SMNRA RECREATION UPDATE AS OF 9/19/23
AREA CLOSURE IN EFFECT
Area closure remains in effect for the Developed Recreation Canyons (Lee, Kyle, and Deer Creek) of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) accessed via Highway 156 (Lee Canyon) and Highway 157 (Kyle Canyon), and Highway 158 (Deer Creek) until further notice for public safety due to historic storm damage. The Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway, Lee Canyon Ski Resort, and all trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds remain closed. Additional details and a closure map are available on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest website. This Forest Order does not apply to private parcels, state highways, or any other non-Forest Service property within the boundaries of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Emergency Closure and Map of Area Closure.
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Visitor Center & Program
Closed until further notice.
Weather
Weather patterns in the Spring Mountains can be drastically different than what the Las Vegas Valley experiences, and the Weather page offers multiple tools, tips and webcams to monitor conditions and forecasts. Visitors should be prepared for high winds, storms, and potential snow even if the Las Vegas forecast shows clear skies. Power and campfires may be affected during high wind events. Remember to wear sunscreen, dress in layers, and bring blankets, water, and snacks in case of emergencies.
Wildlife
Fall can be a beautiful time for birdwatching, and occasionally spotting other animals found in the Spring Mountains. Remember to always keep your distance, never feed them, and keep in mind that touching or feeding the wild horses and burros is illegal.
Roads
- Lovell Canyon and Cold Creek roads have some impassable washouts, please avoid the areas.
TRAILHEADS open unless noted (*) below:
*None
Click here for full trail descriptions
Closed Trails:
- 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
- Mahogany CCC (trailhead will close with winter conditions)
- North Loop/Rain Tree
- Pack Rat/Escarpment/Acastus (from Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, trail has some erosion hazards)
- Robber's Roost
- Trail Canyon
PICNIC AREAS:
Open Sites*:
*None
Closed Sites:
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
*All Federal Public Lands Pass (Access Pass, Military Pass, Senior Pass, Annual Parks Pass, and Every Kid in a Park Pass) holders are permitted free usage at single picnic sites at all day use picnic areas except for SMVG, Foxtail, and Cathedral Group Picnic Areas. Pass must be present and its information must be filled out on a fee envelope and deposited in the fee tube at the Self-Service pay station.
CAMPGROUNDS:
Open Sites*:
*None
Closed Sites:
Fletcher View
McWilliams
Hilltop Campground
Mahogany Grove Group Campground
Mack’s Canyon (undeveloped & unpaved)
Blue Tree Area (undeveloped & unpaved)
Champion Road (undeveloped & unpaved)
*Dispersed camping is prohibited currently in Mahagony Fire burn area
*Access and Senior Federal Public Lands Pass holders are permitted 50% off at single campground sites. Pass must be present and its information must be filled out on a fee envelope and deposited in the fee tube at the Self-Service pay station.
STAGE 1 Fire Restrictions currently in effect, including*:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stovefire. The ONLY exceptions are stoves using portable fuel with an On/Off switch or knob, OR campfires within the provided rings or grills at developed camp and picnic sites.
2. Outdoor smoking is only authorized while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.
3. Using any type of explosive, including fireworks and explosive ammunition or targets.
* Please note that additional fire restrictions may apply. For more information or clarification on individual agency restrictions, visit www.nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions-and-closures.
Lee Canyon Ski Resort
The Lee Canyon Ski Resort is closed until further notice- visit their website for details
*** find updates throughout the day on our Facebook and Twitter accounts
Programs
Go Mt Charleston offers many types of programs! For more information, please visit our event calendar.
Volunteer
Looking for a way to give back while enjoying the fresh mountain air? Our volunteer programs are gearing back up, so learn more here!
If you head up, remember to dispose of your trash responsibly!