I like to think of it as reverse-hibernation. While my Midwestern friends are updating their facebook pages with joyful pictures of their families outside in the nice spring weather, my Las Vegas friends and I are sighing. Pretty soon we’ll be the ones hiding indoors. A pleasant spring is drawing to a close, and it’s time to prepare ourselves for the hot temperatures that await us. We’re beginning to think about indoor activities, playdates at the park in the early hours of the morning, and how great it will be when fall rolls around and we can put away the sunscreen.
However, the hot Las Vegas temperatures can be mitigated by a trip to Mount Charleston, Nevada. Located about 30 minutes away from downtown Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is home to Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, which offers visitors picnic areas, hiking trails, and other outdoor fun in a slightly cooler environment. The recreation area is part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which covers 6.3 million acres.
Temperatures at Mount Charleston are often significantly lower than those found in the Valley. We noticed a distinct difference on our recent visit when we hiked part of the Fletcher Canyon trail on Earth Day.
For more information on activities and hiking trails within Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, check out this list of things to do from the Forest Service. You’ll also find some helpful tips to keep you safe during your outing.
