Mt. Charleston Hiking Tips

Big Falls

Now is the time to head up to Mt. Charleston (only 35 miles west of Las Vegas, NV) to escape the Las Vegas heat and do some hiking. Big Falls, a 100 foot waterfall, is flowing big time, but it will not last. Unfortunately, it's hard to find. Most people mistakenly hike to Mary Jane Falls, which is almost dry now. I have a great description of how to hike to Big Falls. Just go to my home page. You will immediately be taken to a page where you can download the PDF file of the hike. It's free!

Hiking Tips:

• Start the hike off slowly (first 15 minutes) to get use to the elevation. 
• Always bring a wind breaker. It can be very windy at the peaks
• Bring an extra layer if hiking to a peak
• Once the Monsoon Season starts, always bring a rain jacket
• Never where approach shoes (Vasque Screes) in Mt. Charleston. The limestone rock will destroy the sole very fast. I recommend Vasque Breeze hiking boots. 
• Carry more water and drink often. Your body needs more water at higher elevations.
• If you are prone to blisters, bring spyroflex or moleskin. You can buy spyroflex at REI. The hikes are much longer (in miles) than hikes in Red Rock.
• If you are doing a long hike, bring an extra pair of socks and change at the peak
• If your feet are burning and you cross a stream, soak your feet in the stream to relieve the burning