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Post by peakbagger on Feb 23, 2017 11:26:58 GMT -8
I'm getting an opportunity to go to Vegas for work in Mid-May. For the trip I'll get into Vegas early Tuesday, but don't have to do anything work related until Wednesday morning. I would like to hike either Charleston or Hayford peak on this Tuesday. the flight is supposed to land in Vegas at 9:42 AM. Is it reasonable: - to get to either of these trailheads by noon if I get my rental by, let's say, 10:30 AM?
- When I look up directions to Hayford it says about 1.5 hours, but I've read that some of the roads are bad and the drive actually takes significantly longer.
- to reach the summit of either before sunset?
- Hike down either of these peaks after dark (with a headlamp)?
If you were doing the same which peak would you choose?
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
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Post by Westy on Feb 25, 2017 7:20:20 GMT -8
Mostly familiar with eastern Nevada but have some info from my "Hiking Nevada" guide book for you. Charleston Peak is 13 mile loop,4,200 vertical feet. The trail head is 49 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Expect snow at the higher elevations and the traverse of some steep slopes may require an ice ax. There are 46 peaks in the Spring Mountains of which Charleston is one. Recommend Study thisto find something that matches your time constraint. |
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Post by VegasVic on Apr 8, 2017 13:09:02 GMT -8
Its possible to get to both trailheads heading up to Charleston peak by noon if you’re renting a car at the airport rental center, (leaving there by 10:30).
I’ve never done the south loop trail up to the peak as it just re-opened, late last fall, after the Carpenter One fire of 2013. It is on my bucket list for this year.
The north loop I have done. It’s a solid ten hour, 17 mile, 5000’, hike. It’s a beautiful hike with lots of exposure in spots. If you don’t stay at the top for long you could make some of the trip down without needing you’re headlamp. By mid-May the sun sets around 7:40. I highly recommend you see the Spring Mountains, (Mt Charleston area). You’d never know you were anywhere near Las Vegas or in the middle of the Mojave desert. If you chose not to hike all the way to Charleston peak there are many other shorter trails all offering spectacular views.
I’ve never done Mt Hayford but know the area of the Sheep Mountains. It doesn’t compare to the Spring Mountains, Toiyabe National Forest.
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Post by VegasVic on Apr 8, 2017 13:13:03 GMT -8
As Westy pointed out there will be snow with the last 3 or so miles heading up in May. Snow remains at the peak into July.
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Post by VegasVic on Apr 8, 2017 13:39:29 GMT -8
Here’s a pretty good idea of what you can expect. His hike was mid April of 2013. We had a lot more snow this winter than what you see in his video. He also ended up going down the south loop which was still open until the fire later that summer. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtrd7I1aReo |
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