Late start (11:30), but beautiful hike and perfect weather. The color change is near peak - vibrant yellows and oranges.
davidsanger - Aug 31, 2015 12:36 am Date Climbed: Aug 29, 2015
North Loop
Delightful hike starting at Trail Canyon. Spend the night at the trailhead and got an early start. At least 25 people summited by my count. A lovely sunny day with little wind up top.
The airy traverse along the cliffside after Devil's Thumb is quite something : a masterful piece of trail building .
Deb - Jun 29, 2015 8:59 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2015
Devil's Thumb
Best part of the mountain! Fun easy scramble up Devil's Thumb then a stiff walk to summit. Warm day with too many people on the trail.....next stop Mummy. Couldn't do Griffith due to fire damage closure and endangered butterfly.
Daria - Jun 29, 2015 8:02 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2015
Via Devil's Thumb route
Climbed with Mummy. Found small patches of snow on the descent off Charleston, which we stuffed our water bottles with, stuffed down our shirts, in our hats, and all around our neck. Was good relief from the heat. Devil's thumb scramble was short and sweet but very FUN!
Stephen Gaut - Jun 29, 2015 5:25 pm Date Climbed: Jun 26, 2015
Success North Loop
Arrived at trailhead after midnight & slept in car. Came from San Diego. Started out at 5:30am. No snow on trail. No water sources. Reached summit at 11:00am. Took my time going down, with long rests, my legs were wobbly coming from sea level and also this was my first summit of the year. Got back to trailhead at 5:30pm. 12 hour round trip. Was very hot at 7,000 feet. Carried three 1-liter bottles and that was plenty. Great trail, well marked, cannot get lost. 16 miles round trip.
Nice day for a climb. Brought crampons just in case but never needed them. There were a few sections of snow crossing the trail near the thumb, but there were good steps already kicked in and was melted enough (10:30am) for my comfort level. Snow won't be around much longer, melting away fast. I was amazed to have voice and data (ATT) on most of the route.
gimpilator - Mar 20, 2015 11:51 am Date Climbed: Mar 15, 2015
2nd attempt
After two weeks sick and a hospital visit, I decided to climb Charleston despite lingering bronchitis. Around 10,800 feet we encountered deep snow. I decided to turn around because of the conditions. My two partners continued on and reached the summit, taking about 13 hours round-trip. They later told me that much of the last several miles was waist-deep snow
Update: I returned November 22, 2017 and was successful.
Fletch - Nov 8, 2014 9:50 pm Date Climbed: Nov 8, 2014
great day
Weather was perfect. I can't imagine this in August... omg
badmutha2k - Nov 5, 2014 9:35 pm Date Climbed: May 29, 2014
Spent the night on the summit
Nice pit to pitch the tent in. Protected us from the gust, my best estimate up to 40mph.
cjwhat - Sep 15, 2014 5:40 pm Date Climbed: Aug 29, 2014
20 mile slog
Heidi and I ended up in Las Vegas unexpectedly. After a late night in town we planned to drive over to the Spring Mtns and hike up Griffith. Oops. South Loop trail was closed due to previous fire. Got a map from the ranger and decided to do Mt. Charleston via north loop trail. It was a long 20.6-mile round trip. 5 1/4 hours up and 5 hours back. We took a lot of water and wished we'd taken more.
Diesel - Jul 16, 2014 11:24 pm Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Day
Went up South Loop to Griffith Peak then to Charleston Peak and then down North Loop. Beautiful day, perfect for the end of November. Lots of snow when going down North Loop. Altitude got us bad between Griffith and Charleston and half way down North Loop. We left at 6 AM and hit Charleston Peak at 1PM (including the Griffith stop). Back to car at 6PM. GPS said 20 miles loop in exactly 12 hours. Nobody else on the mountain.
xbaghat - Jun 28, 2014 2:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2014
eleven ultraprom
...
yadahzoemtn - Jun 13, 2014 7:54 pm Date Climbed: Jun 7, 2014
Magnificent Mountain
Wow, lots of mileage. The views are never ending. Wanna share this one with people I love.
scgrant - May 19, 2014 1:14 am Date Climbed: May 3, 2014
Charleston Peak
Along with Mummy Mountain. Very enjoyable hike. The high angle traverse under the face was very sketchy. I had left my ice axe and crampons in my truck, thinking I didn't need them. Quite a bit of snow past the Thumb and the conditions well warranted an axe and crampons. Once passed that and into the boulder field it was a pretty dry and straight forward push to the top. On top it was unbelievably windy, to the point where I had to fight to keep up right. All and all, it was an amazing hike and experience.
