Mount Charleston

Right over the hill from Las Vegas is a whole different world. Pine trees, log cabins & granite peaks are less than an hours drive form the Strip. Wild Horses, Burros & Elk can be seen roaming these wilderness lands on any given day. Some of the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees can also be found up on this range. Many Vegas locals escape to this destination during scorching summer months.

Several great resorts offer lodging and dining. There are also several campgrounds available with some primitive spots nearby.

Lee Canyon Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Hwy. 156 702/385-2754 Lee Canyon Ski Area 702/872-5462 702/593-9500 local lodging

Backpacking

• Mt. Charleston - convenient & close to Las Vegas
• fire permits are required
• permits are required for overnight back country camping
• check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping restrictions
• loop trails are also available

Ranger Stations:

Forest Hdqrts. Sparks, NV 775/331-6444

Bridgeport Distr. Bridgeport, CA 760/932-7070

Carson Distr. Carson, NV 775/882-2766

Spring Mountain Recreation Area Las Vegas, NV 702/515-5400

Toiyabe Forest government web site

Tahoe Mdws to Tahoe Rim Trail

Mount Rose Wildeness access via these trailheads:

• Hunter Creek
• Thomas Creek
• Whites Creek
• Mount Rose

Backroads

Many dirt back roads open for high clearance vehicles. The Bridgeport District has a lot more to offer for SUV back country scenery & access with an SUV, than the Vegas area. Plenty of dirt roads lead to great dispersed camping.

Campgrounds

Bridgeport seasonal closures, check with Rangers

campground	elev.	spots	veg	toilet	water
Chris Flat	6600'	15	pines	pit	piped	fish, Hwy 395
Desert Creek	6300'	13	pines	vault	yes	.
Green Creek	7500'	11	pines	none	yes	.
Kit Carson	6600'	12	pines	pit	piped	fish, Hwy 88
Leavitt Mdws.	7000'	16	pines	pit	piped	fish, hike, Hwy 395
Lower Twin Lake	7000'	15	pines	flush	piped	fish, hike, Hwy 395
Obsidian	7000'	14	pines	vault	no	fish, hike, Hwy 395
Paha	7000'	22	pines	vault	no	fish, hike, Hwy 395
Sonora Bridge	6800'	23	pines	yes	piped	fish

Carson Ranger Distr. seasonal closures, check with Rangers

campground	elev.	spots	veg	toilet	water
Crystal Springs	6000'	20	pines	vault	piped	fish, Hwy 88; reservations
Hope Valley	7300'	20	pines	pit	piped	fish, Blue Lks Rd; reservations
Lookout	6700'	22	pines	pit	piped	resv., Old Dog Valley Rd
Hunting Camp #2	6400'	-	pines	-	-	closed in snow
Hunting Camp #4	6400'	-	pines	-	-	open all year; no fee
Markleeville	5500'	10	pines	vault	piped	fish, hot springs; reservations
Mt.Rose	8900'	24	pines	-	-	open summer only
Silver Creek	6800'	12	pines	yes	piped	fish; reservations
Snowshoe Springs	6000'	13	pines	vault	piped	fish, Hwy 88; reservations

Las Vegas / Spring Mtn. Rec. Area
seasonal closures, check with Rangers

campground	elev.	spots	veg	toilet	water
Mt Charleston	6000'	30+	pines	flu/vau	-	NV Hwys 156, 157, 158 ski, hike
Dolomite	6000'	31	pines	flush	-	ski
Fletcher View	6000'	11	pines	vault	-	hike, Hwy 157
Hilltop	6000'	31	pines	showers	-	hike, Hwy 158
Kyle Canyon	6000'	19	pines	vault	-	ski, hike, Hwy 157
McWilliams	6000'	31	pines	flush	-	hike, Hwy 158 near ski area

Primitive Camping & Remote Camp Areas

Areas for dispersed camping. Grab a NFS map or dirt road atlas & start exploring. C Many dirt back roads open for high clearance vehicles. The Bridgeport District has a lot more to offer for SUV back country scenery & access with an SUV, than the Vegas area. Contact the local rangers for specific info.

The lower elevations of the Toiyabe National Forest, on the way up the mountain are scattered with Joshua Trees. A few dirt roads lead to nice picnic spots.

Lakes Toiyabe NF

Topaz Lake

Bridgeport Reservoir

Mono Lake (nearby)

Waterfalls

Sardine Falls

Leavitt Falls

Rock Climbing

Nearby Red Rock State Park