Charleston Peak

elevation: 3,632 m.
height gain: 1,500 m.
area: Las Vegas,Nevada,USA
map USGS 1:24,000 Charleston Peak, NV 36115C6
2024-Nov-02


Ref: Hiking Guy
***This trailhead is closed during winter months***

trailhead


At the South Loop Trailhead.
Hike: RT 9.0 (includes Griffith Peak); 4.25 up. While staying in Phoenix, I wanted to ascend Mount Whitney in preparation for my trip to Aconcagua. Unfortunately, the long drive and time constraints made the objective unreasonable. Charleston Peak, however, wasn't as far and granted a hike with a comparable distance; it seemed like a good trade-off. Furthermore, it is the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada, which makes the objective a worthwhile destination. We drove to Las Vegas, where we spent the night. On the following day, we set off to the trailhead after a good breakfast. Unlike last year's visit, the gate to the south loop trail was open. After changing our footwear and organizing our packs, we began hiking. The weather was pleasant; good travel ensued on the well-maintained trail. We gained the ridge after 2 hours of trekking. From there, the summit is a long shlep; however, most of the height gain was behind us. Hiking the ridge is fast and delightful. We were fortunate to enjoy our plod without windy conditions. The final push to the summit was equally straightforward and didn't require much energy. We stayed at the top for quite some time, sitting comfortably against the building. The sky's colour was already changing, announcing the beginning of a beautiful sunset. After a good break, we headed back with a slight detour to visit the wreckage from a C-54 military plane crash that occurred on November 17, 1955, during a blizzard. We made good time to the trail junction; Milan didn't contest when I told him I wanted to include Mount Griffith. I told him it wouldn't take me more than half an hour, and he should bask in the last sunrays; it wasn't a tough sell.





echo canyon

Weaving through Bristlecone pines towards Echo Canyon.

mummy mountain

Mummy Mountain's distinctive shape is that of a mummy lying on its back.

limestone cliffs

The sheer limestone cliffs are impressive.


nearing the ridgeline


Nearing the ridgeline with Griffith Peak on the left.


gentle terrain


The gentle terrain grants pleasant hiking.


remnants of wildfire


The remnants of a major wildfire.


valley north of vegas


Looking towards the valley just north of Las Vegas.


barren ridge


The lengthy, barren ridge is as straightforward as can be.


looking back


Looking back.


getting closer


Getting closer.


summit ahead


The summit finally comes into view.


at the top


At the top.


view south-east


To the south-east, Potosi Mountain is visible in the distance.


south-western view


South-western view over Wheeler Wash towards Dry Lake.


view north


To the north, Lee Canyon Ski Resort is bordered by The Sisters South and North, and Lee Peak.


view east


The eastern view includes Fletcher Peak (left center), and the town of Mount Charleston on the right.


unsightly hardware


The unsightly hardware shielded us from the wind.


plane crash site


What's left of a C-54 military plane that crashed in 1955.


casual trekking


Casual trekking back to the Griffith Peak trail junction.


griffith peak


Griffith Peak is hard to pass-by.


Continue on to Griffith Peak
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