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Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Mount Charleston

Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Mount Charleston

Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

Hiking

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This Highlight goes through a protected area

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Mount Charleston Wilderness

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Location: Mount Charleston, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Clark County, Nevada, United States

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Tips

Jamie S.

March 10, 2023

Hiking

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.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

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#1.

Charleston Peak Trail North Loop

31.6km

10:39

1,600m

Hike the difficult 19.7-mile Charleston Peak Trail North Loop to Nevada's highest peak, offering panoramic views and ancient bristlecone pin

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#2.

Mount Charleston Summit – Echo Canyon Overlook loop from Mount Charleston

28.5km

09:39

1,450m

1,460m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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#3.

Trail Canyon Trail Trailhead – Mount Charleston Summit loop from Mount Charleston

25.9km

08:52

1,380m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 3.00 km

Uphill 370 m

Downhill 280 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 12 May

19°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Mount Charleston, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Clark County, Nevada, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

South Loop, Echo Canyon, and Cathedral Rock Trailhead

Mount Charleston Summit

North Loop Trailhead

Mount Charleston Wilderness Boundary

Aspen Grove

La Madre Mountain Wilderness – Red Rock Canyon

Lee Canyon Climb

Echo Canyon Overlook

Junction for North Loop and Trail Canyon

Bonanza Peak

Calico Tanks Overlook

Mummy Mountain

Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

#1.

Charleston Peak Trail North Loop

#2.

Mount Charleston Summit – Echo Canyon Overlook loop from Mount Charleston

#3.

Trail Canyon Trail Trailhead – Mount Charleston Summit loop from Mount Charleston

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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