SMNRA RECREATION UPDATE AS OF 12/1/23
AREA CLOSURES IN EFFECT
Area closure remains in effect for the Developed Recreation Canyons (Lee, Kyle, and Deer Creek) of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) for public safety due to historic storm damage. State Routes 157/Kyle Canyon Road, 156/Lee Canyon, and State Route 158/Deer Creek Hwy are now open. Drivers are asked to use caution as there are still many repair workers and vehicles in the area actively continuing additional repairs.
The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway is now open, though some 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. Map of Flood Damage Closure Area
Want to help? Sign up to be notified here: Flood Cleanup
Visitor Center & Programs
Open seven days a week 9am-4 pm, check Calendar for programs
(Closed on Christmas Day)
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:
- Cliffrose/Stepladder
- South Loop
- Fletcher Canyon/Eagle's Nest/Acastus
- Harris Spring to Griffith Peak
- Pack Rat/Escarpment/Acastus (from the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, trail has some erosion hazards)
- Desert View Overlook
- North Loop/Rain Tree
- Juniper
- Robber's Roost
Click here for full trail descriptions
Closed Trails:
- Bristlecone, Lower
- Bristlecone, Upper
- Mary Jane Falls
- Echo
- Cathedral Rock/Griffith Peak/South Loop (trailhead closed for cold season)
- Mahogany CCC (trailhead will close with winter conditions)
- Trail Canyon
PICNIC AREAS:
Open Sites*:
Kyle Canyon (10 am-4 pm)
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 (10 am-4 pm)
Closed Sites:
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
Foxtail Group Picnic Area (WIll open for snow play later this winter)
Deer Creek
*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*:
Fletcher View
Blue Tree Area (undeveloped & unpaved)
Champion Road (undeveloped & unpaved)
Closed Sites:
Hilltop Campground
Mahogany Grove Group Campground
McWilliams
Mack’s Canyon (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.
Year Round 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. Using any type of explosive, including fireworks and explosive ammunition or targets.
* Please note that additional fire restrictions may apply, read the Forest Order for details. 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 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!