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Mt. Charleston
The area known as Mount Charleston is made up of the 316,000-acre Sping Mountains National Recreation Area, which is part of the Toiyabe National Forest.
Photo by John Gurzinski
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The mountains contain an astonishing variety of plant and animal species, many that are found nowhere else. Inside the national forest, the desert gradually changes into joshua and yucca forests and then onto juniper, mountain mahogany, aspen, ponderosa pine and bristlecone pine forests.
The highest point in the Spring Mountains is Charleston Peak, which looms at 11,918 feet, making it the third highest peak in Nevada.
There are no gasoline or grocery services on the mountain. U.S. Forest Service rangers ask that visitors respect the area by not littering or damaging the plant life. When fires are allowed, they should be kept to the fire rings or barbecue grills.
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The park is about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas and can be accessed by traveling north of the city on U.S. 95 to Nevada Highway 157.
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There are many hiking trails and campgrounds throughout the area. For information on trails, see Hiking in Mount Charleston.
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For information on campgrounds, see Camping in Mt. Charleston.
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Cathedral Rock
The site offers restrooms, large tables and large barbecue grills. There are 75 single family sites, which are used on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is $3 per vehicle. Cathedral Rock also has two group areas, both which require reservations. Group area A can accommodate 75 people and 12 cars, with a fee of $85 per day. Group area B can accommodate 60 people and 15 cars, with a fee of $70 per day.
Deer Creek
The site offers tables, barbecue grills and one vault toilet, and it is open year round. There are seven single family sites, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free entry.
Old Mill
The site offers tables, barbecue grills, five flush toilets, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court. There are 61 single family sites and 13 double family sites, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is $3 per vehicle.
Foxtail
The site offers tables, large barbecue grills, open fire rings and one vault toilet. There are three group areas, all of which can accommodate 75 people and cost $85 per day. Two of the sites can accommodate 24 cars and the other can accommodate 42. Reservations required, 800-280-CAMP (2267).
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Photo by Jim Laurie
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During the winter, skiing and snowboarding is available at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort at Lee Canyon. For more information on the resort, call (702) 645-2754. For snow reports, call (702) 593-9500.
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For more information on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, call (702) 222-1597. To make reservations at any of the campground or picnic sites, call 800-280-CAMP (2267).
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The official Web site: www.fs.fed.us/htnf/smnratra.htm
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