Bristlecone Trail in the Spring Mountains

Less than an hour away from the Vegas city lights is a great hike on the Bristlecone Trail up in the Spring Mountains.  When the Vegas Valley gets a little warm the cooler temperatures up on Mt. Charleston is a nice getaway.  The trail can start at two locations, Upper or Lower Bristlecone.  An access road and parking lot are just outside the Mcwilliams Campgrounds, which we stayed at after the hike, and is the trailhead to Lower Bristlecone.  This road is the main trail but if your feeling adventurous you can make a quick left and head right up the mountain and a steep incline.  A couple miles in you will find the Bonanza Trail sign.  Take this up to the top and the long way around or just stay on the main trail and it will meet up with Upper Bristlecone.  We went up Bonanza to the back of the ridge and followed a path less traveled to get to the Upper Bristlecone turnoff.  The trail exits at the parking lot for the Lee Canyon Ski resort.  Take the paved road down and around back to the parking lot where you started.  I recommend setting up camp at Mcwilliams before the hike and enjoy a nice night under the stars.