What else is there to do than gamble and shop in Las Vegas? Yes, we all know about the exotic cars, the gun ranges, indoor skydiving, and etc… but there’s got to be more! Hey how about going to the mountains. There are no mountains in the Las Vegas Valley, is there?
If Las Vegas sits in a valley that means there must be mountains somewhere nearby. If you want to get outdoors, (even in the Summer when its 100 degrees in Vegas, then Mt. Charleston is for you where it is only 80) then Mt. Charleston at 11,900 feet is awaiting your visit. Whether it is hiking, biking, sledding, skiing, horseback riding or just seeing some spectacular views of the desert and mountains from a roadside pullout then Mt. Charleston is your inexpensive ticket to real Vegas.
As you enter the park area of Mt. Charleston you’ll see the visitor center which is the gateway to all of the outdoor adventures that await your visit. There are hiking trails throughout the park and village area. There are picnic and camping areas and a horseback riding trail too.
The village of Mt. Charleston sits at an elevation of 7,500′ feet with a population of around 400. There are 3 distinct neighborhoods in the Village. The lower section of homes will be to your left as you enter the village. The second neighborhood is labeled “old town” and is centered between the other 2 neighborhoods. Old Town host the village park, school and fire station. The upper neighborhood section is just that, mansions at the top of the village with spectacular mountain and valley views.
At the end of the road, you’ll arrive at the Mt. Charleston Lodge which has cabins for rent and a ski resort type lodge restaurant with a large log fire pit in the middle of the gathering room. There is a fully stocked bar with large screen TV’s to watch sporting events. The menu is filled with a variety of food choices like Italian, burgers, salads, and appetizers. The best part of the lodge might be its views of the mountains, upper village million dollar homes and spectacular valley below.
Mt. Charleston is about an hour drive from the strip. Take hwy 95 North to hwy 157. The road ends in the village. For more information check out the website https://www.gomtcharleston.com/plan-your-visit/
