Mt. Charleston

In winter Las Vegans drive about an hour to crowd the upper elevations of the Spring Mountains to throw snowballs, sled, cross-country ski, and even hit the slopes at a small ski resort perched atop the eighth-highest peak in the state. In summer they return to wander the high trails, go horseback riding and off-road driving, and escape the valley’s 110°F heat (temperatures here can be 20°F–30°F cooler than in the city) in a lush landscape with more than 25 endemic plant and animal species that can only be found in these parts.