Spring Mountains Visitor Center

Phone:
+1 702-872-5486

Address:
2525 Kyle Canyon Rd, At first roundabout on SR 157 just before Mount Charleston Resort., Mount Charleston, NV 89124-9308

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a U.S. National Recreation Area, administered by the U.S. Forest Service, and lies west of Las Vegas, Nevada. It covers over 316,000 acres of land. The area runs from low meadows at around 3,000 feet of elevation to Mount Charleston at 11,918 feet in elevation. The SMNRA is a part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It adjoins the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is home to several plant and animal species that are threatened. This was the driving force to create the Mount Charleston Wilderness area. The SMNRA offers many activities from hiking to picnicking to skiing.
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Attraction Location

Spring Mountains Visitor Center Videos

Tour of Spring Mountain Visitor's Center. Mt. Charleston, Nevada.

7-17-17 Traveled to Mt. Charleston, NV and went to the Spring Mountain Visitors Center. Here's a little sneek peek inside and outside.

Driving-Snow Mount Charleston Las Vegas (GoPro HERO 4)

Mount Charleston, is the highest mountain in both the Spring Mountains and Clark County, in Nevada, United States. It is the eighth highest mountain in the state.
Mount Charleston is a year-round getaway for Las Vegas' residents and visitors, with a number of hiking trails and a modest ski area.
Mount Charleston has nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 picnic areas, some of which are RV accessible

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Visitor Center Tour

Part of visitor center tour at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Las Vegas NV

Spring Mountain Visitor's Center - Kyle Canyon, Nevada - (Update 1)

Kyle Canyon Campground is set in the beautiful Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, just 23 miles from Las Vegas. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and scenic driving in this forested desert oasis.

In this video, we learn about the geothermal loop that will be passively heating and cooling the building.

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Music: How Are You Today? (Amitron_7) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

day trip to Mt. Charleston, Nevada

Video from a day trip to Mt. Charleston, Nevada. About an hours drive from the LV Strip. A great trip that takes you from the desert to the mountains. On the day we visited the temperature was about 30 degrees cooler up there than it was back in the city. The lodge you'll see in the video is the Mt. Charleston Lodge. You can stop and eat there, they rent small cabins too.

We took the Mt. Charleston Scenic Drive, also called the Spring Mountain Scenic Drive. Hwy 156,157 & 158

Summer 2015

Green Leaves by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (

Artist:

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway - Kyle Canyon, Nevada - (Update 3)

The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway will be open to the public soon! Watch the video to see all of the fun exhibits on display!

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Winter Scenic drive to Mt Charleston in Las Vegas Nevada

Mt Charleston is 30 minutes drive from Las Vegas. A nice change from hot dry desert to alpine. With an average temperature of 20 to 30 degrees cooler than that of the surrounding Nevada desert and a short 35-mile drive from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is the perfect day trip for nature enthusiasts visiting Sin City. Rising from the desertic landscape near the border of California, Mount Charleston is one of the highest elevations in Nevada and provides visitors with ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Whether you plan to just stay a day or want to spend the weekend camping or enjoying the fine accommodations of the Mount Charleston resort, are down for a hiking trip or fancy a tandem skydiving adventure, there's plenty in store for visitors to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

If you find yourself with a free day or weekend in Las Vegas, all you need to do is look to the snow-capped mountain to the northwest—visible nearly half the year from the Vegas strip—and you've found the perfect getaway from the chaos of the city.

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway Project Story - Kyle Canyon, Nevada

History, culture, nature, technology, recreation –the new Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway has it all.
Perched on the slope just downhill from the Mt. Charleston Resort, the Gateway offers fabulous mountain and canyon views in every direction. A picnic area has shaded tables. A map provides a guide to a network of hiking trails. A central plaza honors the seven southern Paiute tribes. There are two amphitheaters. One has a colorful ceramic mosaic floor, and the other looks like it was flown in from ancient Greece. An “education building” has a spacious meeting room inside and a deck outside.
Breathtaking vistas, no matter where you turn your head.

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Mount Charleston, NV - Driving Around the Mountain Roads

Here's a video of us driving around the Mountain Roads near Mount Charleston. This was shot in April 2013. You can still see some of the snow!

Mount Charleston, officially named Charleaston Peak, at 11,916 feet (3,632 m), is the highest of the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada and the state's eighth highest mountain peak. It is about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Las Vegas and is within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Mount Charleston Wilderness and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Well separated from higher peaks by large, low basins, it is the most topographically prominent peak in the state, and the eighth most prominent peak in the contiguous United States.

Mount Charleston is a year-round getaway for Las Vegas' residents and visitors, with a number of hiking trails and a modest ski area. The mountain, which is snow-capped more than half the year, can be seen from parts of the Las Vegas Strip when looking toward the west. Mount Charleston has nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 picnic areas, some of which are RV accessible.

The eponymous village of Mount Charleston lies at its base to the east.
The state of Nevada issues license plates with the caption Mt. Charleston and an image of the peak in the background. Sales of the plate supports the natural environment of the Mount Charleston area through grants administered by the Nevada Division of State Lands.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

This video was just for fun and learning to use my new Sony Handycam, HDR-CX240 9.2 mega pixels 54x clear image zoom camcorder.

