Mount Charleston

About Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston is the highest summit in the Spring Mountains, topping out at 11,916 feet — high enough to drop temperatures 30°F below the valley floor in July and accumulate winter snow that runs Lee Canyon ski resort from December through March. The Kyle Canyon side, accessed via NV-157, is the more developed route, with the Mount Charleston Lodge, Cathedral Rock trailhead, and the popular Mary Jane Falls hike (3 miles round trip). Lee Canyon, on the north side via NV-156, has the ski area and a summer chairlift. Both canyons are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Spring Mountains NRA. Drive up on a hot Vegas afternoon for an instant climate change — a 45-minute drive that drops you into pine forest. Bring a layer; even August evenings dip into the 60s at the lodge.