Escaping The Las Vegas Heat With A Fall Hike At Mount Charleston

When we visited Las Vegas last September, unsurprisingly, we found the heat to be overwhelming at times especially after spending a whole day in Death Valley! So before our Vegas trip was over, we decided to take a much needed break from all that is hot by spending a day at nearby Mount Charleston where on average, the temperature is 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the city! Located less than an hour drive from the Strip…this hidden gem also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is like stepping into a different world compared to the desert environment of Las Vegas. We’re talking a gorgeous alpine setting you would expect in the Rocky Mountains or the Pacific Northwest…not Southern Nevada! From the moment you leave the valley into higher elevation, you are welcomed with endless views of sky-high mountains where you find yourself deep within lush green forests with over 60 miles of hiking trails, many of which start at 6000 feet or 1829 meters of elevation. There are also an abundance of impressive cabins ranging from quaint to stately dotting the vast landscape, a beautifully rustic lodge perched high up in the mountains (7,717 feet or 2353 meters of elevation), and even a scenic ski area nearby for when it heavily snows in the winter. When we visited, we found ourselves in the right place at the right time to experience the fall colors which was totally unexpected but absolutely appreciated. The amazingly vibrant yellow trees made our peaceful hike on the Cathedral Rock Trail feel like we were walking through a painting!