Mount Charleston

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Coordinates: 36°16′20″N 115°41′42″W / 36.2721848, -115.6950191

Mount Charleston
Mt. Charleston in December 2004.
Elevation	11,916 feet (3,632 m)^[1]
Location	Clark County, Nevada, USA
Range	Spring Mountains
Prominence	8,241 feet (2,512 m)^[2]
Coordinates	36°16′20″N 115°41′42″W / 36.2721848, -115.6950191^[3]
Topo map	USGS Charleston Peak
Easiest route	trail hike

Mount Charleston is the highest mountain of the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada, approximately 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It is Nevada's eighth highest mountain peak^[4], and is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, as well as the Mount Charleston Wilderness Area and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Well separated from higher peaks by large, low basins, it is the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada, and the eighth most prominent peak in the contiguous United States.^[5]

Mount Charleston as seen from the North Loop Trail in late April

Mount Charleston is a year-round getaway for Las Vegas' residents and visitors, with a number of hiking trails and a modest ski area. The mountain, which is snowcapped more than half the year, can be seen from parts of the Las Vegas Strip when looking toward the west. Mount Charleston has nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 picnic areas, some of which are RV accessible.

The eponymous village of Mount Charleston lies at its base to the east.

The state of Nevada issues optional automobile license plates with the caption "Mt. Charleston" and an image of the peak in the background. Sales of the plate supports the natural environment of the Mount Charleston area through grants administered by the Nevada Division of State Lands.^[6]