This section of trail switchbacks up loose cliff sides dotted with ancient Bristlecone Pines before reaching a prominent outcropping known as the "Devil's Thumb." Past the Devil's Thumb, the trail contours around exposed, steep slopes on the east face of Mount Charleston before reaching a series of final short, but steep, switchbacks to the summit. This entire section of trail features loose scree, steep drop offs, and some fairly significant exposures. The trail is well marked, however, and with hard work and careful footing, you are rewarded with challenging, exciting hiking in a beautiful, remote-feeling position.

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Best Hiking Routes to Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

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1. Mount Charleston via the North Loop Trail — Deer Creek Highway — Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

31.6km

10:39

1,600m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Mount Charleston Summit – Echo Canyon Overlook loop from Mount Charleston

28.4km

09:37

1,450m

1,460m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

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3. Trail Canyon Trail Trailhead – Mount Charleston Summit loop from Mount Charleston

25.6km

08:49

1,380m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 3.00 km

Uphill 370 m

Downhill 280 m

Weather

Monday 26 January

1°C

-6°C

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Location: Mount Charleston, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Clark County, Nevada, United States

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Steep Switchbacks up Cliffside and Devil's Thumb

1. Mount Charleston via the North Loop Trail — Deer Creek Highway — Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

2. Mount Charleston Summit – Echo Canyon Overlook loop from Mount Charleston

3. Trail Canyon Trail Trailhead – Mount Charleston Summit loop from Mount Charleston

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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