SMNRA Winter Recreation

Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance Header

 

 

2021-2022 Winter Safety Tips

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and partnering Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance organizations encourage you to plan ahead before making the drive up to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) to play in the snow.

 

Avoid Busy Times: The popularity of Lee and Kyle Canyons during the winter season can bring thousands of cars to the area, especially on weekends and holidays. It is best to be there by 9 a.m. on these days. Weekdays and non-holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access. Go early, be patient, and abide by traffic laws. You may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested or conditions are unsafe.

 

Know Before You Go: Before heading to the SMNRA, visit the Go Mt. Charleston’s snow season webpage, which is now in English (https://www.gomtcharleston.com/snow-season/) and Spanish (https://www.gomtcharleston.com/nieve-en-spring-mountains/) to plan your winter visit. Conditions and safety information are also posted at https://www.facebook.com/GoMtCharleston or https://twitter.com/GoMtCharleston.

 

Weather Conditions: For current weather conditions, visitors can check the National Weather Service website at: https://bit.ly/NOAASpringMountainsandRedRockCanyon or view one of the following webcams:

 

Road Information: It is important to check driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA. Check real-time information by calling 511 within Nevada or visit https://www.nvroads.com.

 

Recreation Opportunities: The Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the largest winter activity area on the mountain and offers skiing for daily and annual fees. Information about the ski resort, COVID restrictions, winter activities, facility availability, and parking information is available at: https://www.leecanyonlv.com or by calling 702-385-2754. Ski Resort visitors are reminded to have their pass or online reservation receipts available to show law enforcement officers who are monitoring traffic.

During the winter months, the Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Foxtail Snow Play Area in Lee Canyon. The Old Mill Picnic Area is generally open on weekends and holidays. When there is at least 12 inches of snow, the Foxtail area is also open on weekends and holidays. It is best to check the resort website for details.

 

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway: The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road is currently open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting Friday, Dec. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 2, the visitor gateway will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25). Face coverings are required to enter the facility.

 

Public Restrooms: Public restroom facilities are available in Kyle Canyon at the Cliff Rose Trailhead across the traffic circle from the visitor gateway and in Lee Canyon at Sawmill Picnic Area.

 

COVID Protection Measures: In the State of Nevada, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status are currently required to wear face coverings indoors. To help limit the spread of COVID, it is also recommended that face coverings be worn in crowded outdoor settings and that everyone continue to social distance when in public settings around people who do not share the same household. Most importantly, people are encouraged to stay home and get tested if they are sick, have COVID, or have had contact with a suspected or confirmed case. Visit www.snhd.info/covid or www.NVCOVIDFighter.org for information.

 

Winter Recreation Tips:

  • Wear appropriate outdoor clothing including layering light and warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
  • Do not sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow and avoid traffic and dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Sledding may be dangerous in icy conditions. Use sturdy sleds for snow play, not makeshift items like cardboard boxes.
  • Avoid trespassing on private property or closed areas.
  • Pets must be kept on leash and please clean up after them.
  • Please help keep the SMNRA beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Take trash home or put it in provided trashcans or dumpsters.

 

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving: When traveling to the SMNRA, start with a full tank of gas because there are no gas stations on the mountain. Always carry with you: tire chains, tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.

 

Access Regulated: To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion, available parking, and road conditions in Kyle and Lee canyons and regulate access. Depending on conditions, delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road).

 

Traction or Chain Requirement Signage: Law enforcement officials ask visitors to observe and comply with highway reader boards and flashing signs on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road) and 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) when they indicate that four-wheel drive and snow tires or tire chains are required to proceed up the mountain. Failure to comply will result in unsafe driving conditions and may result in accidents, stuck vehicles, and citations issued by law enforcement. For more detailed information on chain requirements, please visit: https://bit.ly/NDOTTractionandChainRequrements.

 

Parking Restrictions: Abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. In areas where roadside parking is permitted, ensure all tires are to the right of the white line to keep the lane clear for emergency vehicles. For more detailed information where parking is restricted, please visit: https://bit.ly/SMNRASnowSeasonMap, which is in both English and Spanish.

 

In Case of Emergency: Dial *NHP (*647) in case of a roadway emergency or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located along Lee Canyon Road near Lee Meadows and the Old Mill Picnic Area. Local and 911 calls from these phones are free.

 

The Mount Charleston Winter Alliance promotes public safety during the winter months when Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see large spikes in visitation. Agency partners include: Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro), Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Mount Charleston Fire Protection District, Mt. Charleston Lodge, National Weather Service, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), U.S. Forest Service, and the Southern Nevada Conservancy.