Driving distance and time between high and low altitudes:
From Mt. Charleston
rte 157 19 miles to US 95
US 95 12 miles to Las Vegas
Total driving distance - 31 miles
Average driving time - 25-35 minutes
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Closest major airport:
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (approx 40 minutes from Mt. Charleston)
Advantages of this location
This location offers one of the largest altitude drops in a short driving time of the sites listed here. The low elevation in Las Vegas will not limit workouts. Mt. Charleston is certainly the most isolated of the sites listed, meaning the town is very small with no stores, gas stations, and just a small snack bar at the lodge - so there are few distractions while on the mountain. Las Vegas is a very inexpensive place to eat, rent a car, and fly into and out of, and this site is probably the least expensive option of those listed. Certainly the best entertainment (in town) of all the sites. This site receives the least snow in winter/spring, so this site will offer the best weather for a winter/spring training camp. Will also be one of the hottest in summer, so heat acclimation will not be lost.
Disadvantages of this location
Many of the advantages can also be disadvantages. The town of Mt. Charleston is only a few hundred people, and some athletes may not like the relative isolation. Housing is limited to a few homes and cabins for rent and one lodge. There is also a campsite for the motor home option, though. There are few places that are truly flat to run at Mt. Charleston, so travel to low altitude would be more frequent than other sites, but access to low altitude is easier than other sites. During the summer, workouts would need to be timed for early morning or dusk due to the heat. Some may not prefer the remoteness of the living, or the temptation of Las Vegas.
Training sites at low altitude:
There are a number of desert trails, power line trails, and open road at low altitude, just off the mountain. Floyd Lamb State Park is located about 15 miles north of Las Vegas, between Las Vegas and Mt. Charleston. The park offers grassy areas and plenty of flat open roads and trails. Cimmaron H.S. has the closest track to Mt Charleston, about 20 minutes away. UNLV, with its track and weight facilities are about 35 min from Mt. Charleston. The north Las Vegas suburban community of Summerlin has nice quiet suburban streets and parks, and is only 25-30 min from Mt. Charleston.
Links to general pages about the area
For more information on where to live and where to train in the Mt Charleston / Las Vegas area, e-mail chapmar@wpmail.phscare.org