Mt Charleston Needs Help From Congress To Rebuild

Mt. Charleston needs help from congress to rebuild and reopen. Our infamous, Mt. Charleston is heavily damaged by rain from Tropical Storm Hilary. One of Las Vegas's most popular getaways, and hiking destinations, is not going to open back up anytime soon.

Mt Charleston Needs Politian's Help

Fox 5 News Las Vegas reported that Federal officials say the damage to Mt. Charleston trails is “incomprehensible.” And sadly, reopening any time soon is going to take help from politicians. Meaning - money from congress for repairs on the mountain.

Tropical storm Hilary left most of Las Vegas, and Nevada, with very little damage. But Mt Charleston was hit hard by the rain from the storm.

The ground is still really unsafe, which is why hiking is still not allowed. Also because first responders that may have to rescue hikers, just can't get to them.

The U.S. Forest Service shared a news release, saying that “Safety remains our top priority.” And that the next phase will tell them more with regards to rebuilding, and repairing, the damage.

A post on Twitter/X from Go Mt Charleston shared an update on Cathedral Rock trail: “The trail is 70% inaccessible w/ significant gaps & rubble strewn across or near the trail.”

Senator Cortez Matez told Fox 5 that she will work hard to reopen Mt Charleston. She will continue to seek federal disaster assistance.

I follow “Mt. Charleston Mountain Man,” on Twitter/X. He shares updates and photos, so people can see what's happening on the mountain - since no one is still allowed to drive up there.

The Mountain Man's personal message to Congress's also shared by Fox 5: "Don’t forget about Mt. Charleston. Don’t forget about the residents. Don’t forget about the forest. Don’t forget about the people who love the mountain and come up and hike all the time.”

As a Las Vegas resident, I LOVE Mt. Charleston. Summer hikes at Fletcher Canyon and Mary Jane Falls are some of my favorites, and it was really sad to see the devastation of the mountain roads, and homes.

Not only did it affect the summer hiking season, but the damage has also affected Lee Canyon. Skiers have also been affected and those who work in the winter industry, might not see much skiing - or revenue - on the slopes this year.

Hopefully Mt. Charleston will see the funding they need for repairs, soon, so its residents can get back to a more normal life, and we can all enjoy its beauty again.

Congress - please listen to the the Mt. Charleston Mountain Man when he says, "don't forget."

Took a fun, unique little hike this past weekend with my besties. It's called Rubber Ducky Trail.  It's a nice out and back - or longer, depending on how you decide to explore it. It can be enjoyed by most ages and fitness types. Carla Rea, from The Mike & Carla Morning Show, is an avid hiker on the weekends!

The story is that there was a branch of this Joshua tree that overhung the trail used by mountain bikers.  Someone hung a rubber ducky from the branch (which is no longer there) to remind bikers to "duck!"  Since then, visitors from all over have brought rubber duckies to hang from the tree.

To access the hike, park at the Late Night Trailhead off of SR 160 on the way to Pahrump.  You'll start the hike to the rubber ducky tree on the trail that is to the right of the sign about the Old Spanish Trail.  Follow it you get to a dirt road (about half a mile), cross the road, and follow the trail on the other side of the road.  Soon you'll see signs that point to the Rubber Ducky trail so just follow those until you get to the tree.

Make it fun and bring a small rubber ducky with you to leave behind. Write the date, and something witty, on it!

Getting to the tree is only about a mile - so 2 miles round trip. But we spent more time on the trail,  which I suggest doing, because there are amazing views of Red Rock canyon that you'll get the farther along you go.

By the way, this is very popular with mountain bikers. They are very aware of hikers, so try to be aware of them as well.

In my opinion - the happiest hike in Las Vegas!