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Summary: The hike takes you to the highest point in southern Nevada. You’re almost 10,000 feet above Las Vegas. Once you reach the meadows, the hiking becomes easy. The last half-mile is very strenuous, but the views from the peak make it all worthwhile. The South Loop Trail climbs the steep slope to the ridge. It then heads west through the Meadows and into a forest. Near the treeline, the wind has reduced bristlecone trees to dwarf size. Once above the treeline, the trail traverses to the final push to the peak. Trailhead: From the Mirage on Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) go north 1.5 miles and turn left (west) onto Sahara. In less than one mile, turn right (north) onto I-15. Take I-15 two miles to US 95. Take US 95 north 14 miles to State Route 157. Go left on 157, drive 21 miles, and turn right into Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. The signed trailhead is located one-tenth of a mile past the fee booth on the right (west) side of the road. The entrance fee is $6 per car. Parking is available across from the trailhead; however, it may be full on weekends. If the parking areas are full, closed, or you don’t want to pay to park, parking is also available just before entering the picnic area on the right (west) side of the road. It is a quarter-of-a-mile walk to the trailhead from the entrance of Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. (Lat:36.25389 Lon:-115.64359) Trail Guides for Charleston Peak via South Loop Trail: Hiking Las Vegas by Branch Whitney (Huntington Press) Best Seasons: Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: US Forest Service Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Branch Whitney, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ron on 11/16/2011 Hiked South Loop for Nth time on 11/14/2011. Trail is 90-95% under hard-pack/soft snow, ice, mud. Depths are 6-12" depending on area. Griffith Peak 2+ft snow...no trail. Expect to slip & fall, poles are a must. Crampons helpful for footing, snowshows an alternate but neither required. Ascending will be slower, expect 8+ hours to summit due to conditions means you won't return to the trailhead before sunset (4:30pm). Recommend having a headlamp, survival kit & equipment to keep warm/safe overnight in case you get stuck at altitude. You could also summit & set camp on way back in the meadows returning the next morning. Temps at 11,000 ft will be 10-15 degrees with trailhead ~30 degrees at night. North Loop no snow observed except last 1.5m
Reviewed by Ron on 11/16/2011 Error: Reserved Word Found: ; 
Reviewed by JeffH on 10/31/2011 Note for the directions: The Cathedral Rock Picnic Area is closed for renovation so hikers must take the Cathedral Rock trail. I hiked the South Loop trail on October 29, leaving the "new" trailhead at 8am. The first section is very steep but I trudged ever upwards until reaching the Griffith Peak trail junction, and took a break shortly after that. The meadow areas look as if they would be great to visit in the springtime with the grasses and flowers blooming. Reached the summit at 1pm, then hung out there chatting with other hikers and enjoying the views. Took about 3.5 hours to get down, and the steepness is very noticeable on the knees then! It's a great place to visit for an out-of-towner like me.
Reviewed by Brian on 8/22/2011 Hiked this trail 8/20/11. This was my 2nd hike (Griffith 7/23 was 1st). I was wiser for the wear and hiked lighter this time. Made it to the meadows in 2.5 hours. Meadows area is gorgeous and easy but it does get tougher closer to the summit. Was fooled into thinking "close" peak was charleston (you may see what i mean when on the trail). Its over that and another mile or more. Check out the plane wreckage (researched it- its fascinating and sad). 3 liters of fluids was perfect. Weather was gorgeous (shorts/sweat wicking tshirt), trail was dry. 8.5 hours total hike time (half hour at the summit)- 9 hr round trip.
Reviewed by T L on 7/7/2011 I hiked this trail on 7/1/11. Started at 530am and arrived at the top at 930am. There was still big patches of snow on the switchbacks. For such a high mountain, there are limited treacherous parts and limited wind (at least on this day). WARNING: On the way back, I went off the trail to take a video and failed in my attempt to merge back on the trail. I got lost and ended up miles south of Mt Griffith. Eventually, I called 911 and was picked up by a helicopter. Stay on the trail, have plenty of cell phone battery, and orient yourself beforehand. I will climb it again just to figure out how I got so lost, but I will stay on the trail.
Reviewed by Keita on 9/14/2009 I have to disagree with the reviewer below. It's great that a 7 year-old made it, but this route is NOT for ANYONE. 18 mile roundtrip peaking out at almost 12,000 ft with 4000 ft. elevation gain is "strenuous" in anyone's book, and would require certain amount of commitment, equipment, preparation and physical ability. It is a great hike however, very scenic. I did not go down the S. Loop, but since I disliked the N. Loop for it's endless, not necessarily AS scenic traverse, I think I would have preferred to go down the S. Loop if I've known better. Also, the true N. Loop ends up very very far from the S. loop trailhead, so know your route if you are going down the N. Loop.
Reviewed by Dave on 7/5/2009 Hiked to the summit on the 4th of July with my sons (age 7 and 12). Very strenuous climbing the switchbacks up to the first ridge, but beautiful flowers and views made it enjoyable. The walk across the meadow was one of the highlights of our trip. When we saw the peak from the edge of the "bowl," I wasn't sure we would make it to the top, but it was closer than it looked, and after some slow trudging through the loose shale, we reached our destination. If my 7 year old can make it, anyone can make it. Best hike I have ever done, even if we're a bit sore the day after.
Reviewed by Shevvers on 12/6/2008 Just did Charleston Peak via the South Loop today: fantastic! More than half the trail was snowbound, which made coming down a bit tricky, but the weather was kind and it didn't feel like 17 miles. Really felt the altitude on the last mile up. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
