After Tropical Storm Hilary wreaked havoc on Mt. Charleston, outdoor enthusiasts were asked to stay off the mountain, giving the residents, roads, and trails, time to heal. So, they’ll be shocked to see host Connor Fields’s visit to Mary Jane Falls in the inaugural episode of this season’s “Outdoor Nevada” series on Vegas PBS.
Where there was once a wide path, there is now a gorge as deep as six feet in some places. The destruction is so complete that it’s hard to imagine where the Forest Service will even begin to rebuild the trail.
Yet Fields’ Mount Charleston foray also gives a reason for hope. While some of the most popular areas were reclaimed by Mother Nature, many beautiful trails remain open to enjoy. He saw the majestic 3,000-year-old bristlecone pine that gives the Raintree hike its name and took the underappreciated Catch Pen trail off Deer Creek Road, traversing a variety of terrains and life zones.
With any luck, the loss of Mt. Charleston’s most popular trails will accomplish for the hiking public what it has done for Fields: encourage them to visit the parts of the mountain that have been previously relegated to second-tier or relatively unknown status. There is much beauty in our backyard mountain, and it’s time we get to know it more completely.
Getting There: Starting from US-95 north of Las Vegas, take Kyle Canyon Road for 18 miles. Just past The Retreat on Charleston Peak, turn right onto Deer Creek Road (NV Hwy 158). After another five miles, the parking lot for Mahogany Grove will be on your right. (Note: It’s a proper, lined parking lot. The roadside pullout just before Mahogany is for a different trail.)
Distance: The Mahogany Grove trail is about a mile long, and can be hiked as an out-and-back or a loop that returns via the road from the group campground. There are benches for breaks along the way.
Equipment Needed: This short hike doesn’t require much preparation. Wear sturdy shoes, clothing appropriate to the weather, and bring at least ½ liter of water.
Pro Tip: Across the street from the aforementioned roadside pullout is the unmarked trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon. For a little extra adventure and some surprisingly lush scenery, head up that trail as far as you like. It eventually meets with the North Loop trail.
This guide is brought to you in partnership with KNPR's Desert Companion in support of Vegas PBS Outdoor Nevada.
Alan Gegax has been a Southern Nevada resident for more than 30 years. He runs VegasHikers, a 27,000-member group that leads multiple outings every week. A mailman by trade, Alan produces a podcast and is a licensed officiant specializing in outdoors weddings in his spare time. He’s been Desert Companion’s regular hiking contributor for more than a decade.
Host Connor Fields explores the hiking trails in the Spring Mountains.
