Trail Canyon in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness
Details
Features
About this place
Trail Canyon is a robust trail offering access to the peak of Mt. Charleston, a commanding view of the valley bellow, a dispersed camping area for a night in the backcountry, a great conditioning hike, and more.
THE TRAIL
The Trail Canyon Trail is a 3.8 mile out-and-back moderately trafficked route located in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness located approximately 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas, NV.
This difficult trail offers access to Mt. Charleston Peak, the western side of the Mummy Mountain Trail, a commanding view of the valley bellow which includes the adjacent Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, the opportunity to disperse camp, a strenuous conditioning hike, and more.
Best used from March through October, the trail is pet friendly while leashed and equestrian accessible, however taking small children is ill-advised due the strenuousness of the trail. As the trail winds through aspens and other local plants and fauna, it steadily climbs. Resulting in the first roughly half mile of the trail being fairly level, however the trail quickly becomes an incline which leads to an elevation gain of approximately 1,584ft before reaching the lookout point where the trial forks with other nearby trails. This large steep section of trail can prove difficult, especially for those not accustomed to the beginning altitude of about 8,000ft. Trekking poles are highly recommended both the way up and t the way back.
The end of the Trail Canyon Trail is a flat area where the trails for Mt. Charleston Peak and Mummy Mountain meet, near a cliffside also providing views of the valley below. This area is a popular location for dispersed camping for those hiking the surrounding trails. If using the area for this purpose, please practice Leave No Trace ethics for backcountry and dispersed camping.
GETTING THERE
The Trail Canyon trailhead is located on the Kyle Canyon side of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area and Mt. Charleston Wilderness. To get there, take US-95 North to Kyle Canyon Road (SR-157). Proceed down Kyle Canyon Road, passing several campgrounds. When you pass the local Fire Station, located on the right side of road, prepare to bear right onto Echo Canyon Road where Kyle Canyon Road continues left going around a large curve. Signs are provided pointing toward the parking areas for the Trail Canyon and Mary Jane Falls Trails. Follow Echo Canyon road, past several local houses, until you reach the trailhead parking lot about a quarter mile away.