Kelly
Echo Overlook Trail starts at the Cathedral Rock Trail picnic/parking area. Echo Overlook Trail is about 4 miles long, a “out-and-back” trail, and has about 1,417 feet elevation gain. So far this is the hardest hike I have done at Mt. Charleston, but I have only done hikes that are about 4-5 miles. This trail took me 3 hours to complete including the rest stops I took. It took me 2 hours up and 1 hour down.
The start of the trail, Cathedral Rock Trail, has restrooms but bring your own soap!
The Echo Overlook Trail should not be confused with Echo Trailhead (which is in the same area, NOT the same thing, and is closed – I know, it’s confusing).
Download the Alltrails app BEFORE you go on this trail to keep track of where you are on the trail. My favorite part of this trail is how EASY it is to follow. This trail has an obvious path and many steps.
The start of the trail, heading South. You are going to take the “Charleston Peak Trail South Loop” all the way to the Echo Peak.
Coming down is difficult because of the gravel and the how steep it is. I highly recommend NOT to bring very young children on the trail although I did see a few people bring their 2 year olds and 6 years olds. As a grown adult, I almost fell on my face a few times so I can’t imagine holding a toddler or having a 2 year old next to me.
The most difficult part of this trail were the several switchbacks or “zigzags” towards the peak and coming down the trail. It is very easy to fall and lose your balance.
This trail went from being cold to hot due to the trees around (or lackthereof) so I recommend to wear layers!
In short, the Echo Overlook Trail is easy to follow but was definitely a challenge! It has many stairs, is steep, and my toes and calves were hurting immediately after the hike.
