A mile or so before reaching Lee Canyon, the clearly signed Desert view Trail is a short, paved footpath with an unlikely history.

During the A-bomb test of the 1950s the Mount Charleston area was designated by the Atomic Energy Commission as being the best vantage point for spectators.

On eight separate days in 1957, announced far enough in advance for tourists to plan their vacations to coincide, vast crowds assembled up here to watch the explosions. Metal poles erected to hold official cameras recording the events still stand just below the viewing platform. These days, you have to settle simply for a vast desert panorama, which doesn't extend as far as Las Vegas itself.

Explore Mount Charleston:
Hwy-158 / Kyle Canyon / Lee Canyon

Explore Hwy-158:
Desert view Trail

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