SNOW IN LAS VEGAS…YOU BETCHA

While the ‘Sun City’ has deservedly earned its name from the intense desert heat that beats down on the Las Vegas Valley from May through September, during the winter months Vegas can also boast itself as a ski resort.

Just 30 minutes from the Strip, Las Vegans and visitors can enjoy the snow-capped mountain peaks of Mount Charleston, a featured part of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (SMNRA).  The SMNRA encompasses more than 316, 000 acres and is home to 58 sensitive plants and animals found only in this special area.  Wildflowers dot the landscape.  Wild horses and burros, songbirds, birds of prey, hummingbirds, desert tortoise, deer, elk, coyote, fox, and bob cats all call this area home.

Mount Charleston is the highest mountain peak (12, 000 feet) of the SMNRA, which is part of the Humboldt-Tolyabe National Forest.  The area also features other types of terrain including low meadows and steep canyons.

There are 4 campgrounds for those who enjoy hiking, climbing, skiing, sightseeing, and bird-watching.  These are the Hilltop Campground, McWilliams Campground, Kyle Canyon Campground, and Kyle Canyon RV Campground.  Cost varies depending on campsite/picnic area/trail. For more information call the National Reservation Center: 800-280-CAMP (2267).

Directions from Las Vegas, Nevada:  Take Highway 95 north to Highway 156, turn left and travel approximately 17 – 19 miles.