Charleston Series: Helicopter Pad

Please read the entire hike description.
Got questions? text Liz 702-496-2455

New members are discouraged from joining now that the series is in its 9th week. Alumni are welcome, but as a progressive series, it's designed for those who started from the beginning (Sat., 06/07/25).

✨Welcome to the 12th Annual Charleston Series✨
These hikes get progressively harder each week in mileage, elevation gain, and altitude, designed to prepare for long-distance high-altitude hikes. For those unfamiliar with hiking at higher elevations, guidance and tips will be provided on pace, breathing, gear, food/liquid, trail etiquette, and preparations.

A secondary benefit is that carpooling, hiking and tailgating with many of the same people each week enables you to develop friendships and trust in each other which you will need as the hikes get harder.

To date, 170 hikers have used this training series to reach Charleston Peak for the first time - will your name be added to the list this year? A pin is available for those who participate in the series and reach the summit of Charleston Peak.

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📌This hike allows you to experience the incredible scenery of the North Loop Trail between the turnoff for Mummy Mtn and Lee Peak. You will hike with magnificent rock walls on one side and steep drop-offs on the other. There are rock shelves and ledges with spectacular views of canyons below and cliffs above. This hike is easier than Mummy Mtn but slightly longer.

** Note: there are numerous sections of the trail where it is imperative to (1) not walk while taking photos and (2) not turn your head to talk to the person behind you. Keep your eyes on the trail immediately in front of you and just walk. These sections are very short but require complete focus **

This event is cross-posted with 52 Peak Club Founder's Deck.

If you had the toughness to do Mummy Mtn and the stamina to do this hike, you will be ready for Charleston Peak.

The photo above is from standing on Helicopter Pad. In the lower corner, you can see the water reservoir for Ski Lee.

HIKE QUICK STATS:

• Trailhead: tbd
• Distance: ≈11.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: ≈3,450 feet
• Elevation of Pad: 11,100 feet
• Altitude: between 7,642 and 11,100 feet
• Difficulty/pace: extremely strenuous/moderate
• Class: 1
• Exposure: none **see note above**
• Time: ≈9.5 hours (includes hiking & driving)
• No guests, children/minors, canines, or event crashers please!
• All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up and it's FREE.

GEAR:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
• Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
• 2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes
• Carry a windbreaker, warm gloves and hat when hiking in the Mt Charleston area

TAILGATE:
No tailgating after this event due to its overall difficulty and duration.

CARPOOL LOCATION:
Please arrive at the garage before 6am. Meet in Santa Fe Casino East parking garage 3rd floor, turn left, section 3F. There are two garages; one is visible from Hwy 95 (that is the wrong garage); the other is near the intersection of Lone Mtn Road and Rancho (that is the correct garage). We will form carpools for the drive to the trailhead.

There is limited parking at Mt Charleston trailheads, so carpooling is mandatory. Each passenger is asked to pay their driver $5.

FAQs:

• Do I need to attend every hike? No
• Do I need to be in good shape to start the series? Yes, a reasonable amount of fitness is required.
• Do I need to carpool? Yes, it is socially responsible and parking is very limited.
• Do I need to stay for tailgating? Yes, at least a portion of it.
• Do I need to bring something for the tailgate? No, it’s voluntary but please contribute in some manner such as setup, cleanup, cash donation, etc.

Remaining Schedule for Charleston Series:

• 8/9: Charleston Peak

Tentative Schedule - Additional hikes:

• 8/16: Mummy's Nose
• 8/23: Wheeler Peak

•• Disclaimer ••
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.