Mt. Charleston Picnic Areas
When summer hits Las Vegas there is no better place to beat the heat than Mt. Charleston. Temperatures can vary approximately 20 degrees from the valley to the mountains.
Below is a list of the Mt. Charleston picnic areas with pertinent information to help you decide which fits your picnicking needs.
Photo of the group area at Cathedral Rock Picnic Area.
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
Click here to read my article on hiking Cathedral Rock at Mt. Charleston.
Click here to read my article on the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area to view more information and photos of the area.
Overview: Cathedral Rock Picnic Area is a renovated site with nearly 80 picnic sites, as well as gathering spaces, a new water system, new interpretive signage to include site information featuring the Civilian Conservation Corps, and new toilet facilities.
Use Type: Day use. Generally, open from May through September conditions permitting.
Fees: $12 for a single table, $36 for a double table, and group areas vary based on size (reservations are made online for the group facilities). Note: If you have a National Parks Pass, entry is free (at this time not sure how it applies to double tables).
Water: Potable Water
Restrooms: 2 vault toilets and 8 flush toilets
Activities: Trail hiking
Directions: From Las Vegas, Nevada, take Highway 95 north to the junction with Highway 157/Kyle Canyon. Turn left and travel approximately 21 miles to the picnic area at the end of the highway.
Location: Latitude | 36.2567 – Longitude | -115.6433
References:
- Cathedral Rock Picnic Area on USDA Forestry Service website
- Cathedral Rock Picnic Area on Recreation.gov
Deer Creek Picnic Area
Overview: The wooded path has a seasonal stream that runs alongside it, with tables along the way. The use of charcoal or hardwood fires is strictly prohibited and the only type of grill allowed is propane.
Use Type: Day use only
Fees: No fee and is first-come, first-served.
Water: No water available
Restrooms: 2 vault toilets
Other Amenities: Tables, parking area
Activities: Picnicking
Directions: The Deer Creek Picnic Area is found about halfway along the Deer Creek Highway, Hwy 158, with a parking lot and restroom on one side of the road and the trail to picnic sites on the other.
Parking: The parking lot is on the east side of the road between the Desert Overlook and North Loop Trailhead.
Location: Latitude | 36.3144 and Longitude | -115.6212
References:
- Deer Creek Picnic Area on the US Forest Service website
- Deer Creek Picnic Area on Recreation.gov website
Foxtail Group Picnic Area
Overview: The Foxtail Group Picnic Area has even group sites available, each with a picnic and serving tables, grills and campfire circles. The two largest have pavilions and fireplaces.
Use Type: Day-use group site. Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis outside the reservation season.
Fees: Note: During the winter, fees are per vehicle for snow play. There is a self-pay station.
Water: Drinking water
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Other Amenities:
Activities:
Directions: From Las Vegas, Nevada, take Highway 95 north to the junction with Highway 156/Lee Canyon, turn left and travel approximately 19 miles to the picnic area, which is on the left.
Parking: Area parking lots are located at the bottom of the mountain off of Hwy 95 on both Lee Canyon Road (156) and Kyle Canyon Road (157). Another option for parking is at the meadows, approximately 1/4 mile above Foxtail on Hwy 156.
Location: Latitude | 36.30861 – Longitude | -115.66944
Kyle Canyon Picnic Area
Overview: This year-round picnic area contains sites that are equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Kyle Canyon Picnic Area is at an elevation of 6,900 feet with 27 sites in timbered setting, including 8 double sites which can accommodate up to 16 people each, and one triple unit that can accommodate up to 24 people. Many of the sites are accessible to people with disabilities.
Use Type: Day use only. First-come, first-served sites are available year-round
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fees: All sites are first-come first-served basis. $18 Friday through Sunday and Holidays and $12 Monday through Thursday.
Water: Potable water with spigots shared between sites
Restrooms: 3 flush toilets
Other Amenities:
Activities:
Directions: From Las Vegas, Nevada: 1. Travel north on Highway 95 to the junction of Highway 157. 2. Turn left, travel approximately 18 miles; picnic area is on the left side of the highway.
Parking: Roads and parking spurs are paved.
Location: Latitude | 36.2623 – Longitude | -115.6059
References:
- Kyle Canyon Picnic Area on Recreation.gov website
- Kyle Canyon Picnic Area on USDA Forest Service website
Lower and Upper Lee Meadows
- Overview:
- Use Type:
- Fees:
- Water:
- Restrooms:
- Other Amenities:
- Activities:
- Directions:
- Parking:
- Location:
Old Mill Picnic Area
Overview: The Old Mill Picnic Area has 80 individual picnic sites and multiple restrooms.
Use Type: Seasonal day use, generally open from May to September
Fees: Fees vary by the season, are cash only and require exact change.
Water: Potable water
Restrooms: 5 flush toilets
Location: Latitude | 36.3199 – Longitude | -115.6758
References:
- Old Mill Picnic Area on Recreation.gov website
- Old Mill Picnic Area on USDA Forest Service website
Sawmill Picnic Area
References:
- Sawmill Picnic Area on Recreation.gov website
Mt. Charleston Picnic Areas
I am an outdoor enthusiast who would rather be on a backcountry backpacking trip than a stroll on the beach (although I do love the beach!).
Living in Las Vegas has afforded me the opportunity to easily explore the Southwest region of the United States.
A nature lover, I am often found at the end of the pack taking photos and videos of the wildlife found on the trails. Colorful flowers, desert animals, and unusual geological rock formations are often the majority of my photos.
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