand vertical feet to go. Every hiker I ran into turned back, and so did I. But not before hiking to the Mummy Springs. Its trail ends here. So I sat down in the snow, grabbed a monster ham sandwich I'd bought at Smith's, and enjoyed the sammy while listening to the water tumbling down the mountainside. There is also a visitor center, with exhibits about how the land is used and its modern history. And because it's a national forest, you can camp anywhere free as long as you leave no trace. I camped in a large improvised parking lot right inside the forest boundary. And there's more. Read the rest of the Yelp reviews to find out other attractions. All of this almost sounds like a serious mountainscape. And that's exactly what it is. The North Loop trailhead to Mt. Charleston starts at 8500 feet above sea level, which is higher than the top of Yosemite's Half Dome. Lots of pine trees and steep inclines/declines. You need to prepare for a trip here the same way that you'd prepare for either the Sierras or the Rockies. There are many sports stores in Vegas where you can get your supplies. And to give you an idea of distance, it took me only half an hour to drive from the Rio to my camping spot. Bottom line: if you'd rather hug a tree than play poker, then go to the Spring Mountains Recreation Area for a pleasant surprise. read more

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I love coming up here to escape the hustle and bustle (as well as the heat) from the city Las Vegas. There are so many options for beautiful hikes that offer a range of hikes for all ages, ability levels, and dogs. OR, you can just come up here to camp or for day use/picnic. Beautiful mountain views with spacious areas that offer a quiet retreat away from the city. Spend an afternoon, a whole day, or even a weekend camping here to get your nature fix and feel rejuvenated. There is The Lodge where you can drive to for lunch and/or a bar, but I recommend packing your own food and of course bringing water so you can really get out in nature and enjoy. Escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and find refuge in the serene beauty of these hiking trails. With options for all ages and skill levels, as well as dog-friendly paths, there's something for everyone. And if hiking isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the breathtaking mountain views while camping or having a picnic. Take a break from city life and spend a leisurely afternoon, a full day, or even a whole weekend immersing yourself in nature. While there is a lodge available, I recommend bringing your own food and water for a true outdoor experience. So pack your bags, leave the noise behind, and discover the rejuvenating power of the great outdoors. read more

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Beat the Las Vegas & Southern Nevada heat at Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (SMNRA)... With our trailer in tow en route to McWilliams Campground which is inside SMNRA, our truck's temperature gauge went from 106°F from the US 95 Highway (aka Veterans Memorial Highway) to 66°F when we reached our rainy campsite on 7/31/18. It's a lovely area with plenty of other campgrounds (many group sites), hiking, picnicking, fishing, OHV trails, and more. When the snow falls, there are areas designated to the following: skiing & snowboarding, sledding & tubing, snowmobiling, XC skiing & snowshoeing, & even mushing & skijoring. We saw several wild horses. Chipmunks. Squirrels. Crows. Bluejays. What I believe to be pinyon jays and also Clark's nutcrackers or as we like to call them "camp robbers." Please help keep the area beautiful: Leave No Trace & tell your friends to pick up after themselves. A little goes a long way. 2018 Yelp challenge #168 read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Beautiful - many wild horses in the area! (8/1/18) - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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Due to extensive damage to the trails by Hurricane Hilary, be sure and check here for closures: https://www.gomtcharleston.com/spring-mountains-weekly-update/ Please note that many of the parking lots are closed. read more

It's always a good idea to come out hear and enjoy the outdoors. I can find something to do here at any time or the year. My favorite is when it snows and I have fond memories of bringing my dog out to see snow for the first time. read more

It's really a nice place to relax, unwind hike or just do nothing . I love nature and I enjoy exploring the place. Check out the cathedral of rock it's pretty read more

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Simply, a parks and recreation paradise for the Vegas-goer. Oftentimes, when I get dragged to Vegas, I'm trying to figure out what I can explore outside of the typical scene. And this area is perfect for folks looking for an outdoorsy escape. The good: +Good hiking trails! A nice variety of easy to moderate it seems. +Cool weather! I was amazed at how much cooler the weather got so close to Vegas +Quick drive - from our place near the strip, it took about 45 minutes to get to our trailhead. +A variety of offerings to appeal to the outdoorsy person - hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and simply views to enjoy. +More relaxing than my ventures out to Red Rock and Valley of Fire (even though those places are cool) simply based on the lack of crowds alone. The could-be-better: -Anything you need, get it before you start on the road up here. -I discovered that I needed snow shoes to complete my hike, so I'll have to be better prepared next time. All in all, I will be back! read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Fog/clouds burning off - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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Absolutely beautiful and nice walking trail. Our favorite place to come when visiting the state. read more

