UNLV Chemistry Dr. Oliver Hemmers -- Recreation around Las Vegas

Recreation around Las Vegas, Nevada

What to do around Las Vegas

Mount Charleston is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Las Vegas. Take the exit from US 95 to Kyle Canyon Road (NV 157) which climbs steeply into the forest up to an altitude of 8,000 ft (2,400 m). It ends at Mt. Charleston Lodge restaurant from where one can go onto the easy half-mile Little Falls Trail, the three-quarter-mile Cathedral Rock Trail which is moderately steep with sheer drops and great views (see the pictures further down) and the North Loop Trail covering nine strainous miles (14.4 km) to the peak. Mount Charleston is with nearly 12,000 ft (3,650 m) the highest point in the Spring Mountain Range and is named after Charleston, South Carolina, by Dixie crew members of an Army survey team which mapped this area in 1906. The Spring Mountain Range captures precipitation which percolates through the porous limestone and spurtles to the surface in numerous springs. It is an oasis poking out of the desert floor supporting five distinct life zones between the Las Vegas valley and Charleston Peak.

Further north on US 95 is the exit to Lee Canyon (NV 156). NV 156 and NV 157 are also connected through the 6 miles (9.6 km) long NV 158. At the top of Lee Canyon is the Lee Canyon Ski Area with a base altitude of 8,500 ft (2,590 m) and from there a chairlift takes you up to 9,500 ft (2,890 m). The cool summers with beautiful hikes are a relieve from the heat of the valley and in the winter one can enjoy nordic and cross-country skiing, tubing, sleding and snowmobiling.

Here we are on our way to the top of Cathedral Rock.