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More commonly known as Mount Charleston, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a great place to beat the desert heat of Las Vegas. The park is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and it’s only a 45 minute drive from the Strip.
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
There are many activities to do, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and skiing, but because we were with my dad we decided to make it a quick two-hour visit. We took a drive to the end of the road at the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area and enjoyed the scenery.
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 2023), or free with any interagency pass.
We parked and took a short walk around the area, visiting some interpretive panels and enjoying the views. Cathedral Rock was visible from the picnic area, and there were a few trailheads there. Make sure you bring a jacket. It can get chilly up there!
Scenic Drive
The real highlight of the day was the scenic drive up the mountain. There are some beautiful homes as you drive towards the end of the road, as well as a lodge.
