This a Very
Strenuous hike. The trail is marked and is 10.3 miles one way.
Hiking time is 8 hours one way. This moderately used trail is
open Spring through Fall.
TRAIL
ACCESS:
Travel north
on State Route 158. After driving past the road to Hilltop Campground,
park in the second turnout on the left.
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION:
North Loop
Trail winds up the mountainside through ponderosa pines, mountain
mahogany, currents, and white fir. After 1.5 miles is a flat ridge
which offers good views of Las Vegas and a few campsites.
The trail
continues up several switch-backs before reaching a summit. It
then descends through a bristlecone pine forest toward the foot
of Mummy Mountain. At 2.7 miles it reaches the junction of Mummy
Spring Trail. There are several scenic views of Kyle Canyon as
the trail continues descending toward Trail Canyon.
At four
miles is the junction of Trail Canyon Trail. North Loop Trail
continues to the right, Trail Canyon is to the left and travels
two miles into Kyle Canyon. Trail Canyon is frequently used as
a shorter way to reach the peak.
The next
half mile North Loop makes a steady ascent to Cave Springs. There is water running into
a horse trough below a cave-like area used for camping.
The trail
continues climbing amongst aspens while traveling through an old
burn area. It eventually ascends to where the only trees are bristlecone
pines. Winding along the rocky canyon walls, it reaches the east
face of Mount Charleston Peak. Switch-backs climb barren rock
a half mile before reaching the summit.
On top of
Charleston Peak is a magnificent view. One can see nearly 300
miles in each direction on a clear day.
TRAIL
RULES
*Be Considerate.
* Do not
litter. Leave trail in the same condition you found it or better.
*Stay on
designated trail. Short cutting switchbacks causes erosion, makes
ugly scars, and destroys the existing trail.
* Do not
deface trees or trail signs.
* Bury human
waste at least 200' away from the trail and at least 6 inches
deep.
CAMPING
* Camp at
least 200ft away from trails or water sources.
* Be prepared
for extreme changes in weather
* There
are several campsites along the trail until it reaches the east
face of the peak.
FIRE
RULES
* Fire and
smoking restrictions are put into effect during times of high
fire danger, in the summer. Watch for signs. Generally during
the summer months
fires
are prohibited
except in camp
ground and picnic areas and only in fire rings.
* Please
use existing fire rings whenever possible and be sure to completely
extinguish all fires before leaving.
WATER
* Take drinking
water with you.
* Before
drinking all spring water, it should be boiled to destroy harmful
micro-organisms.
MECHANIZED
VEHICLES & HORSES
* Bicycles and Motorized
vehicles are prohibited.
* Horses
are not recommended past Cave Spring.
* It is
necessary to carry feed as vegetation is sparse.
