Favorite Fall Hike – Fletcher Canyon

There’s nothing like hiking in fall up at Mt. Charleston. The cool breezes and the fall colors remind us that fall is really here and winter is on its way. This 3.2-mile roundtrip hike begins off Nevada Highway 157 in Kyle Canyon, a ½ mile past the turnoff to Nevada Highway 158. The trailhead is on the north side of the road with parking on the south side alongside the road. While the length of the hike isn’t that long, there is a thousand-foot elevation gain as you hike back into the canyon.

The hike begins in the canyon forest amongst the trees at the Forest Service information board. As you hike along the trail, look for the high elevation cactus that makes this habitat their home. Further up the canyon, you will begin to notice a small stream flowing. Depending on the weather, the stream length will vary. Along the stream are wild roses, columbine and maidenhair ferns. Along the trail you may see old piping – before the use of wells in this area the water from Fletcher Canyon was piped to the Kyle Saw Mill.

Eventually, the trail crosses the stream and heads back into the canyon. From here the canyon walls begin to close in and become vertical creating the ‘Fletcher narrows.’ This area is prone to flash flooding so check weather reports before hiking and don’t hike if rain is predicted. As the trail narrows, conditions deteriorate, and rock scrambling is necessary at several points. At the end of the trail, a massive boulder formation blocks the canyon. There is often water running across these boulders creating a waterfall. From here, stop and have some lunch then head back the way you came.