Looking back now, we are very lucky to have decided to do this hike when we did. Since the Carpenter 1 Fire (google images) in 2013 the South Loop options have been closed. You can check the current status of trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads here: http://www.gomtcharleston.com/condition.html
View of Charleston Peak from atop Griffith:
Griffith Peak is the 3rd highest mountain in Southern Nevada. The hike was very pleasant with an easy to follow route and some really cool cliffs and an avalanche chute. It ended up being about 10 miles round trip with about 3800 ft. of elevation gained.
The hike was one of our longest at that time and we were happy to be starting at the South Loop instead of Trail Canyon or North Loop. I battled with my boots on this hike and had terrible blisters. This was early on in our hiking adventures and I was plagued with blisters and was constantly on the hunt for boots or a solution to prevent the raw,mangled feet I was experiencing after only a few miles. I honestly should write a blog on my boot, sock, and liner trials and tribulations. Luckily, I finally found the perfect solution, but this hike was one of the painful ones.
This was our last hike in the LV area before Phil had his major shoulder surgery. His surgery would prevent him from dressing himself, driving for many weeks, and definitely prohibited his carrying a backpack. He also had a about 5 - 6 months of physical therapy in his future. Being our last hike, it was a good one and a great new challenge for us.
