The best walks and hikes in Mt. Charleston Wilderness

From the confluence and mining claim sign head northeast (right) up a social trail to reach the first grated mine. There is a sign about how the mine is a protected and important bat habitat next to it. You can often see water trickling out of this mine. Just a few hundred yards past this mine, above a tailing pile (the leftover material after miners extracted whatever they were mining) is a second grated mine and some old wooden support beams. Aside from the mines, there are seasonal wildflowers and large ponderosa pines in this sunny and open spot. This is an interesting, peaceful place to explore that also highlights the mining history of Kyle Canyon.

After merging with an old mining road, you briefly exit the forest and have views of Harris Peak, and Mummy Mountain over some low shrubs and grasses. You also get particurlaly good views of Echo Cliffs; its sheer limestone faces stand out against the green trees of the surrounding peaks.

At the confluence of two small, seasonal streams (you can see water more consistently from a pipe just above the confluence if you wish) is a small, metal mining claim sign. Nailed rather high up on a Ponderosa Pine tree it reads: "Leroy Mining Claim, DE Nelson, Owner." This shady spot is a nice place to stop and sip some water by the streams before continuing on to explore the historical mines in the area.

At the top of Trail Canyon you reach a ponderosa pine covered saddle, which is also the junction for Trail Canyon Trail and the North Loop Trail. You get fantastic views of the towering limestone Echo Cliffs and the "Mummy's Toe." You can also see Mount Charleston peaking through the trees. This trail junction is a great place to rest and sip some water before continuing onward.

Not long after passing a municipal water tank, you enter a large stand of fir, pine, and aspen trees and cross into the Mount Charleston Wilderness area, which is marked by a wooden sign. This is a great place to sip some water in the shade before the trail trends more steeply up Trail Canyon. You can also see and access a famous climbing area known as "The Hood" a few hundred feet past this Wilderness Boundary Sign.

The Trail Canyon Trailhead is where the Trail Canyon Trail begins. There is a large gravel parking area, pit toilets, an informational sign, and benches near by to put on your hiking shoes and relax. Trail Canyon Trail is a popular trail for hikers and climbers, and a good way to reach the North Loop Trail from Kyle Canyon. You get great views of towering limestone cliffs from this trailhead that only get better as you begin your hike up Trail Canyon.

Just a short distance up from the North Loop Trail is Cave Spring, where water drips down an algae-covered, limestone cliff in a large cave. This unique area is a fun place to explore and rest in the shade. Some of the water from Cave Spring also filters down into a large trough carved out of a single, large log, just off the main trail. This basin was used for livestock, but now provides water for many local wild animals.

This section of trail switchbacks up loose cliff sides dotted with ancient Bristlecone Pines before reaching a prominent outcropping known as the "Devil's Thumb." Past the Devil's Thumb, the trail contours around exposed, steep slopes on the east face of Mount Charleston before reaching a series of final short, but steep, switchbacks to the summit. This entire section of trail features loose scree, steep drop offs, and some fairly significant exposures. The trail is well marked, however, and with hard work and careful footing, you are rewarded with challenging, exciting hiking in a beautiful, remote-feeling position.