A major road in the Mount Charleston area reopened last week, but popular hikes are going to remain closed for repairs.
The Nevada Department of Transportation announced State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road) reopened Thursday evening. This is the first reopening since Tropical Storm Hilary caused historic damage in the area in August.
Weather permitting, State Route 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and State Route 158 (Deer Creek Road) are slated to reopen on Friday, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, respectively.
Construction work will continue in residential areas of Kyle Canyon, and about 35 properties in Old Town remain without water. Road workers repaired repaving on Echo Canyon Road and are currently working in the Rainbow subdivision.
“It’s very important for the public to realize that with the opening of the highways to Mount Charleston, there is still a lot of active construction work under way and many of the popular trails and picnic areas remain closed due to storm damage,” said Jason Douglas, assistant fire chief of the Mount Charleston Fire Protection District, in a written media release. “We have serious concerns about people getting injured if they attempt to access closed areas. We are asking the public to be cautious when you visit the area and to obey the Forest Service’s closure notice.”
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest announced 99% of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area will open over the next two weeks. Areas back open include the Sawmill trailhead, Old Mill picnic area and other sites in Lee Canyon.
Officials said the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, Kyle Picnic Area and Fletcher Campground will reopen starting Friday, Nov. 3.
Due to extensive damage, the following areas remain closed: Mary Jane Falls, Echo, Trail Canyon, Cathedral Rock and Bristlecone Pine Trails; Deer Creek picnic area; Mack’s Canyon dispersed area and FS Roads 45085, 45085A, 450855B, 45577, 45577A, 25872 and 25873.
Reopening dates for these areas were not immediately provided.
