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Mount Charleston Wilderness Area

Best Hiking Trails in Mount Charleston Wilderness Area

119 reviews


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Overview

Mount Charleston Wilderness is a protected area in Nevada.


  • Hiking Trails (15)
  • Reviews (119)
  1. 1
    Bonanza Peak via 046 Forest Trail and Spring Mountain Divide Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 3.5 mi
  2. 2
    Wildhorse Canyon and Charleston Peak Trail North Loop Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 4.5 mi
  3. 3
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 16.6 mi
  4. 4
    Hilltop Campground Loop via Charleston Peak Trail North Loop and Wildhorse Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.1 mi
  5. 5
    Trail Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.8 mi
  6. 6
    Hilltop Campground Loop via Charleston Peak Trail North Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 5.1 mi
  7. 7
    Trail Canyon and North Loop to Mt Charlston
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 6.7 mi
  8. 8
    Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort via Spring Mountain Divide Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 14.1 mi
  9. 9
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 7.7 mi
  10. 10
    Mt. Charleston via North Loop to Mt Charlston and Charleston Peak Trail North Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.0 mi
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    macisahk 2 years, 4 months ago
    Bristlecone trail
    Gorgeous! Started at lee meadows
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Howstons 2 years, 9 months ago
    Mt Charleston via Trail Canyon (8/5/23, 7:04:53AM)
    If someone reads this in the next few days, please bring up new US flag! It is in terrible condition. Epic views, long, steep in parts but not insane. Not for beginners but rewarding. Can't believe there is still snow in August!! Not walking through any snow though.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    daryl.l.desimone 2 years, 10 months ago
    Charleston
    First time hiking Mt Charleston. Great day! Beautiful weather.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Howstons 2 years, 10 months ago
    Griffith Peak (7/15/23, 6:44:04AM)
    Always a great hike, even on one of the hottest days in history. Get up there early and it’s amazing! Still a tiny bit of snow and tons of flowers at the lower elevations
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    senatj 2 years, 10 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls Trail to Big Falls, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    Amazing hike to Big Falls. Not sure I got to the actual falls, but I ended at waterfall about 20ft high. Maybe this is the place! A lot of water during my trip in early July. Some tricky spots to navigate along the water runoff.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    enabreu 3 years, 7 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    This is a very challenging hike, start to finish. For anyone who has hiked San Gorgonio in Southern California, it’s very similar, especially to the Fish Creek trail, but much easier to get to and a little bit harder. (This trail climbs a few hundred feet higher over a few less miles) Fall colors on the lower part, which is shaded most of the time. Lots of wildlife, including a few horses. The upper parts, including Griffith Peak, are almost entirely exposed, so take sun protection. It was pretty cool, but I still went through 3 liters of water and could have drank more. If it was hot, more water would have definitely been required, but there are some springs up there. From the top you have unobstructed views for hundreds of miles in all directions! Though I didn’t do it for time reasons, you could also add Mummy Mountain and bag three peaks if you wanted, but that one is a very technical and difficult climb. I don’t know if I would have been physically able to add that one, but it’s an option if you’re doing the south and north loops instead of an out and back as I did.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    run4257 4 years ago
    Griffith Peak Track (5/8/22, 11:44:51)
    Not very technical but fairly strenuous. A great training trail. The last 1.5 miles were cold, windy and still covered with a bit of snow. Bring gloves, handwarmers and a windbreaker with a hood (in early May anyway).
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mattforam 4 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/7/22, 07:55:5)
    Lots of deep snow. Most trails are completely covered but Cathedral Rock trail is visible until the end where you get stuck and have to turn around. Expect ankle to knee deep steps without snowshoes.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    flying911vegas 4 years, 10 months ago
    Track (6/30/21, 16:23:29)
    Absolutely loved it!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cashmohney 5 years, 4 months ago
    Track (12/19/20, 11:35:32AM)
    Fun easy ride.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rjohnhps 5 years, 4 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls Trail
    Fun hike in the snow with beautiful views. We couldn't get to the trailhead parking area as the last bit of road was closed, which added 2 miles. If you go in winter, be very careful at the falls. I was caught in a sudden icefall and while my injury was mild, the next person may not be so lucky. Would definitely do it again though!
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    markloseehulu 5 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/13/20, 5:17:11AM)
    Second time reaching the top in 2 weeks. First time was from the south side and second time was coming from the north. You can make better time going up the north side and I found it to be easier and more enjoyable with better views, however, you can make better time coming down the south. North side is slightly shorter mileage wise but overall the total time is about the same. If I were to pick between the two next time, I would go up the north side.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    markloseehulu 5 years, 9 months ago
    Fletcher Canyon
    A good hike to beat the desert heat an hour away. Went in mid June there was no spring or water to see but did see lots of butterflies. Did this hike with a 5 year old in 2 hours.
    ★ ★ ★

