For visitors looking to enjoy winter recreation activities over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, there is currently no snow on the ground at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), or Mt. Charleston as it is known by locals. The weather forecast shows daytime highs in the mid-40s and nighttime in the mid-20s with no snowfall expected over the next five days.

“The National Recreation Area has been the driest at 72% of median precipitation since October 1,” said SMNRA District Ranger Katie Gulley. “The area has only seen a couple fleeting dustings of snow this season.”

Lee Canyon Ski Resort has been capitalizing on cold temperatures to produce snow. Currently, four of Lee Canyon's five lifts are operating, offering access to terrain for all ability levels. The public should purchase daily lift tickets, rentals, and private lessons in advance of their visit at www.leecanyonlv.com. People coming up to enjoy lunch on the deck or a scenic chair ride do not need advanced reservation.

Even without snow, the SMNRA is still a great place to come recreate this winter, but a holiday weekend can bring thousands of cars to the area. Go early, be patient, and abide by traffic laws. Also, consider carpooling with friends and family to the mountain and NOT using ride share services (e.g. Uber or Lift), because limited cell service and traffic may not allow for pickup for return rides

It is important to remember that days are shorter during the winter season. Be sure to finish your chosen activity before the daylight fades and colder temperatures set in, potentially making it unsafe to continue. Several recreation sites remain open year-round to the public including McWilliams and Fletcher View Campgrounds, Kyle Canyon and Sawmill Picnic Areas, and numerous trailheads and trails. For recreation site information, visit: https://bit.ly/SpringMountainsNRA.

During the winter months, trails on the SMNRA experience a wide range of conditions including dry, black ice, hard packed snow and ice, loose snow, slush, and every combination. Waterproof footwear and traction devices are essential. In the event of deep snow, snowshoes reduce how much a hiker sinks into the powder. On packed snow and ice, micro-spikes and other traction devices provide additional traction for better footing. Trekking poles are also highly recommended to provide more points of contact with the ground, which increases balance and traction.

“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue wants to the remind the community to over-prepare for the outdoors. We encourage citizens to take food, water and a first aid kit along with appropriate gear for the current and changing conditions,” said Search and Rescue Coordinator Matt Marlow. “In the case of being lost or injured, take minimal overnight provisions, a cellphone and a light source on every hike and inform at least one person of your intended destination and when you plan to return.”

It is also important to remember that snow-covered landscapes look very different than in summer. While out on the trails, do not rely on others' tracks which could lead you astray. Always be willing to turn around. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly as snow falls and melts. Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so it is important to know what to do if you find yourself disoriented. For more detailed winter safety tips, please visit: https://bit.ly/WinterRecreationTips.

Mt. Charleston Fire Protection District Chief Jason Douglas also reminds the public that the SMNRA has year-round fire restrictions. Campfires are NOT allowed within one mile of homes in Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon, Cold Creek, Mountain Springs, Trout Canyon, Lovell Canyon, and Coal Springs. Signs are posted in these areas to notify visitors of this restriction.

“If you start a warming fire, make sure you keep it small, never leave it unattended, and have water and a shovel readily available to extinguish it,” Douglas said. “Before you leave, make sure your fire is thoroughly extinguished by dousing the ashes with water, stirring them into a mud-like consistency, and making sure it is cool to the touch.” For more fire prevention tips, visit: https://bit.ly/HTNFFirePrevention.

Additionally, anyone who is planning a winter trip to the SMNRA can find more area specific weather, driving, parking, and snow play information at https://bit.ly/SMNRAWinterSafetyTips. For current conditions, Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway updates, and safety tips, visit: https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF or https://x.com/HumboldtToiyabe. Remember, weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so to keep up with current conditions on the SMNRA, check the National Weather Service website at: https://mtcharlestonweather.com/.

It is also 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 www.nvroads.com. For public safety, it is also best to wait to drive up the mountain until after a snowstorm and roads have time to be plowed. 

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. daily. 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.

Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for their planned activities and to not trespass on private property or closed areas. Trash should be carried home or placed in dumpsters or trashcans. Owners should also keep pets on a leash and clean up their waste.

When traveling to the SMNRA, visitors should 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 cables, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.

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).

It is important to 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.

In case of a roadway emergency, dial *NHP (*647) or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located on Lee Canyon Road across from Lee Meadows, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Foxtail Snow Play Area. Local 702 and 911 calls from these phones are free.

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