Overview

The Short Sawmill Loop Trail is a fairly easy, 1.3-mile loop trail that runs through a middle elevation Pinyon-Juniper Forest. For hikers interested in exploring this habitat type, this is the best choice on Mount Charleston. In addition to the dominant conifers (Singleleaf Pinyon Pine and Utah Juniper), look for Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany, Big Sagebrush, and annual flowers (e.g., Arizona Skyrocket) that change with the seasons. This is also good habitat for Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, and Panamint Chipmunk.

Starting from the upper parking area, the trail runs west, then bends to the south before bending back to the north and east to make a big loop that returns to the same trailhead, approaching from the north.

Link to trail map or elevation profile.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ... this is a fairly safe hike without unusual hazards. However, this loop trail is located outside the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area and is open to mountain bikes, so hikers have to watch for bikes careening down the trail. This hike is fine for kids.

While hiking, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, this hike isn't too long, so just bring what you need of the 10 Essentials.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is located up in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (generally referred to as Mt. Charleston), but below Lee Canyon, about 45 minutes northwest of Las Vegas. From town, drive out to the Sawmill Trailhead. This hike starts in the Upper Picnic area.

The Hike

From the upper trailhead (Table 1, Waypoint 01) near the restrooms, the trail heads northwest past a carsonite trail sign and through a gap in the pole fence.

After what seems like only a few steps (about 50 yards), the trail reaches a junction (Wpt. 02) where the loop starts. Because the trail is a loop, hikers can continue in either direction, but the hike is described as staying to the left (straight).

Continuing northwest, the trail runs out a bit farther, then bends to the left to run south at a bit of a grade. The trail eventually bends (Wpt. 03) back to the north as it drops gradually across the slopes into a broad wash and another trail junction (Wpt. 04). There are several carsonite signs, but none with trail names.

At this fork (Wpt. 04), the Sawmill Loop bends right (north), while the Mud Springs Loop Trail stays left (straight; west). The trail crosses the wash, then starts up a slight hillside to get out of the wash.

Continuing, now heading east, the trail climbs a bit, then gradually descends into another trail junction (Wpt. 05). At this T-intersection, again with carsonite signs but no trail names, the Sawmill Loop Trail turns right to head south, while the Blue Tree Loop Trail turns left.

Heading south, the Sawmill Loop Trail runs across the sidehill, then bends left to head east down the gentle hillside into yet another trail junction (Wpt. 06). Here, hikers can continue straight to end the hike in the Lower Sawmill (horse) area, or turn right and return to the Upper Sawmill Picnic area.

Turning right, the trail descends gradually to cross a wash, then continues up across the adjacent gentle slopes where the Picnic Area can be seen through the trees. The trail continues generally southwest to the final trail junction (Wpt. 02), where the hike closes the loop. Turning left at this T-intersection, the trail runs east a few moments to the trailhead (Wpt. 01), thus ending the hike.