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    Rob Ryder 5 years, 10 months ago
    My Charleston climb 5 July 2020.
    Great hike to the summit of Mt Charleston. Take plenty of water (I had 6 liters and ran out at the end) as there are no water sources. Not for the occasional hiker.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    1skiphall 5 years, 11 months ago
    Big Falls - wet repelling
    Trial start to Class 4 hike/scramble (elevation starts at ~8000 ft) to three repels (in water this time of year) in Mt. Charleston. Beautiful all around.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wadforward 6 years ago
    North loop to Charleston peak
    After 7 tries to make it to the top, I finally did it an boy did it feel good. Thanks Lord for giving me the strength and perseverance at almost 60 to do this
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Dustin Prosser 6 years ago
    McWilliams Campground Loop via Lower Bristlecone Trail and Upper Bristlecone Trail
    We love this loop. I definitely enjoy starting at the Lower parking and ending with the downhill walk back to the car along the road. Still some ice/snow along the Upper trail, but absolutely passable without equipment.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wadforward 6 years, 6 months ago
    North loop to Charleston peak
    After 7 tries I finally made it to the top!!! I found out a couple years later that I have diabetes and the reason I always got dizzy near the top was probably low glucose levels.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Aaron 6 years, 7 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    Great family hike. There was still a lot of color in the quaking aspens, though it appears to be going away fast.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jessbarrios 6 years, 10 months ago
    Track (6/27/19, 10:51:39AM)
    Took my 3 1/2 year old and 5 year hiking up to the waterfall (around 8280ft). They did great and didn’t need to be carried. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and take breaks and they’ll make it no problem.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ricky 6 years, 11 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    I consider this hike to be more of a moderate hike. Did it on Wednesday and it was awesome. About half way up there is an avalanche that has taken out some of the trail. If your capable you can traverse up the avalanche diagonally about 50 yards and find the trail again. Someone has marked it with rocks. The view at the top is well worth the work to get there
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ccameron 7 years ago
    Cathedral Rock Picnic Area to Cathedral Rock, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    Great trail. Lots of snow in the col to cross over.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Howstons 1 year, 9 months ago
    Griffith Peak (8/17/24, 8:13:35AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    smith2264 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (8/9/24, 10:11:53AM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    festerfuman72 1 year, 10 months ago
    Track (7/25/24, 1:26:12PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    nathanielgarcia36 1 year, 10 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    sean.etchason 1 year, 11 months ago
    Fletcher Canyon w/Kris (6/26/24, 6:08:53AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    STEVE 1 year, 11 months ago
    Track (6/23/24, 2:02:07PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    STEVE 1 year, 11 months ago
    Wallace to Lee canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    STEVE 1 year, 11 months ago
    Wallace to Lee canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    STEVE 1 year, 11 months ago
    Wallace to Lee canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Fredarussell 2 years, 9 months ago
    Trail Canyon (7/30/23, 9:11:57AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tedkocur 2 years, 10 months ago
    Griffith Peak (with Niki)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tedkocur 2 years, 10 months ago
    Trail Canyon to North Loop Junction
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cthrnoh06 2 years, 10 months ago
    Track (2023/07/08 7:01:16AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cdipietro 2 years, 11 months ago
    Foxtail waterfalls 6/25/23
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    hetsekr 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/24/23, 10:35:30AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    hetsekr 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/24/23, 10:35:30AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cthrnoh06 2 years, 11 months ago
    Sister peak. on chlestonTrack (2023/06/24 7:52:40AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    lluusz 2 years, 11 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    marinasyl 3 years, 7 months ago
    Lower and upper bristle cone trl
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tillasag 3 years, 8 months ago
    Track (2022-09-25, 12:35:8)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    macguba17047 3 years, 8 months ago
    Track (7/3/22, 9:15:29AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ynowicki 3 years, 8 months ago
    Cathedral Rock, Mt Charleston
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cthrnoh06 3 years, 10 months ago
    M charleston peek. From big fall.Track (7/9/22, 7:51:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    eric89110 3 years, 10 months ago
    Divide Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    pajackson 3 years, 11 months ago
    Charleston Peak - S Loop > N Loop > Trail Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    drbking 3 years, 11 months ago
    Track (5/27/22, 8:53:03AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mikehadley03 4 years ago
    North loop to Charleston Peak south loop to trail canyon, trail canyon back to North Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mikehadley03 4 years, 4 months ago
    Charleston Peak North Loop (6/27/21, 4:40:58AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rodjhancock 4 years, 5 months ago
    Charleston Pk down
    ★

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    Yo 4 years, 6 months ago
    McFarland Northern Route
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kmorell61 4 years, 7 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Aaron 4 years, 8 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mytch 4 years, 9 months ago
    Catherderal rock Kyle canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ginamvesci 4 years, 9 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    spraguedewey 4 years, 11 months ago
    Griffith pk
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cowgirlsteph 5 years ago
    Trail Canyon - Off Kyle Canyon Road 5/12/21, 8:40:29AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mike 5 years ago
    Track (5/24/21, 08:15:50)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Bruce59 5 years ago
    McFarland Peak
    ★ ★

