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 Reporter |
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 Submit your own review 
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...
Reviewed by GRANT on 9/30/2007 Awesome hike. Beautiful fall colors (September 29,07). Agree that the switchbacks up to the meadows are strenuous, but well worth the effort. The trail up to to Griffith Peak is easily missed (I missed it, realizing once I started to descend on the south west side of the peak). So, once you are at the top of the switchbacks, there is a sign directing you either to Griffith Peak or Mt Charleston. Go left along the Griffith Peak trail, the trail that takes you to the peak is 1/4 - 1/2 mile from this sign and seems to go straight up along a ridge. If you find yourself looping around the west side of the peak, you have missed the trail to the top and some incredible views.
Reviewed by Frank on 9/24/2006 Hiked Griffith Peak; but started at the Harris Springs Trailhead. The Harris Springs Road is a good staring place for the hike, but be warned the road is not the best. My X5 was screaming the whole way that it was an sAv. Anyway, got to the trailhead and was very pleased. Great views the whole trail. Even at the summit, we were rewarded with a great 360 view including Mummy, Pahrump Valley, Las Vegas, and the Lake. Great trip.
Reviewed by Dennis on 6/19/2006 This hike has more switchbacks than you could possibly count! It really does go up the entire way too -- if you are the type that quickly tires of pointless up and downs then this is the hike for you! Awesome hiking, scenery, shade, view, everything! We really liked it a lot!
Reviewed by juan on 8/7/2005 IT WAS A GREAT HIKE AND WILL DO IT AGAIN TO BETTER MY HIKING SKILLS. I WANT TO HIKE THE MTN CHRLSTN PEAK VERY SOON. IM ALL GEARED UP FOR IT. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||