Charleston Peak Road
Desert to alpine in 18 mountain miles
Charleston Peak Road (Highway 158) spirals 18 miles up Mount Charleston from 3,500 feet in the Mojave Desert to 7,700 feet at the trailhead for Charleston Peak, Nevada’s third-highest summit. The paved route passes through five distinct life zones—from creosote and Joshua trees to ponderosa pine and white fir forests—while offering glimpses of the Las Vegas Valley sprawling 40 miles below. Lee Canyon splits off halfway up, providing access to the defunct Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort and backcountry trails into the Mount Charleston Wilderness.
Easy driving on good pavement, suitable for any vehicle, though winter brings snow and potential chain requirements above 6,000 feet. Summer offers escape from Vegas heat with temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the valley floor. No permits needed for the drive, though wilderness hiking requires registration. Cell service fades above the halfway point. You’ll trade desert heat for mountain air and access some of southern Nevada’s best hiking, including the 18-mile round-trip to Charleston Peak’s 11,916-foot summit.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 36 mi / 57.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7700 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Land manager | US Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can my Honda CR-V make it up Charleston Peak Road?
Yes, any vehicle can handle this fully paved road. It's a regular mountain highway with no clearance requirements.
Is Charleston Peak Road open year-round?
The road stays open all year, but snow can close the upper sections from November through April. Best access is May through October.
Do I need any permits to drive Charleston Peak Road?
No permits required for the drive itself. Some trailheads and campgrounds along the route may charge day-use or camping fees.
How steep does the road get on the way up?
It's a steady climb with typical mountain highway grades - nothing extreme. The biggest challenge is the 18-mile length and altitude change from 3,500 to 7,700 feet.
Where can I camp along Charleston Peak Road?
McWilliams and Hilltop campgrounds are the main developed options, plus dispersed camping is allowed in designated forest areas. Higher elevations offer cooler temps than Vegas below.