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    Bruce59 5 years ago
    Trail Canyon to Mt Charleston
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mike 5 years ago
    Track (4/29/21, 09:32:43)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    c_wondra 5 years, 3 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★

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    Scott Gallo 5 years, 7 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    brianmuggs 5 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/9/20, 11:23:36AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    moveovermike 5 years, 7 months ago
    Charleston Peak via North Loop to Mt Charlston
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mike 5 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/26/20, 08:51:42)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dogdocrh 5 years, 8 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via North Loop to Mt Charlston and Charleston Peak Trail North Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    johntrinh12 5 years, 8 months ago
    Charleston Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    koebnick 5 years, 8 months ago
    Cathedral Rock Picnic Area to Kyle Canyon Road, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    atienza.pscam 5 years, 8 months ago
    Trail Canyon, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    richsellards 5 years, 8 months ago
    Universal Wall
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    prossad 5 years, 8 months ago
    Upper Bristlecone (8/22/20, 13:05:26)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    prossad 5 years, 8 months ago
    Lower Bristlecone (8/27/20, 12:33:49)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jakester.secondary2020 5 years, 9 months ago
    Mary Jane falls trail to Big Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jakester.secondary2020 5 years, 9 months ago
    Lower Bristlecone cone to Base Area
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jakester.secondary2020 5 years, 9 months ago
    Bristlecone loop trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Narindra 5 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/3/20, 1:32:54PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    chris.clement 5 years, 10 months ago
    McWilliams Campground Loop via Lower Bristlecone Trail and Upper Bristlecone Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    msschuster2 5 years, 10 months ago
    Upper Bristlecone Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    chris.clement 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/19/20, 8:40:44AM)cathedral rock trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    fasteddielvnv 5 years, 10 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    fasteddielvnv 5 years, 10 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cduroff 5 years, 10 months ago
    Fletcher canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    j.stanford.iphone 5 years, 10 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    ★ ★ ★

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    juanmarro1309 5 years, 10 months ago
    Upper bristlecone
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    j.stanford.iphone 5 years, 10 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls Trail to Big Falls, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★ ★

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    dduroff 5 years, 11 months ago
    Fletcher canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cumulusflyer 5 years, 11 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Aaron 5 years, 11 months ago
    Mummy Mountain Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    paul 5 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/7/20, 10:53:43AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dontlooksoworried 5 years, 11 months ago
    Full Bristlecone and Bonaza
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Scott Gallo 5 years, 11 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    prluna04 5 years, 11 months ago
    Spring Mountain Divide (6/6/20, 9:59:30AM)
    ★

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    christopher.spratt 5 years, 11 months ago
    Mary Jane Falls to Mary Jane Falls Trail, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★ ★

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    christopher.spratt 5 years, 11 months ago
    Track (5/31/20, 1:22:00PM)
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    abarnard333 5 years, 11 months ago
    Mt Charley SoNo loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wholeheartedhumanexperience 6 years ago
    Track (5/17/20, 7:57:54AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tmuscag 6 years ago
    Track (5/3/20, 12:36:59PM)
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    matheusmpatines 6 years, 3 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Aaron 6 years, 7 months ago
    Cathedral Rock (10/12/19, 3:14:44PM)
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    rygrzegorz 6 years, 7 months ago
    Track (9/27/18, 6:11:26AM)
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    ssomed.j 6 years, 7 months ago
    Angel Falls (9/8/19, 3:36:32PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    atienza.pscam 6 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/17/19, 08:07:46)
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    mugsyme 6 years, 8 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    scottmontel 6 years, 9 months ago
    Mt. Charleston via Charleston Peak Trail South Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    chadindrieri 6 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/24/19, 7:47:29AM)
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    David 6 years, 9 months ago
    Little Falls Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    sirjustus 6 years, 9 months ago
    Charleston Peak via North Loop to Mt Charlston
    ★

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    daniel.ogletree 6 years, 9 months ago
    Mt Charleston Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mstrock100 6 years, 9 months ago
    w
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mike.mutshnick 6 years, 10 months ago
    Mt Charleston Peak (7/20/19, 5:17:49AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ricky 6 years, 10 months ago
    Big Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ricky 6 years, 11 months ago
    Cathedral Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    finer4niner 6 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/16/19, 12:31:52PM)
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    Ricky 6 years, 11 months ago
    Fletcher Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allen.fletcher1 6 years, 11 months ago
    Cathedral Rock Picnic Area to Cathedral Rock Trail, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Gabriel 6 years, 11 months ago
    Cathedral Rock Picnic Area to 4706 Knotty Pine Way, Mount Charleston, NV, USA
    ★ ★

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    grmc922 6 years, 11 months ago
    Mount Charleston
    ★ ★ ★ ★