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Summary: You begin to climb from your first step onto this trail, but you hike through some of the most lush, forested areas in these mountains. Whether you marvel at the rugged cliffs, wonder at the caves and it's possible users, listen to the water rushing over the rocky ledges back in the canyons; or just revel in the colors of wildflowers & grasses at your feet, the smell of pines, or the sounds of birds, butterflies, and the wind rustling through the aspens; every aching muscle will be worth it on the South Loop Trail. This is the easiest route to Mt. Charleston Peak (8 1/2 miles), and "just" reaching the crest of the ridge (4 miles up) and the lush meadows area (1/2 mile further) is a great sense of accomplishment and joy. This is a perfectly acceptable trail for seasoned and conditioned horses (only a few rocky, narrow spots), but there is no water along this route so you'll have to pack plenty. Harris Springs route is easier but not prettier. Sign in book at the peak Trailhead: Follow directions for Echo Overlook or Cathedral Rock trail, but begin at the signed second trailhead within the picnic area, NOT the Cathedral Rock trailhead. Follow the trail up until you reach the crest of the ridge (meadows area). This is a signed junction, turn L (SE) towards Harris Springs, and follow the L fork up the STEEP route along the ridgeline to the peak. The views are spectacular here at 11,060' elevation, and I love the perspective of how Red Rock, Lovell, Trout, and Kyle all fit together within the Spring Mountains. Clear days will give you incredible views of blue waters of Lake Mead, Arizona mtns, Death Valley, Pahrump, Desert Wildlife Range -- and of course, the pink glass of Circus Circus or Luxor's glass pyramid reflecting the sunlight along the Las Vegas strip filled with those poor souls down in the valley. It's sure exhilarating to be at the top of the peak! Expect snow patches through end of June, it may be chilly & windy at the peak. (Lat:36.25798 Lon:-115.65008) Trail Guides for Griffith Peak (via South Loop): Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400, emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David on 2/8/2010 Still havent made it to the Peak. It's a physically demanding trail for the casual hiker. It's a seemingly endless array of switchbacks and my legs started getting heavy as we got close to the meadow and had lunch on a big log. I could see the Peak through the trees and gazed across at Mt Charleston and felt a slight chill from the elevation, but after eating lunch it was evident we were both leg weary and agreed to go back down....the walk back down is a breeze LOL 
Reviewed by Rob on 8/26/2009 I hiked up to Griffith on 8/26/09. I just started hiking a couple of months ago and this was my most aggressive hike so far. It was also the first time I've ever hiked to any mountain peak! The log book was just changed yesterday, so I had the pleasure of breaking-in the new book! It seems I'm still pretty out of shape because it took me a little over 4 hours to get to the peak and 3.5 hours to get back down. My knees are iced as I type this up and I'm exhausted.....but the feeling of accomplishment is awesome! The switchbacks from Echo Overlook to the saddle seem endless. And that final push up to the peak is brutal. But its all worth it for the excellent views all around!! Make sure to pack a windbreaker to stay warm at the pe
Reviewed by a.d. on 7/10/2009 Wonderful hike!!! The Mt. Charleston area is amazing and so is this hike. Ran accross only 5 other people on the whole trail on a Friday. The view from the top is awesome and the description and directions are very accurate. Took me 4.5 hours round trip with rests (including about 20 mins exploring and resting at the summit).
Reviewed by Randy on 6/20/2009 I had the pleasure of hiking up to the peak this morning with friends. What an exhilarating trek and a fantastic view. Well worth the effort and only took about 6 hours total with a long rest and viewing period on top. It was a bit windy and cool but it sure beat mowing the lawn and sweating back in Vegas! Hadn't been on a hike in fifteen years but I couldn't turn down a challenge. Besides, at almost 60 and a stubborn German, I wasn't about to let a crazy Hungariain beat me to the top!
Reviewed by Nikki on 11/5/2008 One of the best hikes i've ever been on, super scenic, even when cloudy. Just be careful to start off on the right trailhead. Do not take cathedral rock trail to start.
Reviewed by Shevvers on 11/4/2008 Hiked last weekend, really tested my fitness but was well worth it. Freezing at the top, with the wind blowing icy clouds onto Griffith Peak.
Reviewed by KC on 7/7/2008 OOppss....I wrote the last review .......it should say if go "right"..you loop around ...not "left"......good luck!
Reviewed by KC on 7/7/2008 Awesome hike! Views are amazing! At the final ascent(last 1/2mile) be sure not to miss the trail to the peak...if you go left ..you will loop around and start heading down the opposite side towards Harris springs.....if you do this go back on trail..don't try to straight up to peak off trail...I did this ...and it was pretty scary..lots of loose rock and a Very Very steep angle..I got lucky! Aside from cutting my hand pretty good from slipping on the rocks..better that than falling! I learned my lesson... 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||