Introduction:
What? :
This challenging 9.5 out and back hike with 3500ft of elevation gain (up and down) will take you to the peak of Mount Griffith (11,064 ft (3,372 m)). Depending on your hiking abilities you should plan for 5-8 hours for completing this hike.
Along the trail and from the Griffith summit you will be rewarded by the stunning panoramic view of Spring Mountains, deep canyons and all surrounding lower level desert flats spreading in all directions.
Although located just 45 minutes drive from the Las Vega Strip in the heart of Mount Charleston Wilderness you will find here a completely different landscape. The high mountain range is covered with pine forested areas, deep gorges and tall cliffs are creating a contrasted environment to the surrounding desert flats.
Where? :
Located in the heart of Spring Mountains; only a 45 minute drive (40 miles) west of the Las Vegas strip.
Drive west on highway 95 and take exit 96 to Kyle Canyon Rd (highway 157) with clear signs to Spring Mountains. Drive up the road, until you will see Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway on your left. You can visit the visitor center and get up to date information on trails and hiking conditions.
Keep driving after the traffic circle where the road starts entering the mountains following Kyle Canyon. Keep driving for 5 miles, the road entering a small community (Mt. Charleston), keep driving then the road is making a sharp left turn, soon after you will see on your right the entrance to Cathedral Rock Trailhead (clearly marked).
There are 2 large parking lots, one straight ahead and the other one you need to turn right.
This is the tame trailhead as the hike to Cathedral Rock Trail.
During the hiking season (late spring - autumn) weekends and holidays the 2 parking lots are getting full early in the morning (about 7-8am), you need to drive back to the main road and look for road side parking.
Park only in places without “do not park” signs and do not block the road.
When? :
The park is open year-round but the recommended time to hike here is in late spring through early fall. The high mountain elevations offer cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding desert heat.
Winter:
All mountains are covered with deep snow and regular hiking is not an option, I assume that you can climb up with proper snow and ice equipment.
In any case, check the weather forecast before hiking here.
The snow can be on the trail from the first season snow storm all the way to early May. check hiking conditions at the visitor center.
Spring through early fall:
Hiking to the high elevation of Spring Mountains are the only hikes that are possible to do during the hot summer months, as long as you are starting your hike early in the morning and doing the climbing section when it is not hot..
You will start hiking at 7700ft and Griffith Peak is at 11000ft; The temperatures in the high elevation are much colder compared to Las Vegas.
At 6am it can be around 50-60f at the trailhead but mid day temperatures are hot (80-90f) but this should be the time you are hiking down.
The ridgeline and Griffith summit can be very windy.
Important note: Summer monsoon storms can bring heavy rain and lightning, make sure you check the weather in advance and do not hike when lightning storms are expected.
Due note 1:
There are water sources and restrooms at the trailhead.
Unfortunately, there is no water source along this route, so make sure to carry sufficient water.
Due note 2:
This is a long hike with a lot of climbing, although not as hot as the desert below. During the hot season it will be hot here.
Bring with you enough water, at least 3-4 liters per person.
This is a long hiking day and brings with you some light snacks and something to eat, preferably high calories and salty food to balance your electrolytes.
Due note 3:
The trail is partly exposed to the sun; use a hat and sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes.
Although it may be hot along the hike, the summit is exposed to the wind and on some days it can be cooled here, come prepared with extra layers so you can adjust to the temperatures.
Trekking poles are also helpful for this hike.
Due note 4:
No permits or fees are required for day-trips; the area is maintained by the US Forest Service in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness
Parking is free of charge.
Due note 5:
Most of the trail is high elevation, it starts at 7700ft and climbs to 11000ft. I do not think that you will get “real” altitude sickness but you will be more tired so take it easy on your hike at this elevation if you've just come up from the desert floor.
Due note 6:
Although challenging and long this trail is very popular among local hikers, you will not feel it is crowded but you will see many other hikers/runners along your hike, especially during winter. This is the reason for a full parking lot even in the relatively early morning.
There are runners on the trail so try to clear them the way when they are passing you, going up or down.
Due note 7:
Stay on the trail and don't cut the switchbacks, things that damage the trail.
Due note 8:
In winter up to late spring, snow can persist on the trail, ice axes and crampons may be necessary.
Due note 9:
To my understanding dogs are allowed here but they need to be on leash.
Due note 10:
I gave a wide range of hiking time because this mainly depends on your group hiking abilities and the ability to overcome the long and steep climb.
