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Spring Mountain National Recreation Area

This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
An area so green and lush you'll forget you're in the middle of a desert!
Trail Uses
Accessible Experience Hiking Walking Mountain biking Horseback riding Cross-country skiing Rock climbing
Location
Clark County, Nye County
Length
50.00 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Towns
Las Vegas, Pahrump
Surface
Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Paved
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
Yes
Wilderness Areas
La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area, Mount Charleston Wilderness Area, Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area

Description

Major trail and day use area closures throughout the park. When viewing the trails map tab, click on the caution icons and trails for closure notices. 

Check here for weekly trail condition reports from Go Mt Charleston!

Located in Southern Nevada between Pahrump and Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains have so much to offer. Named after the seasonal springs that arise throughout the year, the mountains are full of greenery and life. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is home to some of the tallest peaks in Nevada such as Mt. Charleston (11,918 ft.), Griffith Peak (11,064 ft.), and Mummy Mountain (11,533 ft.). Given the drastic change in elevation from valley floor to the peaks of the mountains, the area is very biodiverse. The base of the mountains are covered in creosote bush and white bursage, mid mountain is sprinkled with pinyon pines, juniper and pygmy conifers and the tops of the mountains are covered with many different species of conifers. 

Trail heads are sprinkled throughout the park boundaries and have parking areas or campgrounds located nearby. View the visitors guide to plan your routes and see where to park. The majority of these trails are best traversed in the spring and fall when the snow is melted and the weather is not so hot. Some trails do provide shade but do not rely on it. Backpacking is allowed throughout the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area so be sure to pack enough water for your trip as the water in the area is seasonal. If you do need water make sure to boil or filter is properly to avoid parasites.

A short, ADA friendly, trail is located around the visitors center offering interpretive signage of the geology and history of the area. 

For those interested in rock climbing, there are several expert routes located around the national conservation area. These routes are not to be climbed by novice climbers. 

Popular routes include: 

  • Rapping Boys (5.11d) 
  • Bloodline (5.12a) 
  • Borderline (5.13a) 
  • Hypersoul (5.14a)

Other Information

Watch this PBS Outdoor Nevada video to see some of the current conditions at the recreation area!

For equestrian specific information visit Nevada Horse Trails!

One of the few ADA trails in the conservation area is the Desert Overlook trail. Visit the Trail Access Project website to learn more. 

Skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing is available in the Lee Canyon Area of the park. For the first time in the summer of 2022, this area is open to mountain bike use! 

Family friendly guided hikes and educational classes take place each month so be sure to check out the event calendar to learn more!

While fees are NOT required for hiking, campgrounds and some picnic areas do require a day use fee.

Read through the U.S Forest service visitor guide for more in depth information on each trail and various amenities. 

Visit Go Mt Charleston for trail updates, maintenance and camping information.

Cell phone service is sparse within the Spring Mountains so be sure to prepare accordingly by informing others about your plans.

Trail Manager

For additional information contact the Spring Mountains Visitor Center or visit the USFS website

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
2525 Kyle Canyon Road

Las Vegas, Nevada 89124
Phone: (702)872-5486
View website

U.S Forest Service -Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - Spring Mountain NRA

U.S Forest Service -Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - Spring Mountain NRA
4701 North Torrey Pines Dr
Las Vegas, Nevada 89130
Phone: (702) 515-5400
View website

Download

Download map files for your own use.

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Recreate Responsibly

Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. This goes for trash, leftover food, toilet paper, and hygiene products. If you brought it into nature, please bring it out.
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Trailhead Information

Trail head parking is available throughout the recreation area. Review the Spring Mountains visitors guide or map to see where the parking areas are located for which trailhead. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.

Trail Alerts

Trails
Partial Trail Closure
April 5, 2024 – April 5, 2025

The following trails are closed: 

  • Bristlecone, Lower
  • Bristlecone, Upper
  • Mary Jane Falls
  • Echo
  • Cathedral Rock/Griffith peak/South Loop 
  • Mahogany CCC 
  • Trail Canyon

View the closure map here.

Campsites
Partial Closure
April 5, 2024 – April 5, 2025

The following campgrounds are closed: 

  • Hilltop Campground 
  • Mahogany Grove Group Camping 
  • Mack's Campground
Trailheads
Partial Closure

The following trailheads are closed: 

  • Upper Bristlecone Trailhead
  • Lower Bristlecone Trailhead and Road
  • Trail Canyon Trailhead 
  • Echo Trailhead
  • Cathedral Rock Trailhead 

View closure map here.

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