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LANDMARK REVIEW 1,000 The fact that I chose to write Review 1,000 on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area which is also known as Mount Charleston, is evidence that I think very highly of it. I am a true lover of nature. Spending hours in nature is hours spent in a happy state. Essentially this review is a review celebration nature. This is an unparalleled natural ecosystem up on a sky island that ranges between 6,000 and over10,000 feet above sea level. It is a sky island near to Las Vegas and Heaven. This is my island up in the sky where I have gone to escape negatively. In the last two years I have escaped to the Spring Mountains over 31 times. The Spring Mountains gives so much for so little. For the price of half a tank of gas this is a place that gives priceless adventures. The adventures take place on nature trails passing near and to the top of mountain peaks, through bristlecone pine forests interspersed with aspin, into forested canyons, on scenic overlooks, beneath a 3,000 year old tree (Raintree), at the edge of waterfalls, and by wildlife. The Spring Mountains has been my sunshine on cloudy days. For example, the Day after returning from Boston with the realization that I may not see my family for a while and possibly Boston never; sadness was kicking in. The next morning I immediately drove to the Raintree where the fresh crisp pine tree air and forest healed the sadness. During the heated days when the Las Vegas desert bakes in the summer, being here extended hiking season from 9 months to a year. I remember a couple of years ago just after the 2013 Carpenter Fire when the damage shut down a large area of the park creating a hiking season was from late September til May. There was a part of me missing during those months. I need to be in nature. Fast forward to 2015, many of the trails were reopened with a new Visitor Center. This Visitor Center became symbol of the Spring Mountains. With the Visitor Center new trails were born. They included the Acustus and Escarpment Trails. From this point on, nearly every summer weekend during 2015 and 2016, I would make the drive from Henderson all the way up to Mount Charleston to take in its mountains and forests. Every weekend I would hike on a different trail building up to my bucket list hike of Charleston Peak-the highest point in Southern Nevada. Although the trails and scenery would change, my enthusiasm would stay the same. In my mind, nature is like experiencing a five star meal that I need to cherish and enjoy slowly. Whether it was Lee or Kyle Canyon, my tradition has been to drive the additional miles north on US 95 to use the less traveled Lee Canyon Road up to the mountains. Regardless of all the hiking I have partaken in the Spring Mountains, it is Mummy Mountain and not Mount Charleston that I often see. From the time I turned onto Lee Canyon Road in the Mojave Desert at 2,000 feet elevation all the way to Deer Creek Road at 8,000 feet where I often made a turn on to Deer Creek Road, Mummy Mountain was a mesmerizing landmark that turned larger and larger until the pine forests camouflaged it in the bristlecone elevation zone. Mount Charleston on the other hand is easier to take in from Pahrump than most of the place that is also called Mount Charleston. If this review celebrates nature I want to touch on human nature. My only complaint regarding the Spring Mountains is there is an element of human trash that trashes parts of the park with graffiti, carving aspin trees, and even starting fires. That is the bad side of human nature. I witnessed the most evidence of this in the Mary Jane Falls area. No amount of words can do the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area justice. Especially when I am reaching my allowed Yelp word limit. The spirit of the Spring Mountains is displayed in many of the reviews that I have penned on its hiking trails. These reviews are in my Las Vegas hiking list. In the future I will be sharing more of the trails that I hike in the Spring Mountains. Charleston Peak, the ultimate Spring Mountains and Las Vegas hike, is still on my bucket list. Just like reaching the Yelp peak of Landmark Review 1,000, Mount Charleston is one more peak that I aim to reach. Mount Charleston for the World! read more

