Hotels near Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston, at 3,633 m (11,918 ft) the highest peak in the Spring Mountains, rises less than an hour from the Strip, and its upper canyons are often 15 to 20°C cooler than the city. In October the aspen groves of Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon turn gold, typically from late September to mid-October, giving Las Vegas a rare dose of autumn colour among pines and limestone cliffs.

The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway in Kyle Canyon is the place to start, with exhibits, maps and short paths. Popular October hikes include the Mary Jane Falls trail, a steep climb of about 4 km (2.4 miles) return to a seasonal waterfall, and the easier Cathedral Rock trail. Services in the canyons are limited, so pack food and water, and expect the first snow at the highest elevations by late October.

Pro Tip: Go on a weekday, as trailhead parking fills early on October weekends, and bring a warm layer: it can be 10°C at the Gateway when the Strip is 28°C.