| About Toiyabe National Forest |
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| North Loop Trail |
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Ending Elevation:
12,000 Feet
Average Time:
8 Hours
Length, One-way:
10.3 Miles
Elevation Gain:
4,000 Feet
Difficulty:
Difficult
Beginning Elevation:
8,000 Feet
Usage:
Moderate
Reservation:
No
Season:
Spring - Fall
From Las Vegas, Travel north on U.S. Highway 95, then take State Route 157 west., then transfer onto State Route 158. Travel north on State Route 158. After driving past the road to Hilltop Campground, park in the second turnout on the left.
Location Information
North Loop Trail winds up the mountainside through ponderosa pines, mountain mahogany, currents, and white fir. After 1 1/2 miles is a flat ridge which offers good views of Las Vegas and a few campsites. The trail continues up several switchbacks before reaching a summit. It then descends through a bristlecone pine forest toward the foot Mummy Mountain. At 2.7 miles it reaches the junction of mummy Spring Trail. There are several scenic views of Kyle Canyon as the trail continues descending toward Trail Canyon. At four miles is the junction of Trail Canyon Trail. North Loop Trail continues to the right, Trail Canyon trail is to the left and travels two miles into Kyle Canyon. Trail Canyon is frequently used as a shorter way to reach the peak. The next half mile North Loop makes a steady ascent to Cave Spring. There is water running into a horse trough below a cave-like area used for camping. The trail continues climbing amongst aspens while traveling through an old burn area. It eventually ascends to where the only trees are bristlecone pines. Winding along the rocky canyon walls, it reaches the east face of Mount Charleston Peak. Switchbacks climb barren rock a half mile before reaching the summit. On top of Charleston Peak is a magnificent view. One can see nearly 300 miles in each direction on a clear day.
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