As Las Vegas bakes under triple-digit heat, an unbelievable 30-degree cool-down is waiting just 45 minutes away. After sustaining severe damage from unprecedented flooding, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is welcoming hikers back to some of its most iconic, high-altitude trails – and the timing couldn’t be better for locals looking to escape the desert sun.
Mt. Charleston trails – what’s open
The road to recovery for Mt. Charleston hasn’t been easy. When Tropical Storm Hilary tore through the mountain in late 2023, it destroyed some important trailheads and centuries-old paths.
Today, our mountain is healing. Following extensive post-storm engineering and debris clearing, several beloved escapes are officially back. We can once again tackle the 2.8-mile Cathedral Rock trail, passing through a shaded sea of aspens, to catch stunning views of Kyle Canyon. Portions of the Lower Bristlecone and South Loop trails have also been cleared- another great return for Southern Nevada’s only true alpine forest.
What’s next?
While major reconstruction continues on some fan-favorites – such as the Mary Jane Falls trail, where crews are rebuilding around sensitive archaeological sites – there’s more than enough wilderness now, perfect for a weekend retreat.
Before packing your hiking boots, remember that the landscape is still in active recovery. To see the live status of the newly cleared paths and ensure you avoid active construction zones, check the official USDA Forest Service recreation updates.
