Mount Charleston Nature Tours

Nature Lovers Tour
If nature is what warms your heart, this tour will add even more to your visit to Las Vegas. Although located in a desert, Southern Nevada also has nearby mountains and areas of scenic beauty.

This tour is appropriately known as the Nature Lovers Tour.

Mt. Charleston serves as an escape for many locals during the summer months. Temperatures pleasantly come in at some 30 degrees Fahrenheit less than in the city during the summer, and fall below freezing regularly during winter. The drive to Mt. Charleston is short, approximately 40 minutes from Strip Hotels, and is accessible year round. Take US-95 north to the 157 Exit, also known as Kyle Canyon Rd. The drive will start off with desert landscaping, but as the elevation increases, the greenery comes out, as well. During spring this area is dotted with wildflowers. There are two lodges on Mt. Charleston, which locals refer to lovingly as the Old Lodge, and the New Lodge. The New Lodge, formally called the Mt. Charleston Hotel, is lower down the mountain so you will see it first. Approximately 10 minutes further up the hill is the Old Lodge, or the Mt. Charleston Lodge. Both offer scenic views, restrooms, and a place to relax and enjoy a nice meal. There are many campgrounds and picnic areas up in the Toiyabe National Forest area, so make a day of it and bring a lunch and a blanket. The trees whisper in the wind, the air is fresh, and there are no buffet crowds pushing and shoving. One little-known feature at the Mt. Charleston Hotel is a nine hole, par 35 golf course. Horseback riding is also a fun way to spend the afternoon, and can be set up by reservations though Mt. Charleston Riding Stables. One word of advice, fill up your fuel tanks before going up the mountain as no gas services are available once leaving the highway. The roads are curved and sometimes steep, so plan to spend a few hours driving through the scenic area. There are a number of homes located in this area, so please remember to respect private property.