RaymondShevsky - Dec 19, 2013 1:55 pm Date Climbed: Dec 8, 2008
First time
First of several times was a snow trudge during a patch of clear weather, via the South Loop trail. Saw a couple of backcountry skiers, and met a guy who was training for an Arctic cross-country race!
philadendron - Oct 7, 2013 11:42 am Date Climbed: Oct 5, 2013
Finally the big one
My wife and I have climbed most of the other peaks in the area over the years, but the distance of this hike always kept us away. We finally decided to just go for it. Started at Trail Canyon at 5:40 AM, hit the summit at 12:30, back to the car by 7PM. The descent is absolutely devastating to the knees. However, the feeling of accomplishment is tough to beat. The Around the Bend Friends were great company on this hike and I was inspired by all the extremely fit hikers moving at a much faster pace than we were. I swear we even saw someone summit twice in one day.
Thankful for the "summit hole" that provides shelter from the frigid winds at the top.
Again on 7/12/14, this time solo.
Again on 9/27/14, solo, and including Mummy on the way down.
Again on 7/24/15, with my friend Adam.
Again on 6/19/16, via NW after tagging Lee and coming up Devils Thumb.
Again on 7/7/17, via South Loop and grabbing Griffith on the way down. GPS tracks
Again on 6/10/18, via Upper Bristlecone trail, tagging Lee, then heading up Devils Thumb. Descended switchbacks and an avalanche chute into the resort. GPS tracks
Again on 10/5/19, my first time doing the South Loop to North Loop linkup. GPS tracks
Again on 10/16/20.
orbitor - Aug 14, 2013 1:46 pm Date Climbed: Apr 13, 2013
North and South Loops
Took North Loop up out of Trail Canyon, mostly clear of snow until the traverse by Devil's Thumb. Slogged to the top, descended via South Loop, which still had a lot of snow on north-facing slopes. Long 18-mile day.
There is a point on the North Loop trail where you can take the Devil's Thumb shortcut (route on this site). I believe that is probably what the person was referring to.
saleenadam - Jun 14, 2013 10:57 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2013
Great weather and trail
Went up Trail Canyon and descended on South Loop. There is some snow in a few of the chutes off the trail but no snow or mud on the trail itself. Overall the trail is in great condition for the summer and so much easier than my summit in April. Was about 110 degrees in Vegas and about 55 on Charleston Peak.
mzenblu - Sep 27, 2015 12:52 pm Date Climbed: Sep 26, 2015
Late StartLate start (11:30), but beautiful hike and perfect weather. The color change is near peak - vibrant yellows and oranges.
davidsanger - Aug 31, 2015 12:36 am Date Climbed: Aug 29, 2015
North LoopDelightful hike starting at Trail Canyon. Spend the night at the trailhead and got an early start. At least 25 people summited by my count. A lovely sunny day with little wind up top.
The airy traverse along the cliffside after Devil's Thumb is quite something : a masterful piece of trail building .
Deb - Jun 29, 2015 8:59 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2015
Devil's ThumbBest part of the mountain! Fun easy scramble up Devil's Thumb then a stiff walk to summit. Warm day with too many people on the trail.....next stop Mummy. Couldn't do Griffith due to fire damage closure and endangered butterfly.
Daria - Jun 29, 2015 8:02 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2015
Via Devil's Thumb routeClimbed with Mummy. Found small patches of snow on the descent off Charleston, which we stuffed our water bottles with, stuffed down our shirts, in our hats, and all around our neck. Was good relief from the heat. Devil's thumb scramble was short and sweet but very FUN!
Stephen Gaut - Jun 29, 2015 5:25 pm Date Climbed: Jun 26, 2015
Success North LoopArrived at trailhead after midnight & slept in car. Came from San Diego. Started out at 5:30am. No snow on trail. No water sources. Reached summit at 11:00am. Took my time going down, with long rests, my legs were wobbly coming from sea level and also this was my first summit of the year. Got back to trailhead at 5:30pm. 12 hour round trip. Was very hot at 7,000 feet. Carried three 1-liter bottles and that was plenty. Great trail, well marked, cannot get lost. 16 miles round trip.
jshepp5 - Apr 29, 2015 5:36 pm Date Climbed: Apr 28, 2015
Beautiful day on North LoopNice day for a climb. Brought crampons just in case but never needed them. There were a few sections of snow crossing the trail near the thumb, but there were good steps already kicked in and was melted enough (10:30am) for my comfort level. Snow won't be around much longer, melting away fast. I was amazed to have voice and data (ATT) on most of the route.
gimpilator - Mar 20, 2015 11:51 am Date Climbed: Mar 15, 2015
2nd attemptAfter two weeks sick and a hospital visit, I decided to climb Charleston despite lingering bronchitis. Around 10,800 feet we encountered deep snow. I decided to turn around because of the conditions. My two partners continued on and reached the summit, taking about 13 hours round-trip. They later told me that much of the last several miles was waist-deep snow
Update: I returned November 22, 2017 and was successful.
