The Eagles Nest Trail via Fletcher Canyon Trail at Mt. Charleston Wilderness in Mount Charleston, Nevada is a moderate 2.8-mile loop hike that features beautiful views of the high altitude mountains that surround the trail, including Mt. Charleston.
Trail names: Eagles Nest Trail via Fletcher Canyon Trail
Location: Kyle Canyon Road, Mt. Charleston Wilderness, Spring Mountains, Nevada
Permitted uses: Hiking, dogs permitted on leash, nature study, Horseback riding
Prohibited uses: No motorized vehicles, no bicycles or hang gliders, No campfires, No fireworks
Hours: Day use only
Fees and Parking: There is no fee to park or use the trails. Parking is restricted to designated parking areas only.
Pets: Dogs on a leash are allowed. Please leave no trace, which means do not leave bagged dog waste along the trail.
Accessibility: This hike is not wheelchair accessible.
Hiker amenities: There are restrooms, trash bins and a picnic area near the trailhead parking area. There is an information Kiosk at the trailhead, which is across the street from the parking area. The Kiosk has a trail map posted of the Fletcher Canyon Trail as well as information about the area.
Length and Trail information: This hike was done as a loop and included the part of the Fletcher Canyon Trail necessary to access the Eagles Nest Trail. Fletcher Canyon is rated as moderate and has a wide gravel base that runs beside the wash from the Canyon. However, the part of the trail leading to Eagles Nest Trail is easy. On either side of the Canyon hikers will see Pinion Pine, Ponderosa Pine and Utah Junipers. Besides the majestic trees there is plenty of flora to observe. One plant we were able to observe is the Woolypod Milkvetch. There are at least 20 endemic species of plants in the Spring Mountains. There is an abundance of birds in this area and while we were hiking, we were able to identify several birds including: Rock Wren, Violet-Green Swallow, Dusky Flycatcher, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Broad Tailed Hummingbird, Virginia’s Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Black-Throated Gray Warbler, White-Crowned Sparrow, and a Spotted Towhee. There are no blazes or markers, but the trail is well used and is obvious. Eagles nest is a 2.7-mile easy hike off of the Fletcher Canyon trail. The Eagles Nest Trail begins approximately a third of a mile in from the trailhead. The trail is marked with a sign at the junction, pointing hikers up a steep grade to start the hike. There is one other trail marker at the junction of the loop. Eagles Nest Trail has 5 switchbacks that bring hikers to a flat area where they will be able to look out over Kyle Canyon. Hikers need to be aware that hiking at altitude can cause extra stresses to their bodies. Hydration is extremely important in this area and since weather can change quickly and without warning, proper clothing needs to be available for wet or cooler weather fluctuations. Hikers need to be sure to give themselves adequate sun protection because the atmosphere at high altitude provides less protection from the sun.
