Mt. Charleston Full Loop

Don't want to do an out-and-back? Link up Trail Canyon and the Charleston Peak Trail South Loop for 2 extra miles over of the out-and-back option to gain Mt. Charleston. Many trail runners do this loop for training and fitness.The trail is difficult not due to terrain but due to length. There is no dependable water anywhere on the trail (the water hole in Trail Canyon was completely dry on 9/16/2022). Plan accordingly.You can park at the Trail Canyon trailhead, Echo trailhead, or Cathedral Rock Trail trailhead. The first gets you to the summit but then a road or trail slog back to the cars. The second is the low point of the hike and splits the difference evenly. The last adds the extra mileage to the beginning but when you're done, you're done.You can take the road or take the Echo Trail between Cathedral Rock Trail and Trail Canyon. The Echo trail is nice and stays in the shade. The road may be faster but has about 50-100 extra feet of elevation gain.