With winter break starting for Clark County students next week, the Las Vegas community often looks to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), or Mt. Charleston as it is known by locals, for winter recreation opportunities. Considering the novelty of snow in the desert, it is understandable that visitors want to venture the short distance from Las Vegas to enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and other typical snow play activities.
Lee and Kyle Canyons are very popular winter recreation areas on the SMNRA and can be extremely busy, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. It is best to be there by 9 a.m. on these days, or you may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested. Weekdays and non-holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access. Also, consider carpooling with friends and family to the mountain and NOT using ride share services (e.g. Uber or Lift), because limited cell service and traffic may not allow for pickup for return rides.
Visitors planning a winter trip to the Mt. Charleston area should take time to look at the parking, snow play, winter travel, and weather information on the Go Mt. Charleston website, which is now in English ( https://www.gomtcharleston.com/snow-season/) and Spanish (https://www.gomtcharleston.com/nieve-en-spring-mountains/). Conditions and safety information are also posted at https://www.facebook.com/GoMtCharleston or https://twitter.com/GoMtCharleston.
It is also important to check driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA. Check real-time information by calling 511 within Nevada or visit www.nvroads.com. For public safety, it is also best to wait to drive up the mountain until after a snowstorm and roads have time to be plowed
For those specifically interested in playing in snow, Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the largest winter activity area on the mountain and offers skiing and other winter activities for daily and annual fees. Information about the ski resort, facility availability, and parking information is available at: www.leecanyonlv.com or by calling 702-385-2754. Due limited cell service, Ski Resort visitors are reminded to have their pass or online reservation receipts printed or downloaded on their phones to show law enforcement officers who are monitoring traffic.
During the winter months, the Lee Canyon Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground, Old Mill Picnic Area, Sawmill Trailhead and Foxtail Snow Play Area in Lee Canyon. The Old Mill Picnic Area is generally open on weekends and holidays. When there is at least 12 inches of snow, the Foxtail area is also open on weekends and holidays. It is best to check the resort website for details.
The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road is currently open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The facility is closed on Christmas Day and may be closed during weather events. Public restroom facilities are available in Kyle Canyon at the Cliff Rose Trailhead across the traffic circle from the visitor gateway and in Lee Canyon at Sawmill Picnic Area.
Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for their planned activities and to not trespass on private property or closed areas. Sledding is not recommended in areas where there is less than 12 inches of snow and trash should be carried home or placed in dumpsters or trashcans. Owners should also keep pets on a leash and clean up their waste.
When traveling to the SMNRA, visitors should remember to start with a full tank of gas because there are no gas stations on the mountain. Always carry with you: tire chains, tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.
To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion, available parking, and road conditions in Kyle and Lee canyons and regulate access. Depending on conditions, delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road).
Law enforcement officials ask visitors to observe and comply with highway reader boards and flashing signs on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road) and 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) when they indicate that four-wheel drive and snow tires or tire chains are required to proceed up the mountain. Failure to comply will result in unsafe driving conditions and may result in accidents, stuck vehicles, and citations issued by law enforcement. For more detailed information on chain requirements, please visit: https://bit.ly/NDOTTractionandChainRequirements.
It is important to abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. In areas where roadside parking is permitted, ensure all tires are to the right of the white line to keep the lane clear for emergency vehicles. For more detailed information where parking is restricted, please visit: https://bit.ly/SMNRASnowSeasonMap, which is in both English and Spanish.
In case of a roadway emergency, dial *NHP (*647) or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located on Lee Canyon Road across from Lee Meadows, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Foxtail Snow Play Area. Local 702 and 911 calls from these phones are free.
For Mt. Charleston Winter Public Service Announcements, visit: https://bit.ly/MtCharlestonWinterPSAEnglish or https://bit.ly/MtCharlestonWinterPSASpanish
The SMNRA was established by the U.S. Congress in 1993 and is one of 19 National Recreation Areas in the United States. With elevation ranges from 3,000 feet to just under 12,000 feet, it is the only winter recreation area close to Las Vegas. Just 25 miles outside of the city via paved roads, it is an area that is easy to reach with the average passenger car when the roads are clear.
The Mount Charleston Winter Alliance promotes public safety during the winter months when Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see large spikes in visitation. Agency partners include: Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro), Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Mount Charleston Fire Protection District, Mt. Charleston Lodge, National Weather Service, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), U.S. Forest Service, and the Southern Nevada Conservancy.
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