Charleston Peak South Loop landscape

Photo: Photo by Anna Goncharova on Unsplash

Charleston Peak South Loop

~2 days · 8.4 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance8.4 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain4,642 ft
Gain / mile553 ft
High point11,896 ft

What the Charleston Peak South Loop is known for

The South Loop Trail climbs from the Cathedral Rock area near Las Vegas to the 11,900-ft summit of Charleston Peak, about 8.5 miles one-way with roughly 4,300 ft of gain (this line shows the one-way route). Often done as a long day hike, or as an overnight out-and-back with a dry camp in the alpine meadows near the ridge.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Charleston Peak South Loop on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 25,112 ft to 39,029 ft over 8.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 7.3 mi · 87%
  • Downhill 1.1 mi · 13%
  • Flat 0.0 mi · 0%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Charleston Peak South Loop take?

Most backpackers hike the Charleston Peak South Loop in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 8.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How high does the Charleston Peak South Loop go?

The Charleston Peak South Loop tops out near 11,896 ft over its 8.4 miles.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Charleston Peak South Loop Plan Free →