Mt. Charleston

I'll be in Vegas next week and am hoping to hike Mt. Charleston. Has anyone done it? Any idea whether it would be snow-free yet? From what I've read it seems most of the snow melts by around now, but it has been a heavier than average snow year in the Sierra Nevada.

Quote: 7outlineaway

I'll be in Vegas next week and am hoping to hike Mt. Charleston. Has anyone done it? Any idea whether it would be snow-free yet? From what I've read it seems most of the snow melts by around now, but it has been a heavier than average snow year in the Sierra Nevada.

How do you get to Mt. C. from LV?

--Ms. D.

Drive, then hike.

OK, it's to the northwest, up US 95, then along a secondary highway to the trailhead. Looks like the vertical gain is around 4500 feet.

It was snow capped when we left on Saturday.

Quote: 7outlineaway

I'll be in Vegas next week and am hoping to hike Mt. Charleston. Has anyone done it? Any idea whether it would be snow-free yet? From what I've read it seems most of the snow melts by around now, but it has been a heavier than average snow year in the Sierra Nevada.

I've climbed it lots of times. In fact I made it about half way on Sunday, but snow eventually made it too dangerous to continue. So, yes, it has way too much snow now to summit, unless you have all the requisite gear like crampons and ice axe. Still, if you start on the North Loop trailhead you should be able to go about 6 or 7 miles before the snow becomes too much of a problem. You're not likely to get far at all on the South Loop trail. I think you'll have to wait until mid July to get to the summit without snow.

Quote: Wizard

I've climbed it lots of times. In fact I made it about half way on Sunday, but snow eventually made it too dangerous to continue. So, yes, it has way too much snow now to summit, unless you have all the requisite gear like crampons and ice axe. Still, if you start on the North Loop trailhead you should be able to go about 6 or 7 miles before the snow becomes too much of a problem. You're not likely to get far at all on the South Loop trail. I think you'll have to wait until mid July to get to the summit without snow.

OK, thanks.

Is that a lot more snow than usual for this time of year? I am in Reno right now and the Tahoe peaks still have a LOT of snow on them, more than I've seen in past years around this time. Basically anywhere with tree cover (or above treeline) still has snow.

Have the ELK at the lodge, it is outstanding.

Quote: 7outlineaway

Is that a lot more snow than usual for this time of year? I am in Reno right now and the Tahoe peaks still have a LOT of snow on them, more than I've seen in past years around this time. Basically anywhere with tree cover (or above treeline) still has snow.

Sorry for the tardy reply. Yes, Mt. Charleston had a lot more than average snowfall last winter. I plan to get as far as I can on the mountain, probably on Monday. Stay tuned for my report.