This content and all content on this web site is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Mount Charleston Summer Guide
Mount Charleston is about 45 minutes for Las Vegas. With temperatures almost 30 degrees below Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston makes the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Be sure to check the weekly update before heading to Mt. Charleston. You should also check the weather page to make sure you and your family are prepared for current and/or possible conditions during your visit. You can find a complete Summer Visitors Guide on Go Mt. Charleston.
The Spring Mountains are not just a vibrant part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the lower 48. There are residential communities, a ski resort, private camps, lodging, and the home of the nation’s first national cold war memorial. Here you will find links for places to visit beyond the trails and recreation sites.
Things to do on Mt. Charleston - Summer Guide
Lee Canyon
Lee Canyon Ski Resort is open for summer season operations.
Scenic Chair Rides
Open daily, 10am – 6pm
Adults $10
Youth: $6 (ages 6 years – 17 years)
Military: $8
Children ages 5 years and younger are free.
Scenic Chair Ride tickets MUST BE PURCHASED IN PERSON.
Reconnect to nature as you gently cruise up to a peak elevation of 9,370ft. Ride solo, or alongside friends and family, and take in beautiful panoramic photo opportunities of the Spring Mountains.
Open daily through summer, 10am – 6pm
Standard Axes: $25
Competitive Axes: $20
Price are per lane, for 30 minutes
Axe throwing sessions can only be purchased on-site.
Group maximum is 4 people per session.
You must be 10 years or older to participate.
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 6pm
$25 STANDARD AXES | $30 COMPETITIVE AXES | PRICE IS PER LANE FOR 30 MINUTES
Come channel your inner Lee Canyon lumberjack and try our new summer activity: Axe Throwing!
Once you’ve mastered the basics challenge your friends and family to a throwing competition!
- Purchase a session on-site at the axe-throwing station.
- Group size is capped at 4 people per lane.
- Open to guests ages 10 and older.
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 6pm
ADULTS $10 | YOUTH (6 -17) $6 | CHILDREN (5 AND UNDER) FREE | MILITARY $8
SEASON PASS $50
DISC RENTALS $10 INCLUDES DRIVER & PUTTER
Play your way through some of the resort’s most spectacular terrain by starting at our base area, then riding the chairlift to the top tees off of Sherwood.
Course maps/scorecards, disc rentals, and lift tickets are available at the Summer Activities Tent located in the base area.
Players with their own quiver only need a scenic chair ticket. Players are encouraged to use caution terrain can be steep & a challenge to maneuver. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly recommended.
Mountainside Yoga
Open to ages 8 and up.
Summer Pet Policy at Lee Canyon
Pets are allowed on the property as long as they are well-behaved, on a leash, and never left unattended by their owner. We do not recommend leaving pets in or tied to a vehicle. We will report any significant concerns for animal welfare to our local animal control.
Leashed pets are welcome to ride our scenic chair rides at the discretion & sole liability of their owners.
Pets are not allowed on any of our mountain bike trails.
Pets are not allowed inside any building or restaurant – but they can enjoy our patios & decks. Service animals are allowed indoors. Service animal means any animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for, and to assist, an individual with a disability. All other animals, including emotional support, comfort, or companion animals, are not considered service animals.
Youth Adventure Days at Lee Canyon
Sign up and let your kids discover the outdoors through adventures on Mt. Charleston.
Youth Adventure Days are every Friday through August 4, 2023.
$49 per day, per child.
Open to children ages 7 years – 12 years.
Summer adventure activities include guides hikes, wildlife and plant identification, archery session, education on Leave No Trace, disc golf, cornhole, crafts, activities, and a scenic chair ride. Activities are subject to change.
A small snack will be provided.
Parents can stay and plan their own adventure at Lee Canyon or enjoy a hike on Mount Charleston.
Spring Mountains Visitors Gateway
Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
2525 Kyle Canyon Rd / SR 157
Open Daily 8am-4pm
Forest Service Info & Permits: (702) 872-5486
The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway (SMVG) complex includes a visitor center, an education
& research building, two amphitheaters, two group picnic sites, and over 40 miles of adjoining
trails. The complex houses the Silent Heroes of the Cold War National Memorial, the only national
monument dedicated to the Cold War era, honoring the thousands of individuals who worked
covertly for the United States government during the Cold War. SMVG is also home to the Seven
Stones Plaza, which celebrates indigenous people—seven Southern Paiute tribes known collectively as Nuwuvi (or “the people”)—and their longstanding ancestral relationship with their creation place in the Spring Mountains. The SMVG is both a destination and a gateway to provide visitors with everything needed to appreciate and enjoy the Spring Mountains.
Mount Charleston Hikes
- Bristlecone, Lower
- Bristlecone, Upper (access to south end of Bonanza Trail)
- Cliffrose/Stepladder
- Deer Creek
- Desert View Overlook
- Mary Jane Falls
- Echo
- Cathedral Rock/South Loop/Griffith Peak
- Fletcher Canyon/Eagle’s Nest/Acastus
- Harris Spring to Griffith Peak
- Juniper
- North Loop/Rain Tree
- Robber’s Roost
- Trail Canyon
Our Favorite Summer Spots on Mt. Charleston
Deer Creek
This picnic area is great for families and outdoor exploring. There is plenty of parking and a primitive restroom. Walk across the street from the parking lot to a mostly paved trail(so great for strollers) with gentle elevation. Along the paved trail is tree limbs and rocks that are fun to climb over and hide under as well as a seasonal creek for splashing and water play. Deer Creek Picnic area is a great spot for day camping and picnics, it’s shaded and there are concrete picnic tables along the path.
Lee Meadows
This is popular spot in summer and winter. This wide open meadow is a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, and the cooler temps of Mt. Charleston. If you plan to stay a while bring a tent/shade to escape the sun and definitely wear sunscreen. Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Fletcher Canyon Hike
Cathedral
Picnic Areas
PICNIC AREAS:
Kyle Canyon (Day use and camping)
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
Deer Creek (Free, first come first serve, open dawn to dusk)
Sawmill (free, first come first serve, open dawn to dusk)
SMVG Group Picnic Areas (reservation required)
Lee Meadows (open dawn to dusk, groups must be under 20 people, NO camping or fires)
Old Mill
Foxtail Group Picnic Area
Camping on Mt. Charleston
CAMPGROUNDS:
Fletcher View
McWilliams
Hilltop Campground
Mahogany Grove Group Campground
Mack’s Canyon (undeveloped & unpaved)
Blue Tree Area (undeveloped & unpaved)
Champion Road (undeveloped & unpaved)
Mt Charleston Lodge
The cabins are now open and available for booking here. We will be providing continental breakfast while working on more permanent food solutions. We look forward to having finalized options in the coming weeks.
