Mount Charleston

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Better known to locals as Mount Charleston, it is located just 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas and encompasses more than 316,000 acres of remarkable beauty and surprising diversity. During the winter months, skiing is a top draw; when the weather warms in the valley, hiking trails here become incredibly popular. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing, camping and picnicking. You might encounter all kinds of wildlife, but some of the most sighted animals are mountain blue birds, deer and wild horses. The area is home to more than 50 sensitive plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Two lodges with restaurants and rooms are in Kyle Canyon, and a ski resort and snow play areas are in Lee Canyon.