Charleston Peak

When climbing Charleston Peak, you are lucky to find a window with zero wind. It is the 8th most prominent mountain in the United States and sits right outside Las Vegas. It is the highest point in Red Rock County. When starting from the Mount Charleston trailhead, the trail takes you through an unforgettable 4.5 miles with a few thousand feet of elevation gain, however once this part of the hike is done, the hardest part of your day is complete. Just five more miles with mild climbing, and a good chunk is flat, which makes for better pacing going up and down. The last summit push is similar to Mount Whitney's, where it is super rocky and has a narrow trail to follow, and almost feels like a scramble. You know you’ve reached the top of Charleston when you reach the flag pole with the American flag attached and a little radio shack. Nineteen miles round trip with 5,000 feet of climbing, I completed this hike in about 8 hours.

Clothing:

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking shirt and pants

• Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket

• Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants

• Hat: Beanie or wool hat for warmth

• Gloves: Insulated and waterproof gloves

Footwear:

• Hiking Boots: Waterproof and sturdy with good ankle support

• Socks: Wool or synthetic blend for warmth and moisture control

Backpack:

• A comfortable, fitting backpack with sufficient capacity (30-40 liters)

Navigation:

• Map of Charleston Peak area

• Compass

• GPS device or smartphone with GPS capabilities

• Altimeter (optional)

Safety and Emergency Gear:

• First Aid Kit

• Emergency Shelter (bivy sack or emergency blanket)

• Whistle

• Multi-tool or knife

• Headlamp with extra batteries

Hydration and Nutrition:

• Water: At least 3 liters per person

• Water filter or purification tablets

• High-energy snacks (e.g., nuts, energy bars, jerky)

• Insulated flask for hot beverages (optional)

Climbing and Hiking Aids:

• Trekking poles

• Gaiters (for protection against rocks and dirt)

Sun Protection:

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

• Lip balm with sunblock

Personal Items:

• Camera or smartphone for photography

• Personal Identification

• Cash and/or credit card

• Trash bag (to pack out all your trash)

Optional Gear:

• Binoculars

• Notebook and pen

• Lightweight camping stove and fuel (if planning an overnight trip)

Additional Tips:

• Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before your hike. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

• Acclimatization: If you're not used to high altitudes, spend some time acclimatizing to prevent altitude sickness.

• Trail Conditions: Research current trail conditions and any recent hiker reports for unexpected trail closures or hazards.

• Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.

This list aims to be as exhaustive as possible to ensure you are well-prepared for your Charleston adventure. Please note that some items may be more or less necessary depending on the specific conditions and type of trip you'll be doing. Always check weather forecasts and water conditions before embarking on your trip.