The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) is a U.S. national recreation area, administered by the U.S. Forest Service, west of Las Vegas, Nevada. It covers over 316000 acre. The area runs from low meadows (around 3000 ft above sea level), to the 11918 ft Mount Charleston. The SMNRA is a part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It adjoins the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is home to several plant and animal species that are threatened. This was the driving force to create the Mount Charleston Wilderness area. The SMNRA offers activities such as hiking, picnicking, and skiing at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

History

The area was first named the Charleston Forest Reserve in 1906. Additional land was added in 1989 to bring the area up to the current 316,000+ acres (1,279 km2). The area was designated as Spring Mountains National Recreation Area by the U.S. Congress in 1993.

Activities

Mountain Biking

Campgrounds

Backpacking

Hiking

Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Office

Winter Sports

Gallery