South Loop Trail to Mount Charleston Peak

South Loop Trail to Mount Charleston Peak is the standard route to the 11,916-foot summit, the highest point in Clark County, in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Nevada. The route starts at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and Picnic Area at the end of Kyle Canyon Road (SR 157), about 45 miles (50 minutes) from the Las Vegas Strip via US-95 and SR 157. Access is by car only, as no public transit serves the mountain. The round trip is about 16.5 miles (26.5 km) with roughly 4,300 feet (1,310 m) of elevation gain, and a full day of nine to twelve hours should be planned. It is a very hard hike, beyond the usual moderate and hard range, because of the length, the altitude and the sustained climbing. The trail climbs through ponderosa pine and fir forest, then through stands of ancient bristlecone pines as the terrain steepens, and finally crosses open, rocky switchbacks and a high ridge to the summit. The surface is mainly dirt and loose rock, and the upper section is fully exposed to wind, sun and sudden weather changes. Afternoon thunderstorms are a major hazard in summer, so hikers should aim to be off the ridge by early afternoon. The summit gives a wide view over the Spring Mountains, the Mojave Desert and, on clear days, distant ranges. There are no reliable water sources and no shelters or refuge huts, so at least 4 liters of water should be carried. A wind and rain shell, a headlamp, sun protection and boots are essential gear. The trail was reported open as of August 2026 from the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, while the nearby Cathedral Rock Trail, Mary Jane Falls and Upper Bristlecone remain closed for Tropical Storm Hilary repairs. Conditions should be checked at gomtcharleston.com before the hike.