Mt Charleston

Mt Charleston is in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, part of the Toiyabe National Forest. It is the highest peak in Southern Nevada, 11,918 ft, and the third highest peak in the state. About 50 miles northwest of Las Vegas, 45-minute drive, it was named after Charleston, South Carolina, by an early surveyor.

Humans have been present in Spring Mountains for more than 10,000 years, starting with nomadic groups (11,000 BC to 500 AD) and the Anasazi (500 AD to 1150 AD). The early pioneers used this area as a source of wood. Today, about 900 people reside in the Mt Charleston area.

As you turn on Hwy 157 or 156, the scenery begins to change and you'll travel in five different climactic zones, from 3,000 to 9,000 ft above sea level. There are 40 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. Trees and plants found at Mt Charleston include Joshua tree, Ponderosa pine, bristlecone, creosote, blackbrush, banana yucca, horsebrush, sagebrush, aspen, and white fir. The bristlecone pine is considered to be the oldest living thing on Earth. Present in the area are desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, coyotes, deer, bobcats, gray foxes, elks, mountain lions, red-tailed hawks, and Palmer's Chipmunks (the only place on Earth where you can see them).

Hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping grounds are available, as well as horseback riding and skiing.

Mt Charleston Hotel offers, beside lodging, a restaurant with international cuisine, the Cliffhanger Lounge (a spacious bar with a fireplace) and banquet facilities for weddings and parties. Call 872-5500 for more information for see www.mtcharlestonhotel.com.

Mt Charleston Lodge offers lodging in log cabins, a restaurant/lounge, and a close, beautiful view of Mt Charleston . For more information call 872-5408 or see www.mtcharlestonlodge.com.

For skiing information, see:

• Las Vegas Skiing/Snowboarding. 385-2754. www.skilasvegas.com
• Las Vegas Ski & Sports Club. 458-0469. www.lasvegasskiclub.com.