The Spring Mountain National Recreation Area is generally regarded as the area around Kyle and Lee Canyons. The recreation area allows many things that you wouldn't expect in the Las Vegas area. There's skiing and snowboarding in the winter, snowshoe trips in the winter, hiking in the summer, and lots and lots of trees. While it's still desert, the mountains get much more rain, relatively speaking, than does Las Vegas and thus the lush nature of the mountains. I visit the mountain in various times of the year but mostly in the summer for hiking. There are many trails. The hiking can be difficult for many because of the elevation. There are few trails that start at less than 7,500 feet so you may be gasping to catch your breath and stopping more often than for a normal hike. In the summer, on weekends, you can ride the chairlift to the top of the ski area and walk back down, ride back down, or enjoy a game of Frisbee golf as you make your way down the run. If you're lucky, you can see some of Nevada's wild horses as they roam free in the Spring Mountains. ************************************************************* A couple of things to remember about the Recreation Area in 2014. ************************************************************* Due to the Carpenter 1 Fire of 2013, there are several trails and areas that are closed. These are the Cathedral Rock Trail, the South Loop Trail, the Little Falls Trail, and the Echo Trail. Fines for hiking in the fire burned area can be as high as $5,000. It is a federal offense. Don't be a jerk and hike through the burn area. You're just impeding the regrowth of the forest and you'll be harming the ecology. Be a smart user of our shared resources! Stay out of those areas and you still have a large part of the Recreation Area to explore and use--Lee Canyon and the trails of Deer Creek Road. These are still open. Use them. read more

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Spring Mountain National Recreation Area For the last day of this month, I'll make this review rhyme. You'll find a lot of hikes here, and some with a climb. Red Rock has hikes I love, especially when it's cold. But Spring Mountain has my favorite hikes, that never gets old. Trail Canyon is torture, sprint it, that's insane!! Looking for something easy? Try the falls named Mary Jane. Cat Rock is a favorite, I also like Bristlecone Trail. Regardless which hike we do, it's never a fail. No Big Foot sightings, so, don't you fear, Lookout for wild horses, and even some deer. This place is beautiful, regardless of the time. It's also free to hike here, won't cost you a dime. So, that's my quick review, and now for a tip. A visit is worth it, and cooler than the strip. -Mel C read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Home of Mount Charleston, Trail Canyon, Mary Jane Falls, Cathedral Rock, and more, SMNRA is one of our favorite places to beat the heat in the summer time, or even now as it's starting to warm up. Escape to the mountains where it's cooler and bask in the greenery, trails, the sound of birds singing, and maybe spy a deer or two. If you're pressed for time, Cathedral Rock is a quick hike that's not too strenuous. If you have more time and want an excellent cardio workout instead of being stuck in a gym on the Stairmaster, head to Trail Canyon. Mary Jane Falls is popular with all ages and even though there isn't a huge waterfall at the end, you will see some water, though it could actually be a trickle depending on if there was any recent rainfall. Get here early if you want to avoid the crowds on the weekends, remember to bring hydration, and leave no trace, i.e. don't litter--happy trails to you! read more

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Should prominently say MOUNT CHARLESTON in the listing. Probably the best thing about Las Vegas, and it was built by mother nature and not a developer. It's a must-see place, especially in the summer, when the climb from the desert floor to an elevation of about 7,200 ft. and the powerful view over the valley in which Las Vegas sits is breathtaking. There is also at least one casual place to eat up there and it has a terrace. Not only that, there is a welcomed 20 degree F temperature drop at Mt. Charleston. One caveat: the A/C should be turned off for the steep ascent and you should watch the temperature gauge and, on the way down, brake judiciously ... because you will need to. read more