Fletch - Nov 8, 2014 9:50 pm Date Climbed: Nov 8, 2014
great dayWeather was perfect. I can't imagine this in August... omg
badmutha2k - Nov 5, 2014 9:35 pm Date Climbed: May 29, 2014
Spent the night on the summitNice pit to pitch the tent in. Protected us from the gust, my best estimate up to 40mph.
cjwhat - Sep 15, 2014 5:40 pm Date Climbed: Aug 29, 2014
20 mile slogHeidi and I ended up in Las Vegas unexpectedly. After a late night in town we planned to drive over to the Spring Mtns and hike up Griffith. Oops. South Loop trail was closed due to previous fire. Got a map from the ranger and decided to do Mt. Charleston via north loop trail. It was a long 20.6-mile round trip. 5 1/4 hours up and 5 hours back. We took a lot of water and wished we'd taken more.
Diesel - Jul 16, 2014 11:24 pm Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2012
Thanksgiving DayWent up South Loop to Griffith Peak then to Charleston Peak and then down North Loop. Beautiful day, perfect for the end of November. Lots of snow when going down North Loop. Altitude got us bad between Griffith and Charleston and half way down North Loop. We left at 6 AM and hit Charleston Peak at 1PM (including the Griffith stop). Back to car at 6PM. GPS said 20 miles loop in exactly 12 hours. Nobody else on the mountain.
xbaghat - Jun 28, 2014 2:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2014
eleven ultraprom...
yadahzoemtn - Jun 13, 2014 7:54 pm Date Climbed: Jun 7, 2014
Magnificent MountainWow, lots of mileage. The views are never ending. Wanna share this one with people I love.
scgrant - May 19, 2014 1:14 am Date Climbed: May 3, 2014
Charleston PeakAlong with Mummy Mountain. Very enjoyable hike. The high angle traverse under the face was very sketchy. I had left my ice axe and crampons in my truck, thinking I didn't need them. Quite a bit of snow past the Thumb and the conditions well warranted an axe and crampons. Once passed that and into the boulder field it was a pretty dry and straight forward push to the top. On top it was unbelievably windy, to the point where I had to fight to keep up right. All and all, it was an amazing hike and experience.
jdmorehouse - Apr 28, 2014 3:00 pm Date Climbed: Apr 18, 2014
Snow AscentStill deep snow past The Thumb.
RaymondShevsky - Dec 19, 2013 1:55 pm Date Climbed: Dec 8, 2008
First timeFirst of several times was a snow trudge during a patch of clear weather, via the South Loop trail. Saw a couple of backcountry skiers, and met a guy who was training for an Arctic cross-country race!
philadendron - Oct 7, 2013 11:42 am Date Climbed: Oct 5, 2013
Finally the big oneMy wife and I have climbed most of the other peaks in the area over the years, but the distance of this hike always kept us away. We finally decided to just go for it. Started at Trail Canyon at 5:40 AM, hit the summit at 12:30, back to the car by 7PM. The descent is absolutely devastating to the knees. However, the feeling of accomplishment is tough to beat. The Around the Bend Friends were great company on this hike and I was inspired by all the extremely fit hikers moving at a much faster pace than we were. I swear we even saw someone summit twice in one day.
Thankful for the "summit hole" that provides shelter from the frigid winds at the top.
Again on 7/12/14, this time solo.
Again on 9/27/14, solo, and including Mummy on the way down.
Again on 7/24/15, with my friend Adam.
Again on 6/19/16, via NW after tagging Lee and coming up Devils Thumb.
Again on 7/7/17, via South Loop and grabbing Griffith on the way down. GPS tracks
Again on 6/10/18, via Upper Bristlecone trail, tagging Lee, then heading up Devils Thumb. Descended switchbacks and an avalanche chute into the resort. GPS tracks
Again on 10/5/19, my first time doing the South Loop to North Loop linkup. GPS tracks
Again on 10/16/20.
orbitor - Aug 14, 2013 1:46 pm Date Climbed: Apr 13, 2013
North and South LoopsTook North Loop up out of Trail Canyon, mostly clear of snow until the traverse by Devil's Thumb. Slogged to the top, descended via South Loop, which still had a lot of snow on north-facing slopes. Long 18-mile day.
saleenadam - Jun 14, 2013 11:04 pm
Re: Success via the South LoopThere is a point on the North Loop trail where you can take the Devil's Thumb shortcut (route on this site). I believe that is probably what the person was referring to.
saleenadam - Jun 14, 2013 10:57 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2013
Great weather and trailWent up Trail Canyon and descended on South Loop. There is some snow in a few of the chutes off the trail but no snow or mud on the trail itself. Overall the trail is in great condition for the summer and so much easier than my summit in April. Was about 110 degrees in Vegas and about 55 on Charleston Peak.