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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a really pleasant walk, although without the help of switchbacks the first portion of this trail can feel like quite a climb if you're not used to the altitude. The trail is so easy to follow and takes you past so many wonderful things to look at (limestone cliffs, caves, ridge lines, distant peaks), that you'll soon forget about that burning feeling in your legs and lungs. Don't be afraid to rest frequently to catch your breath, you'll be gaining 1500 ft. in 2 miles. The last 1/2 mile up to the junction at the upper end of Trail Canyon is the easiest on the uphill, and the entire trail is nice when you're heading downhill -- be careful not to go too fast -- lots of loose rocks, and scenery too good to miss. Trail Canyon trail is one of the most versatile trails because you have so many choices at the junction: Cave Springs, Charleston Peak (plan ahead for this one), Cockscomb Ridge, North Loop to Raintree, Mummy Springs, N. Loop trailhead, Fletcher Canyon. Trailhead: I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N towards Reno, W on SR 157 (Mt. Charleston - Kyle Canyon) continue past the hotel, 2 miles W of USFS ranger station, to Echo Road. This is where the road curves sharply to the left to head up into old town and the lodge. Instead, continue to the right (almost straight) and follow Echo Road as it curves to the right. Park at the trailhead, off the pavement. This parking fills up early in the summer. If you are riding horses on Trail Canyon trail, turn L at the sign marked Mary Jane Falls (instead of following the road to the R) and park your truck/trailer in the lower gravel parking area on the L side (motor homes like to park here also). Ride to the trailhead along Echo Rd. There is water at Cave Springs for your horse, but take them up in small groups from the upper end of Trail Canyon (saddle, or 3-way intersection) -- this is a nice staging area with plenty of trees, fallen logs, and open areas for the horses. (Lat:36.26731 Lon:-115.65776) Trail Guides for Trail Canyon: USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) 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 JWM3 on 8/4/2007 Finished this hike today, 2 hrs up and 1 hr back. Great hike, lots to see, very stenuous for me. I met others that seemed to be doing better. The summit is beautiful, well worth the hike 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||