Video was shot on location in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Old Ski Tow, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Deer in Kyle Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada in the Spring Mountain Recreation Area

Here are a few doe and older fawn mule deer eating along Kyle Canyon Rd near the campgrounds just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. We went out to do a conditioning hike in the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area during some rain in the lower altitude and snow above 8,000 feet. On the way up these mule deer greeted us along the way while they were grazing. The mule deer population in the state of Nevada is taking a hit from wild horses and burros. The two feral animals eat the sage and other vegetation, but eat everything down to the roots, killing it and leaving nothing for the native deer and sheep.
This could be some of the last heard in the Spring Mountains before over population from both humans and unchecked human introduced animals bring them to extinction. I have seen less and less deer up there over the past 15 years and more horses and burros than ever.

Mummy Mountain - Spring Mountains Nevada 4K

Mummy Mountain is the second highest peak of the Spring Mountains in Clark County of southern Nevada. The usual route to the summit is from the North Loop Trail to Mount Charleston, starting from where it reaches close to the top of the ridge between Mummy and Charleston. A steep scramble up a scree slope reaches the top of the ridge, where a faint climber's trail leads east to the base of the summit cliffs. The route then jogs north to a chute leading to the broad and flat summit plateau.

Mount Charleston - Driving towards the Lodge from Las Vegas

Here's a video of us driving towards Mount Charleston Lodge from Las Vegas near Mount Charleston itself! This was shot in April 2013. You can still see some of the snow!

Mount Charleston, officially named Charleaston Peak, at 11,916 feet (3,632 m), is the highest of the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada and the state's eighth highest mountain peak. It is about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Las Vegas and is within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Mount Charleston Wilderness and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Well separated from higher peaks by large, low basins, it is the most topographically prominent peak in the state, and the eighth most prominent peak in the contiguous United States.

Mount Charleston is a year-round getaway for Las Vegas' residents and visitors, with a number of hiking trails and a modest ski area. The mountain, which is snow-capped more than half the year, can be seen from parts of the Las Vegas Strip when looking toward the west. Mount Charleston has nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 picnic areas, some of which are RV accessible.

The eponymous village of Mount Charleston lies at its base to the east.
The state of Nevada issues license plates with the caption Mt. Charleston and an image of the peak in the background. Sales of the plate supports the natural environment of the Mount Charleston area through grants administered by the Nevada Division of State Lands.

Las Vegas to Mt.Charleston and back to Las Vegas Drive

3 Hours of Driving from Las Vegas to Mt.Charleston and back to Las Vegas.
Tour of Mt.Charleston via 95, State Route 157, SR 158, SR 156. Video time stamps in description.

Enjoy the video!

5:55 Cathedral Rock Trail & Mt Charleston

6:15 Mt Charleston Lodge

6:42 Mary Jane Falls Trail Head

7:55 Deer Crossing

8:58 Deer Crossing Up Close

11:35 Desert View Overlook

13:00 Old Mills Picnic Area

13:28 Lee Canyon Ski Resort

14:00 Lower Bristlecone Trail Head

14:15 Horses grazing and crossing the road.

19:33 Enterting Las Vegas

20:55 Downtown Las Vegas

CIA C-54 Military Plane Wreckage 1955 on Mount Charleston Peak (Las Vegas, NV)

To access this crash, you need to hike the South Loop Trail. It's around 7 miles into the trail (So 14 round trip) with a hike elevation of 4,885 feet to accend to roughly 11,000 ft. See more info below about the crash and the hike itself.

Plane crash
C-54 Plane wreckage on Mount Charleston from crash on November 17, 1955
Near its summit are the remnants of a 1955 plane crash. A CIA C-54 Military Air Transport Service plane crashed near the peak on November 17, 1955 during a blizzard. The plane was on route from Burbank (location of Lockheed’s Skunkworks), to Groom Lake (or Watertown Strip as it was also known in those days) to work on the secret U-2 plane development. Fourteen men (a mix of military staffers and civilian subcontractors, engineers, and technicians) were on board when it crashed, all of whom perished. There are still remains from the plane that can be hiked to just off the main southern loop trail to the peak.

A memorial featuring a propeller from the downed aircraft (which was recovered decades after the crash from the crash site) was installed at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway in 2015. It was Nevada's first national memorial and the first on U.S. Forest Service land.

More info:

---------------

Hike:
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,885 feet

Summit:
Elevation: 11,916 ft (3,632 m)
Prominence: 8,241 feet (2,512 m)

Mount Charleston, including Charleston Peak at 11,916 feet (3,632 m), is the highest mountain in both the Spring Mountains and Clark County, in Nevada, United States. It is the eighth-highest mountain in the state. Well separated from higher peaks by large, low basins, Charleston Peak is the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada, and the eighth-most-prominent peak in the contiguous United States. It is one of eight ultra-prominent peaks in Nevada. It is located about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Las Vegas within the Mount Charleston Wilderness, which is within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest.

