South Loop Trailhead

3 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas | Condé Nast Traveler

"If you have nine hours to devote to a high-elevation climb in the Spring Mountains with world-class views, this is the one. It's a tough ascent up the eight-mile trail that winds through quaking aspen and crosses a timberline, ending in a spectacular view from the summit of Charleston Peak. The Mount Charleston Peak south loop hike takes you to the highest point around Las Vegas, which is 11,916 feet. (If you thought you had a great view from the High Roller , consider this.) You'll be above 10,000 feet in an alpine environment for over half the hike. History buffs can look for the wreckage of a CIA plane that was transporting workers to Area 51 to work on the U-2 spy plane in 1955. (There's a memorial to them at the visitors center.) This is the toughest hike in the area, but it's worth it." - Andrea Bennett