I love coming up here and going hiking with the bf. It's so nice to get away from the city and just breathe in the fresh mountain air. The temps are always 20 degrees cooler than Vegas, so we love coming up in Sept/October right when it's starting to cool down. Then we usually make another trip out when there is snow on the ground, because who doesn't love to play in the snow? Plus it makes for really gorgeous pictures. There are many different trails to hike, with varying intensities. You can check the website to see which trails are located where, and how hard they are. In the winter you can head up to Lee Canyon where they have the ski and snowboard resort. Sometimes we pack a lunch, and then stop at the Deer Creek picnic area to eat after a hike. You park across the street and then walk over to the picnic area. There are bathrooms in the parking lot and also there are some about a half a mile into the picnic area as well. Just fyi there is never any toilet paper so we always bring our own. The picnic area is paved, so it is easy to walk on, although it is uphill. There are wooden tables you can use to stop and rest and enjoy your lunch. They also have bbq grills, but I don't think you can use those anymore. What I love most is hearing the water trickling down from the creek that runs through that area, it is so peaceful and serene when you are out there, there is really nothing better. read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Deer Creek - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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How lucky are we? We get to live in Las Vegas and have a nice, mild winter and then whenever the mood strikes us to have some cooler temps, all we have to do is take a short drive up to Mt Charleston! I've been visiting Mt Charleston ever since I moved to Vegas. Being a Pittsburgh girl, I occasionally get the calling for some evergreen trees and cool air. Mount Charleston is easy to get to and the drive is unbelievable. It's amazing to watch how much more vegetation appears on landscape as you make your way up in elevation. Once you get to the top, you have a gorgeous pine forest to admire. Spring Mountain National Rec Area (what I incorrectly consider "Mt Charleston") is nice for the drive alone. There are plenty of pull-outs for photos on the road between Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon. It's a nice spot to visit for the afternoon to have a picnic and get some fresh air. There is also plenty of hiking if you want to get outdoors but don't want to pass out from the 110 degree weather down in the valley. If you ever decide you need to see some snow, Mt Charleston has that for you as well. I was up there hiking in May a couple years ago and there were still piles of snow 5 feet high in some places on the trail! For those of you that like you have your "White Christmas," then you should definitely consider getting a room at the resort or lodge in December. Oh, and did I mention there was skiing in Lee Canyon? I love it here and don't visit nearly as often as I should. If you're a tourist and you are looking for something different to do while visiting Vegas, you might want to consider this. If you are from Las Vegas and never been, then get your butt in gear and get up to the mountain! Your body will thank you for the few hours it's not melting in the sun. read more

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ANOTHER FAVORITE GETAWAY! Hate the heat. Love the snow! For some reason I never drove this far to go hiking to see pass the Mount Charleston entrance turn. Turn to Lee Canyon to see this beauty! God, it's so nice to just get away, have no reception and enjoy the nice cool breeze up a mountain. Reduce the stress and clear your mind. If you go to the Upper Bristlecone Trail parking area to go skiing and snowboard, there is a $5 fee to go in. Sometimes there's no one there, so it's free. But when I went the other day, seems like everyone wanted to snowboard and such. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because on the drive up there. There was a lot of trash scattered on the side of the roads. Seemed like it wasn't being intended too well. There was also an abandoned truck that smelled like hell's dump yard and a bunch of homeless people decided to poop all over the place sitting in the lower parking lot of the Bristlecone trail. I'm sure a squatter was chillin around though and their car broke down. Anyway, since we didn't want to go up the trail where the smelly truck was broken down at, we reported it to the cute girl taking payment to the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead and she let us in without paying the $5. Woo! THANK YOU, CUTE GIRL. Haha. Besides all that, it was a wonderful experience. I will go back! read more

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There are various parts to this rec. area, spread over a pretty large distance. This review is for the Northernmost portion, accessed across from Mercury, NV. This portion is NOT very well maintained, and it truly for those off-roading campers/adventurers. There are no bathrooms nearby and no amenities to speak of nearby (including running water of any type). The roads are absolutely horrible unless you have high clearance and 4WD. But many great trails for ATVs and horseback riding. That being said, it is an incredibly beautiful place to be. We were there at the end of February and the temperature was in the upper 60s/lower 70s. We did a hike up one of the mountains to check out one of the former mining camps, and the view all around us was spectacular. This would have had 5 stars if the roads were a little better/more accessible, and because we only experienced a portion of the Rec Area, I didn't want to be too critical. So we land at a healthy/solid 4 star review. 2016 Yelp 100 Review Challenge #35 read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - View on the drive out of the Rec Area - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Great place in the summer to get away from the Las Vegas heat. Tons of great well marked hiking trails to be had, for all fitness levels. Make a stop at the Visitors Center and grab yourself a free trails map or just google it. If you go in the spring time there will be more opportunities to see waterfalls or streams like on the Mary Jane Falls trails and Big Falls. Take your lunch and eat at one of the many picnic areas or stop by the Mount Charleston Resort and have a bite. You can even camp up there and make a weekend of it. Plenty of wildlife can be seen at all times of the day. It's a short drive from Las Vegas so don't hesitate, before you know it, it'll be covered with snow! read more

$10/ car for a half day of snow fun is a pretty good deal for two families. Parking is a challenge but the earlier you arrive the better. We were advised to dress like we're going skiing and to brings snacks. We did for the kids but not for me except for a ski jacket. Nonetheless it was fun hiking up the side of the hill and using a disc to come back down. Another patron brought fire wood and had a warm fire burning and was kind enough to share his heat. The temp was 25 but it felt great as the sun was shining bright today. read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

