The high, forested mountains west of Las Vegas call to those longing for relief from summer heat. In the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, daytime temperatures range from 20-30 degrees cooler than in the desert below. Nights drop into the chilly range. Little wonder an exodus from the city heads for the hills where refugees from the heat enjoy daytime picnics, overnight campouts, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, scenic touring and other activities.

Accessible in about a half-hour's drive from many parts of the valley, the pine-scented, alpine landscape lies within easy reach. Head north on U.S. 95 to reach the Kyle Canyon Road, Highway 157, or drive another 14 miles to the Lee Canyon Road, Highway 156. Either highway climbs into forested regions about 20 miles from U.S. 95. The Deer Creek Road, Highway 158, links the two approaches.

Locals commonly refer to the area simply as Mount Charleston after lofty Charleston Peak, the pinnacle of the Spring Mountain Range. At nearly 12,000 feet, this peak ranks third highest in Nevada after Boundary Peak and Mount Wheeler. The U.S. Forest Service administers Spring Mountains National Recreation Area as part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, with scattered sections across Nevada comprising the largest national forest outside of Alaska.

Located near access roads, developed picnic areas, campgrounds and group use sites provide facilities for the hundreds of visitors flocking to the mountains daily. Sites fill up fast during the May through October season, especially on weekends and holidays. Many forest users prefer mid-week visitation to avoid the crush.

To better meet the public demand for limited developed sites, the Forest Service sets aside about half of the campsites for reservations. The agency encourages visitors to reserve sites in advance through the Web site for the National Reservation System or by calling toll-free at (877) 444-6777. The Forest Service plans future addition of new sites, better parking, more interpretative services and other improvements with the aims of enhancing visitor experiences and protecting natural resources.

Available on a first-come basis, day-use areas for picnics remain popular with many visitors. Look for Cathedral Rock Picnic Area at the head of Kyle Canyon, largest with 71 single family picnic sites for a $6 fee. In Lee Canyon, the Old Mill Picnic Area includes 61 sites also for a fee of $6. A few $6 single sites remain at Foxtail off the Lee Canyon Road which also accommodates groups. Deer Creek Picnic Area, the smallest with seven walk-in sites, has no fee. Large group picnic sites at Foxtail and Cathedral Rock require reservations.

Developed campgrounds serve overnight visitors in Kyle and Lee Canyons, as well as at the Deer Creek Road summit. Nonreservation sites are available on a first-come basis. In Kyle Canyon Campground campers find 19 total sites. The fee for single family sites is $15. The 15 sites in the nearby Kyle RV park are available only with reservations.

Popular Fetcher View Campground in Kyle Canyon boasts 11 sites with half set aside for those with reservations. Its $20 use fee includes $5 for electrical hookup. Hilltop Campground just off the Deer Creek Road accommodates 31 families for a $15 fee. Amenities include pay showers and two handicapped-accessible campsites. Nearby Mahogany Grove Campground accepts only large groups with reservations.

Lee Canyon contains two of the largest campgrounds at McWilliams and Dolomite with 31 and 30 sites respectively. Half of the sites are available only with reservations. The fee for a single site is $15 nightly.

The Forest Service also allows dispersed camping outside developed areas with certain restrictions. Popular areas for this type of primitive camping include an old archery range off the Deer Creek Road, scenic Mack's Canyon off the Lee Canyon Road and the Cold Creek-Willow Creek area at the northern end of the Spring Mountains. For more information, contact the Forest Service at the North Torrey Pines interagency office or phone 515-5400.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.