Services, Getting There

Hikes & Trails

Mount Charleston Wilderness Trails

Related Areas

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Map Information

USGS topo: Charleston Peak. USFS: Las Vegas Ranger District.

Wilderness Area Status

Designated Wilderness Area
Year Designated: 1989

Act or Law: Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989
Acres: 57442
State Region: Southern Nevada
County Regions: Clark   

Management

Managing Agency: Forest Service
Local District: Spring Mountain NRA
Contact Info: (702) 515-5400
4701 North Torrey Pines Dr  Las Vegas, NV 89130
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Area Description

The Mount Charleston Wilderness Area not only provides relief from the desert environment, but relief from the hot summer heat. The wilderness contains the highest elevations in the Spring Mountains, with the summit of Charleston Peak at 11,918 feet. Flora

The area extends completely across the crest of the Spring Mountains and contains 18,000 acres of bristlecone pine, the most extensive stand of these ancient trees to be found in the intermountain region. These trees are valued for their esthetic and scientific purposes and are among the oldest living, non-clonal organisms in the world.

Recreation
About 40 miles of trails cross this area, traversing significant elevation from trailheads to ridge lines. Springs are limited, and there are few running creeks. Trailheads: Griffith Peak, Mt. Charleston South and North loop trails, Mary Jane, Trail Canyon, Cathedral Park, Bristlecone Loop, and Bonanza.

City close
This wilderness area is within a 45-minute drive of much of Las Vegas. The nearest other scenic forested environment of this caliber requires a minimum three-hour drive from Las Vegas.

Wildlife: Rocky Mountain elk