Fletcher Peak hike
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Fletcher Peak is not only one of the easiest mountains to climb in the park, but also the sixth highest point in all of Nevada. Here, you will experience spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Spring Mountains. This is truly a beautiful half-day hike that is nothing short of fantastic!
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Route Description for Fletcher Peak hike
To begin the Fletcher Peak Hike, follow the North Loop Trail that leads out from the parking lot and takes you uphill, gaining elevation as you traverse the switchbacks up the ridge. Starting at approximately 2,591 m and going higher, this route is at quite a high elevation. Go slow and don’t push yourself too hard!
There are two sets of switchbacks that are separated by a short exposed plane. The trail here is obvious and well graded, making the climb feel easier. At the end of the second set of switchbacks you will find a clear knoll, at which point, the trail will lead you to the left around the first false summit. Climbing up to the false summit can afford a fantastic view of the area, however the official trail leads around to the left.
As you hike further along the trail, you will skirt around the right side of a second false summit and the trail will begin to lose elevation. Shortly after this, you will reach an obscure, unmarked trail junction where you will turn left.
The junction is right before the point where the main trail starts to veer right. This unofficial route is sometimes difficult to follow, but it’s hard to get completely lost. In a worst case scenario, you can simply backtrack along the ridge to reach the knoll where the main trail turned left — it’ll only cost you a bit of extra ascending.
Continuing along the unofficial trail as it climbs up towards the rocky summit of Fletcher Peak, you will reach the summit and find a small ammunition container that holds the summit register. Here, you will also experience panoramic views of Charleston Peak and its summit ridge, as well as Griffith Peak to the left. Also, you can see Mummy Mountain close by, just to the right of Charleston Peak. If you look directly below and to the right of your view of Charleston you can see the final pass of the Trail Canyon Hike, also detailed on this page!
Return the way you came and take extreme care while descending the uneven and often loose, unofficial trail.
Hiking trail highlights
Spring Mountains
Located in Southern Nevada, the Spring Mountains can be found just west of Las Vegas along the California border. While there are a number of rugged peaks within the Spring Mountain Range, the highest is Mount Charleston at 3,633 m.
Named after the plentiful amount of natural springs that can be found in recesses throughout the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area on the eastern side of the mountains, the landscape here is part of a sky island ecosystem that likely features the most biodiversity in all of Nevada.
Check out more amazing hikes around Las Vegas:
Insider Hints for Fletcher Peak hike
- This hike can be very snowy in the early season. Phone the visitor centre before committing to the drive from Las Vegas.
- A GPS unit can be extremely helpful in making sure you are in fact at the summit of Fletcher. There are numerous false summits!
Getting to the Fletcher Peak hike Trailhead
To get to the Fletcher Peak Trailhead from Las Vegas, follow Route 95 North until just after you pass the city limits. From here, watch out for Nevada 157, with signs towards Mt. Charleston. Turn left here and continue along this gradually climbing road for just over 27.4 km. Turn right on Route 158 heading north, and drive up this steeper highway for 8.0 km, watching diligently for the North Loop Trailhead on the left. This small parking area comes up super fast, and it’s very easy to miss.
Route Information
Fletcher Peak hike Elevation Graph
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