Developed Recreation Canyons (Lee, Kyle, Deer Creek) at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) Remain Closed Until Further Notice for Public Safety Due to Historic Storm Damage; Dispersed Recreation

Release Date: 

Contact(s): Michelle Fidler 520-400-2932


Las Vegas, – An area closure remains in effect for the developed recreation canyons (Lee, Kyle, and Deer Creek) of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) accessed via Highway 156 (Lee Canyon) and Highway 157 (Kyle Canyon), and Highway 158 (Deer Creek)until further notice for public safety due to historic storm damage. This includes the Mack’s, Champion, and Blue Tree areas. The Springs Mountain Visitor Gateway, Lee Canyon Ski Resort, and all trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds remain closed. Additional details and a closure map are available on our website. This Forest Order does not apply to private parcels, state highways, or any other non-Forest Service property within the boundaries of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

“The closure area remains in place for public and employee safety,” said Deborah MacNeill, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Manager. “We urge the public to stay away from the closed developed canyons at Mt. Charleston due to hazardous conditions that continue to evolve. We are continuing assessment and stabilization efforts and beginning to plan for long-term recovery,” she added.

The area sustained unprecedented storm damage. Many areas received the equivalent of their annual rainfall in 48 hours during historic flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary earlier this month. The ground is still saturated and unstable in many areas. There are widespread, evolving hazards including undercut roads, washed-out trails, damage to power and water lines, falling trees, shifting flood paths, water in areas not typically seen, and significant debris flows. The forecast through Labor Day weekend includes high winds and thunderstorms with the potential for additional flash flooding in the area.

Dispersed recreation at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) reopened September 1, 2023, at 12:00 a.m. This includes more remote areas such as Cold Creek, Willow Creek, Potosi, Cottonwood Pass, Lovell Canyon, Wheeler Wash, Mt. Stirling, and Johnny. Carpenter and Wallace Canyons roads are currently inaccessible by 4x4 due to washouts. Other areas including Clark and Trout Canyons may also have impacts. Use caution in all areas as hazards may still exist. Roads may be covered with debris and have undercutting and shoulder loss due to flooding. Plan to be self-sufficient and check current weather conditions. Since there are no facilities, you must bring your own water, camp at least 100 feet from all water sources, and dig a hole at least six inches deep for disposal of human waste.

Current Mt. Charleston Conditions

Developed Canyons (Kyle, Lee, Deer Creek) Remain CLOSED Until Further Notice

  • Access roads leading to and within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) - State Routes 157 (Kyle Canyon Highway), 156 (Lee Canyon Highway), and 158 (Deer Creek Highway) sustained significant damages and remain closed to the visiting public. Visit https://www.dot.nv.gov/ for details.
  • This includes the Mack’s, Champion, and Blue Tree areas.
  • Springs Mountain Visitor Gateway
  • Lee Canyon Ski Resort – Visit https://www.leecanyonlv.com/ for details.
  • All Mt. Charleston trails including Bristlecone (including access to south end of Bonanza Trail), Cliffrose Trailhead, Stepladder, Shady Hollow, Deer Creek, Desert View Overlook, Mary Jane Falls, Echo/ Little Falls, Cathedral Rock, South Loop, Griffith Peak, Fletcher Canyon/Eagle's Nest, Acastus, Harris Spring to Griffith Peak, Juniper Trailhead/Showgirl, Mahogany CCC, North Loop/Rain Tree/Mummy Springs, Pack Rat/Escarpment/Acastus, Robber's Roost, Trail Canyon, Rocky Gorge Loop, Pinyon Pine Loop, Mud Springs Loop, Sawmill Loop
  • All Mt. Charleston picnic areas Kyle Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Deer Creek, Sawmill, SMVG Group Picnic Area, Lee Meadows, Old Mill, Foxtail Group Picnic Area
  • All Mt. Charleston campgrounds Fletcher View, McWilliams, Hilltop, Mahogany Grove, Mack’s Canyon, Blue Tree Area, Champion Road, Kyle Canyon

Dispersed Recreation Areas at Mt Charleston are OPEN

  • Dispersed recreation including more remote areas such as Cold Creek, Willow Creek, Potosi, Cottonwood Pass, Lovell Canyon, Wheeler Wash, Mt. Stirling and Johnny.
  • Carpenter and Wallace Canyons roads are currently inaccessible by 4x4 due to washouts.
  • Other areas including Clark and Trout Canyons may also have impacts.  Use caution in all areas as hazards may still exist. Roads may be covered with debris and have undercutting and shoulder loss due to flooding.

Many other public lands and facilities in the Las Vegas Area are open to explore. Always check with local public agencies for current hours, conditions, and weather reports to plan your visit accordingly.