If you like the great outdoors, get off the strip and see some spectacular sites. Beware the altitude and note that it's much cooler than the strip. Go here if you've already been to Red Rock Canyon. We hiked the Cathedral Rock Trail and the description at this link was accurate: https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_026404.pdf The park ranger at the visitor center warned us off the Mary Jane Falls Trail. He said the last leg of it is very strenuous because of the altitude, and if you're not used to the altitude it could be a problem. If you are looking for an easier hike, he suggested Fletcher Canyon. I can't wait to go back and hike some of the other trails. read more

I love this area. There is nothing better than to escape into the cool mountains when it is 100+ in Vegas. There are many pulls offs to stop and enjoy the scenery and to hop on a hiking trail. Parking can be hard to find during peak season so keep that in mind. From the strip it's about an hour drive to the top of the loop. Not all of the hiking parking lots have (rustic) restrooms but a few do, so keep that in mind when picking a location! If you are missing real green beautiful trees and fresh mountain air, I highly recommend! read more

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Mt Charleston Area (of Spring Mountains) - Free Admission A HEAVENLY place for hiking and other outdoor activities especially in the hot Vegas summer! One can even ski there in winter! And it is less than an hour scenic drive away from the strip. It's a year round favorite for us locals, and a must visit for tourists! This magnificent, cool and mostly shaded mountain range offers vast areas for a variety of outdoor activities all season long! Its warmth, transquility and wonderous natural beauty can only be experienced and not described! Thus, it is a favorite of us locals, and a must-visit for tourists of all ages, for (1) Sight-seeing, (2) Hiking, (3) Biking, (4) Horseback Riding, (5) Golfing, (6) Camping, (7) Skiing and Snowboarding! Mt. Charleston is where my wife and I frequently go for hiking during summer and fall. We always take our out of town guests there for sight-seeing and hiking. They absolutely could not believe how lucky we Vegas residents are for having auch a heavenly place nearby! - So, it's no surprise that over the years, we have run into smart, well informed people in Mt. Charlaton, visiting from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico.... oh yes, even from Houston and Los Angeles, among others! The YELPY Version that you Can Skip! - This area also has a resort hotel and a medium size, charming mid-mountain lodge/restaurant/bar with a fantatic view! Hiking trails for all abilities, picnic areas and special camp grounds are everywhere! GETTING THERE from the STRIP: - Take I-95N; turn onto Hwy157W to Mt. Charleston (in Kyle Canyon). - Hwy157W (a 2-lane rd) is an extremely scenic route, which shows distinct differences in vegetation and rock formation as the altitude changes! - On Hwy157, you'll be awed by the "Mummy" lying on top of the Mummy Mountain! - From Mt. Charlston, one can also take the off-shoot Hwy158 to the "Lee Canyon", where the ski area is located, along with campgrounds and numerous other hiking trails. VISITOR CENTER - Free Trail Maps! - Be sure to stop by its small Visitor Center in Mt Charston, near the end of Hwy157, but BEFORE Echo Rd. You can get various free trail maps and other valuable info there. ADDITIONAL TIPS: - A few popular Easy/Moderate hiking trails (among numerous others): A. In Mt. Charlston (Kyle Canyon Side): 1. Mary Jane Falls (A must!) - Be amazed by its spectacular waterfalls, a cave, and breathtaking views on the top http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/MaryJaneFalls_4120.asp 2. Fletcher Trail 3. Cathedral Rock 4. South Loop B. In Lee Canyon (Hwy 158; Hwy156): 1. Bristlecone Trail - Around the ski area in the lower part; through a "forest-like" trail upper part. http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/Mt_Char/Bristlecone/_Bristlecone.htm 2. North Loop - There is a large 4000 yr old Rain-Tree near the end of trail http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/Mt_Char/North_Loop/_North_Loop.htm -- General Web References: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/outside_lasvegas/mountcharleston.html http://www.nevadawilderness.org/items/article_Mount_Charleston_trails.pdf http://www.mtcharlestonresort.com/ http://m.publiclands.org/site.php?USEMOBILE=Y&id=351&plicstate= Peterskis, June 2012 read more

