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The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, commonly referred to as Mount Charleston, is a great place to beat the desert heat of Las Vegas.
Introduction to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is administered by the US Forest Service. It covers over 494 square miles (1,280 square kilometers), including the 11,918-foot (3,633 meter) Mount Charleston. It was established on August 4, 1993, encompassing the old Charleston National Forest, and is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is only a 45-minute drive from the Strip. There are several activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and skiing. We decided to make a quick two-hour unplanned visit to a small section of the park. Obviously, we missed a lot. With so much to do, we definitely hope to return in the future to properly enjoy the park. Check the official website for more info.
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
We took a drive to the end of the road at the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area and enjoyed the scenery along the way. There are some beautiful homes as you drive towards the end of the road, as well as a lodge.
The picnic area is generally open from May through October as the weather allows. Single sites cost US$12 from Monday through Thursday and US$18 from Friday through Sunday (as of December 2024), or free with any interagency pass.
We parked and took a short walk, visiting some interpretive panels and enjoying the views. Cathedral Rock is visible from the picnic area, and there are a few trailheads there. Make sure you bring a jacket. It can get chilly up there!
