This is
a marked trailhead, 8.3 miles one way approximately 6 hour hike
one way, rated VERY strenuous. Season is summer through fall and
use is moderate to heavy, elevations range from 7600ft to 11,918ft.
TRAIL
ACCESS
Travel west
on State Route 157 until it enters the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area.
Park in the first parking area to the left. The South Loop Trailhead
is the second trailhead to the right. The gate to Cathedral rock
Picnic Area is open from 8 am to 8 pm in the summer. If hiking
to the peak and back in one day, be sure to get back to your car
before the gate closes, or you may have to spend the night.
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION
South Loop
Trail makes a steep ascent out of the picnic area as it winds
toward Echo Canyon. It soon passes through an avalanche chute
of Quaking Aspen. This is a brilliant place in the autumn when
the Aspen leaves turn orange and gold.
The trail
continues a steep ascent up Echo Canyon. After a mile it begins
climbing numerous switch-backs leading out of the canyon and up
to the southern ridge. There are many spectacular views of Kyle
Canyon along the way. To reach the ridge, one must hike 4 miles
and make a 3000ft ascent.
The next
two miles are relatively easy as the path travels through meadows
of grasses and flowers. There are many scenic views of Lake Mead,
Las Vegas , Pahrump, and Kyle Canyon. Ancient Bristlecone
Pines are
the only tree that grow at this altitude. Several excellent campsites
are located alone this section of the trail.
After six
miles, the trail begins to gain altitude once more. As it climbs
closer to the timberline, the vegetation becomes more spares as
the trees become twisted dwarfs.
After 7
1/2 miles, the trail makes a steep ascent toward the peek. Fierce
cold winds whip across the barren rock. At the top of the mount
Charleston Peak is the most awe-inspiring 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, primitive camping.
* Pack it
in, pack it and someone else's out!
* Be prepared
for EXTREME and sudden weather changes.
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
*Bicycles
and Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
HORSES
Please carry
feed as sensitive plant species grown in the few areas which have
sufficient vegetation for grazing. Grazing on natural vegetation
prohibited.