Over the past year I've realized I really need to appreciate the outdoors around me more. I've gotten out of the city on quite a few occasions lately and I've taken a liking to hiking, even though I am not particularly good at it. This area outside of Vegas is primarily known for being the home of Mt. Charleston. The thing to realize though, is that there's much more to do here than go to Mt. Charleston. On mine and my husband's last venture here we brought our two dogs to go on the North loop hike. This hike is located in the Kyle Canyon area. It's a nice hike, and I love the views you can get as you make each summit. It is up, up, up most of the way, but there are a few areas that allow hikers (like myself) a few moments of ease and the ability to catch your breathe. I love the feeling of coming up into the mountains from the valley. It's really just a totally different world. Honestly if you are not coming out here every once and awhile you are doing yourself a disservice just stewing in the Vegas valley. Give your lungs some fresh mountain air, give your nose new smells - pine, wildlife, clean air! And give your legs some room to move! There's just nothing like this in the city. You have to get out there and live it. read more

This is the PERFECT getaway from the Vegas city life! I can't believe this place exists only 45 minutes from Las Vegas. I am a huge fan of pine nuts. For those that buy pine nuts, we all know that it costs $30/lb at Whole Foods. Here's a secret... Pinyon pine trees grows here! "Annually between September and November, the Forest Service allows one pound of shelled nuts or ten pounds of cones to be collected per family within the National Recreation Area. No permit or fee is required to gather for personal use." How amazing is this? FREE pine nuts! I went to harvest pine nuts in late October and there were PLENTY. read more

We again drove the scenic loop by following route 95 north out of Las Vegas before taking a left on route 157 where we immediately began to gain altitude, ultimately traveling from around 3,000 feet to just shy of 8,500. I also noted on the drive that the temperature dropped from 73 degrees to a blustery 59. This visit was near the end of October so the fall foliage display ahd already passed. Not too far into our drive, we stopped at the new, since our last trip, visitors center which was impressive. The highlight being Austine Wood Commarow's 70' window installation made up of 25 individual panels. To the unaided eye the panels look like frosted glass, but when seen through polarized viewers, each panel offers colorful images of native flora and fauna. We also walked the grounds that include access to a few hiking trails, a memorial to the Silent Heroes of the Cold War and Seven Stones Plaza, a tribute to the seven southern Paiute tribes. We then continued on to Kyle Canyon ski area before completing the loop via routes 158 and 156. read more

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Winter was such a short time this year but even now that the sun has been really hot there is so much sow to have fun with. Everything we want to scape from stress and enjoy nature we come here. Nothing better than fresh smell of a pines and nature all around . read more

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I hate how there is never any parking areas available, and its always packed with guests. Especially during winter when everyone wants to take snow home in the back of their trunk or store huge chunks on top of their hood. The view and wildlife is as good as it gets here next to Las Vegas. And a great place to stay out of the summer heat for a little bit. read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area is a very generic term as there's so much that that title covers. There's hiking trails, picnic areas, motels, restaurants, skiing, mountain biking, camping....if you enjoy the outdoors there's literally something for everyone here. If you can't find something enjoyable to do up here you've got a problem. read more

Beautiful day in the mountains. Love this place .. Just the drive up there is so worth it. Go slow enjoy ur drive. Just less then 40 min from Vegas. Great hikes majestic views from every direction.. Day in the snow on Jan. 31 2015 read more

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

I can't say enough good things about this place. It's kept clean, it's peaceful, it's nature at its best. Stay on the trail as it does get to some steep ends. Depending on the time of year and the trail you take, you will be able to see some gorgeous waterfalls. Today, we saw a beautiful hawk just relaxing up on a tree branch. Will definitely be back now that it has cooled down. read more

Where the hell is this place? We drove there and around it, and is was a parking lot. Are you kidding me? All the pictures described on this website was not seen. It was frustrating. If I could give it a zero star, I would. read more

If you're planning on camping, especially on Hilltop campground, be warned!!! the mountain is swarmed with bees / wasps , Been planning this vacation for a month brought bug repellent but that doesn't on work bees, just at the campsite i reserved were hundreds of bees, people were complaining at every site. not just a few bees , 20, or 30, but literally at least a hundred just at my spot.They got into our tent while i was setting up, it was such a bummer. we had to leave the next day it was just too much. The mountain is beautiful , staff friendly, but if you're planning a nice peaceful getaway, "bee" prepared to "bee" fighting off these little guys your whole time. Don't want your vacation to turn out like mine did. read more