Video Title: CIA C-54 Military Plane Wreckage 1955 on Mount Charleston Peak (Las Vegas, NV)

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Plan Ahead Before Enjoying Winter Actitivites at Mt. Charleston

Chief George Jorge Gonzalez of the Mt. Charleston Fire Protection District discusses some of the winter activities on the mountain and the challenges associated with them. Clark County, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and partnering Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance organizations are encouraging everyone to plan ahead before making the drive up to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) to play in the snow.
Know Before You Go: Before heading to the SMNRA, visit GoMtCharleston.com to plan your visit. Information about weather and driving conditions is posted on the site along with an activities calendar and safety tips. Road Information: It is important to check driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA. Check real-time information by calling 511 within Nevada and 1-877-NV-ROADS (1-877-687-6237) outside of Nevada or visit When chain requirements are in effect, drivers must use chains or other approved traction device on their vehicle, if the vehicle does not have mud/snow tires. For more detailed information on chain requirements, please visit:
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving: When traveling to the SMNRA, start with a full tank of gas, because there are no gas stations on the mountain. Always carry with you: tire chains, tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, water and a bag of sand/kitty litter for traction.
Winter Driving Considerations: The popularity of Lee and Kyle Canyons during the winter season can bring thousands of cars to the area, especially on weekends. Anticipate higher traffic volumes during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, early morning, and non-holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access. Go early, be patient, and abide by traffic laws. You may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested or conditions are unsafe.
To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion, available parking and road conditions in Kyle and Lee canyons and regulate access. Depending on conditions, delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road).
Abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. In areas where roadside parking is permitted, ensure all tires are over the white line to keep the lane clear.
In Case of Emergency: Dial *NHP (*647) in case of a roadway emergency or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located along Lee Canyon Road near Lee Meadows and the Old Mill Picnic Area. Local and 911 calls from these phones are free.
Recreation Opportunities: The Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the largest winter activity area on the mountain and offers skiing and tubing for daily and annual fees. Information about this ski area is available at: or by calling (702) 385-2754. Ski resort visitors are reminded to have their pass or online reservation receipts available to show law enforcement officers who are monitoring traffic.
During the winter months, the Lee Canyon Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Foxtail Snow Play Area in Lee Canyon. The Old Mill Picnic Area is generally open on weekends and holidays. When there is at least 12 inches of snow, the Foxtail area is also open on weekends and holidays. It is best to check the resort website for details.
SMNRA Info: The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road is operated by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Southern Nevada Conservancy. The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It may be also be closed during winter weather storms.
Free public restroom facilities are available in Kyle Canyon at the Cliff Rose Trailhead across the traffic circle from the Visitor Gateway and in Lee Canyon at Sawmill Trailhead.
Winter Recreation Tips: Wear appropriate outdoor clothing including layering light and warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots. Also, do not sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow, and avoid traffic and dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Sledding may be dangerous in icy conditions. Use sturdy sleds for snow play, not makeshift items like cardboard boxes. Do not trespass on private property or closed areas. Pets must be kept on leash and please clean up after them. Please help keep the SMNRA beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Take trash home or put it in provided trashcans or dumpsters.

Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway demo for US Forest Service

Construction is nearly complete on the United States Forest Service Spring Mountain Gateway and National Cold War Memorial.

Spring Mountain Aerial Tour

Theron Lane Swainston Jr.'s 80th birthday flight over the Spring Mountain, and La Madre Mountain ranges in Southern Nevada. Our family enjoyed many memorable and happy outings in these rugged mountains over the years. Hopefully some of this footage will bring back some of those memories for you Dad.
Love, Ian

Driving Around the Mountain Roads (Mount Charleston, Nevada)

Herd of Mule Deer in Red Rock Canyon (Red Rock National Park, Nevada)

We were running the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop and saw a herd of mule deer at the far end of the loop!

Website:

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of its National Landscape Conservation System, and protected as a National Conservation Area. It is located about 15 miles (24 km) west of Las Vegas, and is easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip. The area is visited by more than two million people each year.

The conservation area showcases a set of large red rock formations: a set of sandstone peaks and walls called the Keystone Thrust. The walls are up to 3,000 feet (910 m) high, making them a popular hiking and rock climbing destination. The highest point is La Madre Mountain, at 8,154 feet (2,485 m).

A one-way loop road, 13 miles (21 km) long, provides vehicle access to many of the features in the area. Several side roads and parking areas allow access to many of the area trails. A visitor center is located at the start of the loop road. The loop road is also very popular for bicycle touring; it begins with a moderate climb, then is mostly downhill or flat.

Red Rock Canyon is a side-canyon accessible only by a four-wheel-drive road from the scenic loop. State Route 159 cuts through an unnamed but often-visited valley; it is commonly, but mistakenly, referred to as Red Rock Canyon. The Wilson Cliffs, or Keystone Thrust, a massive wall of rock, can be seen to the west from SR 159.

Towards the southern end of the National Conservation Area are Spring Mountain Ranch State Park; Bonnie Springs, a replica of a western ghost town; and the village of Blue Diamond.

Video Title: Herd of Mule Deer in Red Rock Canyon (Red Rock National Park, Nevada)

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