Living in constant sunshine, a dry desert climate, and blue skies most days of the year does something strange to my husband Mike, and me after a while. We actually start to seek out a few clouds with a bit of rain to wash away the arid dust of the desert, and even, at times, we wish for cold, snow-white weather.
Lately, we’ve been daydreaming of sitting around a crackling fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, while looking out the window at beautiful snow-capped mountains.
At our house, we have neither a fireplace, a tree over five feet, or even a cloud to be seen in the bright blue sky. Therefore, Mike and I decided it’s a fitting time to mix things up a bit and head up to Mount Charleston for the day.
The best hope of finding a little corner of blustery winter weather in Southern Nevada is to take a short drive towards the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. In this area, sits the Mt. Charleston Peak, which is 11,916 feet (or 3,632 m) high. Mt. Charleston is only about 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
Mike and I were not disappointed with our trip up to the mountain. It was so nice to breathe in the chilly, fresh pine air, to see tall green trees soar up into the sky, and to witness just a little snow on the ground. Although the sun was shinning as bright as ever, and most of the scenery had very little snow cover, it was still refreshing to get up into the mountains and trees for different “feel” for the day.
We sat down in the old lodge near a fireplace, with floor to ceiling views looking out towards the mountains. I ordered a very tasty “Nutty Irishman” cocktail (pictured). The Mt. Charleston Lodge makes several specialty drinks. They all looked so yummy!
Mike and I were pleasantly surprised by the food as well. Mike ordered the turkey melt on rye bread and I had the vegetarian pizza on flat bread. Both meals were delicious and flavorful, albeit a tad expensive (my Nutty Irishman drink was $9.00 for example).
Perhaps next time we visit the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and Mt. Charleston Peak, in the late spring or summer, we’ll go on a hike and/or take our travel trailer camping for a weekend stay at Hilltop Campground. We hear that’s supposed to be a great place to stay. There are many trails and campsites to choose from.
Stay tuned for that review! ♥
To find out more about Mt. Charleston, here is a website with a lot of information for visitors to the area.
In the meantime, we headed back down the mountain, to the desert, to enjoy beautiful Joshua trees on our way home.
Sincerely,
Kristin
Highway to Hoeftland 
I can relate. In the 90’s we lived in Las Vegas and would visit Mt. Charleston for a reprieve from the desert. The smell of pine was always welcome. In summer, I would take the kids hiking up there and the chair lift was usually running. Fun times!
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Ingrid, I’m glad you can relate! How neat that you used to live in the area too. 🙂
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I dreamed of sunshine. Too much of anything can get old though (whether clouds and rain, or tons of sunshine and heat, for instance). It’s about balance. The regions that have four distinct seasons and some varying weather and temps are the most pleasurable places to me now.
Thanks for your comment Ingrid!
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England has mixed weather all year round. I hardly get bored of the weather. Mt, Charleston looks idyllic. Not bad for half an hour from the desert. 😄
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I can’t wait to check out England some day! It looks and sounds so wonderful. Thanks for your comment. ☺
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