With fresh snowfall, winter weather can bring large numbers of visitors to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area to enjoy winter recreation activities. Clark County and Mount Charleston Winter Alliance partnering agencies are offering tips for safe visitation. 

“It is important for visitors to the Mt. Charleston area to come prepared for winter weather, especially in the event of a snowstorm,” said Fire Chief Jason Douglas of Mount Charleston Fire & Rescue. “We encourage visitors to comply with highway message boards when four-wheel drive and snow tires or chains are needed to proceed up the mountain. It is always a good idea to carry snow chains in your car and know how to put them on in designated areas to ensure safe travel.”

Douglas also emphasized that weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. He recommended checking the National Weather Service website at https://mtcharlestonweather.com/ for the latest weather. For information on driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures, it is best to call 511 within Nevada or visit www.nvroads.com. For safety reasons, it is advisable to wait until after a snowstorm for the roads to be plowed before driving up the mountain.

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.

When traveling to the SMNRA after a winter storm, 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, a bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.

They should also remember to wear appropriate clothing for their planned activities and to not trespass on private property or closed areas. All winter snow play activities should end before the daylight fades and colder temperatures set in, potentially making it unsafe to continue. Sledding is also not recommended in areas where there is less than 12 inches of snow. Trash should be carried home or placed in dumpsters or trashcans. Owners should keep pets on a leash and clean up their waste. For more detailed winter safety tips, please visit: https://bit.ly/SMNRAWinterSafetyTips or  https://bit.ly/WinterRecreationTips.

Whether it is snowy or not, SMNRA is a popular destination, especially during holiday weekends when it can attract thousands of visitors. It is advisable to arrive early, be patient, and follow all traffic laws. Consider carpooling with friends and family instead of using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, as limited cell service and heavy traffic may hinder your ability to arrange pickups for your return journey.

To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, the 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.

Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the premier destination for winter activities on the mountain, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other fun activities. Thanks to the cold temperatures, the resort has been making snow. Four out of the five lifts are currently operating, providing access to terrain suitable for all ability levels. Visitors are encouraged to purchase daily lift tickets, rentals, and private lessons in advance at www.leecanyonlv.com. Guests who wish to have lunch on the deck do not need to make a reservation.

During the winter months, the Lee Canyon Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground, Old Mill Picnic Area, Sawmill Trailhead, 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. For recreation site information, visit: https://bit.ly/SpringMountainsNRA.

The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road are 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.

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.