We got a late start on this hike last week, but still
glad we completed it. Parking is somewhat of a challenge but we got lucky and nabbed a spot! Bathrooms right there too and the parking area is near a picnic site.
Easy trail to follow and thank goodness we had some cloud cover on our way up. We encountered some people going up but the trail was not packed. Their were some families with small kids but they all turned around once the trail became a little more challenging. Good idea! Not a trail for lil ones.
It is basically a little over 3.5 miles round trip. I would rate this trail moderate till the end when it becomes somewhat difficult. Lots of blooming desert flowers, bees, butterflies along the trail too which made it pretty and fun. As the canyon narrows, there is a little boulder climbing and a log to get over but easy enough. Once, we were hiking within the canyon walls, an immediate cool down. I just plastered my body against the walls and received a little outdoor a/c. It was really beautiful to be inside these walls and see all the flora and fauna that literally grows out of these walls. We stopped for lunch and there was no one up there but us for at least 30-45 minutes! We thought we had reached the end when we encountered a dry rock water bed. Turns out we had to do a little more climbing and maneuvering to finish out the trail. A little challenging and scary but we made it. I am sure this trail is even prettier in the early spring with the water flowing.
The way down was fun and at one point my husband made a wrong turn and got off the trail. I yelled for him and got him back on track. You will
find there are a couple of forks on the trail
but it is easy to figure out which direction you need to go. As were making our way down, the trail was covered with all busy bees pollinating the flowers and woodpeckers going to town on the trees.
My only gripe is that it really annoys me when
people leave their trash behind on the trail or at the base of the trail. I always pick up any plastic bottles or cans and bring them with me as I live by the motto "Leave the trail as you found it".
What a great way to spend what was a grueling Saturday in the valley in terms of temperature (112 degrees - Yikes!) but a beautiful day in the mountains. Love you Mt. Charleston!