My friend who lives locally in Las Vegas recommended this as a closer and cooler alternative to the Grand Canyon, since it was so dang hot when I went out. My friend goes out here and hikes at least once a month and I can totally see why. It's less than an hour drive northwest from the Las Vegas Strip. If you need a cool green getaway from the heat and crowds of the strip this is a must-see. I was surprised how in the short drive (you also change elevation by 2,000 feet or so coming out of the Las Vegas valley) the temperature dropped at least 20 degrees. You will want to wear good sturdy hiking shoes or sandals and still bring plenty of water and snacks. Even though it's nowhere as hot as Las Vegas, you can still become dehydrated at higher elevations. It reminded me a lot of Colorado or the Black Hills of South Dakota. There are plenty of nice shaded picnic areas as you enter the recreation area and there is a small campground with cabins available in the actual Mount Charleston village. There are several different hiking trails; my friend and I did the Cathedral Rock Trail. You will gradually climb a rocky trail and change elevation of about 1,000 feet as you make your way to the top of Cathedral Rock. There are several spots along the way to stop and take a quick break. The views are breathtaking from the top and you will want to take a break at the summit to take it all in. Great photo opportunities too. But more than anything it's just amazing to think less than an hour from the noise, lights and bustle of the strip such a beautiful and serene place exists. Depending on the time of year you go, there will actually be snow so pack a jacket and warm pants as well. Allow yourself plenty of time and plan on at least 2 hours to climb up then down with time to enjoy the top of the mountain. We got back down to the parking area just as nightfall came, so the drive back to Vegas was cool too. Coming from dark desert wilderness back into the valley and seeing the Strip all lit up was pretty cool too. Definitely take half a day from your time in Vegas to come out and enjoy this oasis of greenery!

What can I say , but if you love the outdoors and want t to get away from the strip in Las Vegas this is for you ! There are quaint little cabins to stay at , a nice restaurant to eat in and about 20 degrees cooler then the desert floor and the strip. There are nice trails hike from beginners to the experienced . You would need to rent a car to get there from the strip, if you are just visiting for the casinos , but a nice break from the crowded Vegas strip if you are looking for a nice place to hike on your travel throng Nevada this may be for you.

I go to Mount Charleston when the strip gets too hot. The temperature usually drops about 20 degrees from what it is downtown. There is a restaurant that has amazing views of the mountains. Hiking is really good here and the ski lodge is close by! Definitely must see!

We went to the part where you pay to get in where the picnic tables are and trails and there were large groups 2x with unbelievable loud music blaring and bouncing off the mountains. I mean this is supposed to be a place of peace and nature not taking your 20 kids and such and blare music. Was sooo horrible we couldn't stay and we paid 18 dollars entrance fee.

Mount Charleston is a short 45 minute drive from the Vegas strip. We had an open air convertible and were surprised at the difference in temps form the valley to the peak (about 8500 ft elevation). A great afternoon drive, but dress warm!

We stopped at the Spring Mountain Visitors Gateway Center to get information about what we should see while we were in the area for a couple of hours. The very helpful staff gave us some recommendations. We drove up to the Desert View Overlook. It was stunning. We continued the drive to the Lee Meadows area where we hoped to see some wild horses, but none were there. We also drove to the Cathedral Rock area where we tried to find the trailhead for a short hike, but it was simply too hot for our group to hike. Overall, it was a very enjoyable drive. It was a wonderful alternative to the Las Vegas Strip.

Amazing views from up there. If you go in spring or fall, layer up. Bring lots of water and snacks. Hiking poles are helpful. You should be in decent shape to try it. Distance: 17.4 miles Elevation gain: 4,890 feet Elevation peak: 11,916 feet Time: 9 hours & 54 minutes The debris is from a CIA military plane crash from the 1950s.

This spot is quite a find. You literally go from the desert to a mountain forest in 45 minutes. Great for hikes and even winter snow boarding. Very much worth it for a day off the strip.

I only gave it a four star because we were caught in a snow storm and couldn't hike or truly experience the mountain. It is only 1.5 hours from Vegas and you won't believe how lush it is. It reminded me of Lake Tahoe area or Flagstaff. Definitely beautiful and will try to hike it this summer on a different visit.

We wanted to go up Mount Charleston for the view and experience. We stayed in the cottages and ate at the nearby hotel, very delicious, reasonably priced, comfortable bed, clean, hot tub for two, personal fireplace and heating. It was perfect!