If you feel that the climb is too much or it is too hot do not be too proud and turn around.
My thoughts:
This is one of my favorite summer hikes and I'm Ok with the early wakeup and 1 hour drive from Handerson to the trailhead, start hiking 6-7am.
You can hike here even in the hot Las Vegas summer month because the relatively colder and bearable temperatures (high elevation), the strenuous climbing exercise, pine forest, and the rewarding views from the Griffith summit are fun to do.
The Hike:
For the South Loop Trail hike you need to be ready for a brutal climb; The trail starts climbing right from the parking lot trailhead and does not stop all the way up to Griffith peak, switchback after switchback, some sections are climbed gently but others are steep uphill.
Along the hike up the view opens-up and you will have many picturesque resting points with the panoramic views of Kyle Canyon and Spring Mountains ranges and peaks.
Note: you almost do not see Griffith Peak along this hike, only at the last section of the climb you will see the peak towering above you.
Note: Trail surfaces are generally well-maintained, with switchbacks and stone steps; occasional exposed ridges require attention.
Hiking Description:
From the trailhead the trail heading to the left and short after you will see a fork to your right, this will be the trail to Cathedral Rock, keep hiking straight.
Here the trail passes through a forest of large ponderosa pines but soon you will get out to the open where old burns from 2013 clear the forest and the view open-up.
The trail climbs up in the open landscape up the hillside heading south, in the general direction of the drainage wash. The trail passes the dry creek through patches of Aspen trees and turns left, probably around this section it is time to rest and enjoy Kyle Canyon and Mt Charleston cabins view below you.
The trail turning to the right and from here stars a steep climbing section straight to the direction of the towering cliffs on your left side.
At the base of the cliffs the trail crosses the avalanche wash and starts climbing the steep area with a long series of switchbacks. At the top of this climb the trail gets out of the wash and reaches Echo Overlook viewing point.
This viewing point is located 2 miles from the trailhead (1400ft elevation gain). From this point there is a nice view of the canyon below you.
So people are hiking up to this point and from here hike back down.
From Echo Overlook point the trail heading southwest climbing in countless long sections of switchbacks across the hillside, heading in the general direction southwest.
This section of the hike passes through a large pine forest so you should enjoy the shade although for most of this section you will not have a view.
After about 1 mile from Echo Overlook point you will reach another recommended viewing / resting point to the right of the trail. Here the view is more to the northwest side of Kyle Canyon and upper sections of Walla Walla Wash.
After resting and drinking, keep hiking up. Here the trail passes through a large pine forest, you will cross a few fallen trees sections and open slope meadows and after some climbing you will start to see the top of Griffith Mountain and the ridgeline.
The trail keeps climbing in switchbacks through an open burned section and suddenly you will find yourself on the ridgeline and the trail junction.
The trail to the right follows the ridgeline and leads to the summit of Mt. Charleston and we need to take the trail to the left, to Griffith Peak.
This point is at 10,700 feet and located 4 miles from the trailhead with an overall 3000ft of elevation gain.
Here you can find large trees, shaded places to rest.
You can see all around you the exposed landscape and burned forest as a result of a large fire from 10 years ago.
After resting start the last section of the climb, 0.5 mile and 500ft straight up!
The trail slightly down along the ridgeline but from there it follows up the northwest side, through a burned forest area, with very steep and short switchbacks, zig-zagging all the way to the summit.
You will reach the exposed summit and find a place to rest on the rocks.
The summit stands at 11,064 ft (3,372 m), 4.8 miles from the TH, making it the third-highest peak in Southern Nevada.
The view from the summit of Griffith peak is impressive !
You can see the rest of Mt. Charleston Wilderness area mountains, along the ridgeline the views of Charleston Peak in the distance, the slopes to the desert below and the vast desert plain surrounding you.
There's a trail register at the summit that you can fill with your information.
Near the summit in unburned areas you can see the pine forest and also the old bristlecone pine trees.
After resting and enjoying the view it is time to hike back down. The nice thing is that from here it is all downhill.
Reach the trail junction on the ridgetop and turn down to start the countless switchback sections along the hike down.
The hike down is much easier compared to the climb up so you will probably need less resting stops, you can plan for a hike shorter by 1 hour than what it took you to climb up.
After a long constant descent you will reach back to the parking lot, here you can use the restrooms or fill your water bottles.
This strenuous hike is a 9.7 mile long hike with 3500ft of climbing and descending, hopefully you enjoyed the hike views and the workout.
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