The short answer: Mount Charleston is the cool way out of Las Vegas. Kyle Canyon is about 43 miles from the Strip by US-95 and SR-157, and Lee Canyon about 53 miles by SR-156. Go in summer to get out of the heat, but know that several of the canyons' trails have been shut since Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023.
| Place | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Jane Falls trailhead and trail (SR-157) | Closed indefinitely | Since Hilary, August 2023 |
| Trail Canyon trailhead and trail (SR-157) | Closed indefinitely | Since August 2023 |
| Cathedral Rock Trail (SR-157) | Closed indefinitely | Since August 2023 |
| Echo Road and Powerline Access Road (SR-157) | Closed indefinitely | Since August 2023 |
| Upper Kyle Canyon complex (SR-157) | Closed indefinitely | Since August 2023 |
| Upper Bristlecone (SR-156) | Closed indefinitely | Since August 2023 |
| Lower Bristlecone (SR-156) | Open | Out-and-back hike only |
| Deer Creek Picnic Area | Open | Reopened July 24, 2026 |
Status from Go Mt Charleston's closures page, last modified Aug 7, 2026.
The drive: US-95, then SR-157 or SR-156
Both canyons start the same way: north out of the city on US-95. For Kyle Canyon, turn west on SR-157 and climb about 43 miles from the Strip to the Mt Charleston Lodge area. For Lee Canyon, stay on US-95 a little further and take SR-156, about 53 miles in all to the ski area base.
Lee Canyon calls itself "less than an hour from the Strip". The ski area's address is 6725 Lee Canyon Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89124.
In winter, storms bring snow to both SR-157 and SR-156. Check NDOT's road conditions on nvroads.com before you leave the valley, and follow any controls it posts. If the city is getting rain, the mountain may be getting snow.
What Hilary closed, and what is back
Tropical Storm Hilary hit the Spring Mountains in August 2023. More than 3 years later, the closures listed above "will remain closed indefinitely under a Forest Closure Order", according to the Forest Service's partner site. That takes out 3 trails, Mary Jane Falls, Trail Canyon and Cathedral Rock, along with Echo Road.
Two things have reopened. Lower Bristlecone on SR-156 is open again, as an out-and-back hike. Deer Creek Picnic Area reopened on July 24, 2026.
Lee Canyon this winter
As of Oct 25, 2026, Lee Canyon has posted no official opening date for the 2026–27 season. Watch leecanyonlv.com for the date rather than any projection you see elsewhere.
Heat: why people drive up
In July, Las Vegas averages a high of 104.5°F at Harry Reid airport and 25.8 days at 100°F or more, under the 1991–2020 normals. Kyle and Lee canyons sit high in the Spring Mountains, which is the whole reason for the drive. Take a warm layer and water for the hikes that are still open.
For the hot months in town, see Las Vegas weather by month. For a different desert day, Red Rock Canyon is 17 miles west.
Who should skip this
Anyone set on Mary Jane Falls or Cathedral Rock: both have been closed for more than 3 years with no reopening date. Anyone without a car, since no transit runs up these roads that we can point to. Rent at the LAS Rent-A-Car Center instead.
And anyone not ready for snow on a winter drive. The Las Vegas guide has the other day trips, including Valley of Fire.
Kyle Canyon is about 43 miles from the Strip by SR-157, and Lee Canyon about 53 miles by SR-156.