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.
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Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
Hwy. 156
702/385-2754
Lee Canyon Ski Area
702/872-5462
702/593-9500
local lodging
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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:
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.
Toiyabe Campgrounds
Bridgeport, CA 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 Mountain Recreation 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. 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 on back road travel.
Lakes Toiyabe NF
Bridgeport Reservoir, Marina & RV Camp
Green Lake (Hoover Wilderness hike)
Lundy Lake
Mono Lake
Topaz Lake
Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Virginia Lakes
Sardine Falls
Leavitt Falls
Hiking and Climbing near Las Vegas NV
Nearby Red Rock Canyon Park
