Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a nature reserve spanning elevations from around 3,000 feet to Mount Charleston's peak at 11,918 feet. The landscape features forests, canyons, and alpine zones that support diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Originally designated as Charleston Forest Reserve in 1906, the area became a National Recreation Area in 1993. This shift marked a change in how the mountains were protected and made available to the public.

The Southern Paiute people maintained deep ties to these mountains for generations, relying on the natural resources for their way of life. Visitors can sense this cultural presence through trails and sites rooted in indigenous history.

The area offers multiple access points near Las Vegas with facilities for hiking, camping, and mountaineering throughout its various zones. Timing your visit depends on planned activities, as snow regularly covers higher elevations in winter while lower areas can experience intense heat in summer.

The area harbors several rare plant species found nowhere else in the region, occurring only in these mountains. These endemic species make it a location of special biological interest for naturalists and nature enthusiasts.

Location: Clark County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 36.21021,-115.72309

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43