Trail Canyon to Charleston Peak Out-and-Back

Follow highway 157 towards Charleston Peak. Go through the town past the fire station then make a right on Echo Canyon Road following signs towards Mary Jane Falls and Trail Canyon. Park at the Trail Canyon Trailhead. From the trailhead, proceed two miles on Trail Canyon Trail through dense forest until it intersects with the North Loop Trail. Make a left following signs to Charleston Peak and Cable Springs. At mile 2.5 Cable Springs appears directly on the trail. After this point the forest becomes progressively less dense and the views area amazing. After gaining the ridge at mile 4.5 you are done with the hardest/most sustained climb. The next 3 miles traverse a ridge-line south towards the peak with small rollers and little net elevation gain. At mile 7.2 the trail stops traversing, switchbacks begin, and it proceeds directly up the mountain gaining nearly 1000' in the final mile. The trail gains the summit at mile 8.2. Views from the top are spectacular and there is an ammo can with a register. Reverse the route to complete your journey and head back down to your car.Be advised that you may make this route a loop if you continue onto South Loop Trail from the top of Charleston Peak. The South Loop lets you out at the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area and the last two miles to return to the Trail Canyon parking lot is on pavement.