Tag Archives: mt. Charleston

MT. CHARLESTON PEAK – NEVADA

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Distance hikes, Outdoors, Peaks, Strenuous Hikes

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Mt. Charleston Peak  was a pretty awesome hike! At 11,918 ft it is the tallest mountain in Southern Nevada. The views from the top are some of the best! Vegas amd Death Valley are visible from the peak. It is said that on a clear day the Sierra Nevada are visible from the peak.

It had been on my list for a few years and on Labor Day I finally checked it of my list ✔

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Had the pleasure of bagging this peak with my good friend and fellow hiker Neal. He’s the one who got me into bagging peaks so it was only fitting hat he joined me on this trek.

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We started close to 8 am and took the Trail Canyon Trail up to the North Loop Trail to the peak.

  The hike itself is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done. The landscape is painted with Quaking Aspen and towering pines peirce the sky. In the upper reaches of the Limestone cliffs Bristlcone Pines dominate the mountain.

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● 17 miles out and back
● 8 -10 hours
● Difficulty – Very Strenuous
● Elevation Gain – 4,500 ft

Click for Google Maps link to trailhead

Link to full photo album

BRISTLECONE TRAIL – MT CHARLESTON

28 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors

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The Sisters and Lee Canyon

The Bristlecone Trail is located at the end of Lee Canyon in the Mt Charleston area of the Spring Mountains in Southern Nevada. The trail is around 5 miles long and can be done as a loop (with less than mile section of road.) Making it closer to 6 miles.

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  There are 2 trailheads Upper Bristlecone and Lower Bristlecone. The lower trail takes you up an old road and is pretty much exposed for 3 miles until you get to the Bonanza Trail Junction.  Continue on the Bristlecone trail for the remaining 2 mile hike downhill to the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead.

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Quaking Aspen

The hike can be done in any direction.  If you are starting early I would suggest doing it from the lower section first to get the exposed part out of the way.

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Upper Bristlecone Trailhead

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Quaking Aspen

Bristlecone pines, Ponderosa pines and Quaking Aspen can be found along the trail.

Click for Google maps to trailhead

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MARY JANE FALLS

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in Cave, Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls

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Mary Jane Falls… WOW!
This is probably the best hike I’ve been on so far for one reason and one reason only, the location!

Located 40 minutes north of the Las Vegas Strip there is a hidden paradise. A place that is overshadowed by the towering hotels and casinos. This amazing oasis is located in the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada.

This isolated adventure begins way before you reach the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead. As you leave the city in your rear view you will soon be driving down a one lane highway with amazing rockscape on either side. The scenery changes drastically in a matter of seconds. You will find yourself driving along a pine and campground filled highway (reminded me of the San Bernardino national Forest)

Now this is where the fun begins. Once you have parked you will notice the trailhead sign and the trail directly behind it. The first 1/3 mile is at a slight incline along a rocky trail. you will soon reach a sign that reads “trail” at the base of the switchbacks. (At this point I took some time to let my lungs adjust to the elevation before continuing) on the trail up the switchbacks you will see towering Ponderosa Pines, White fur and Aspen trees in the canyon below.

As you reach the top of the switchbacks you have an amazing view of Kyle Canyon and the canyon walls and you suddenly realize that you are 9,000+ ft above sea level. Such and amazing feeling.

When you reach the falls you will be in awe at the height of these natural wonders. The view is amazing! There are 2 caves, 3 waterfalls and a view of Big Falls, which is across the canyon.

I can’t wait till my next trip to Vegas. This is a must do hike. It is great for kids, dogs and adults.

The best part of this hike is that the temperature is 20-25 degrees cooler than in the LV valley. Excellent for hiking in the summer.

Happy Trails,
Alex G

•Waterfall
•1000 ft elevation gain
•Cave
•3 miles round trip
•free parking