In 1942, a plane carrying Carole Lombard – actress and wife of Clark Gable, crashed high on Mt. Potosi near Las Vegas.
Over the years, this has become a favorite hiking destination of the curious, of Lombard or Gable enthusiasts, plane crash buffs and the adventurous hiking types.
There are many routes to / from the crash site and hikers not familiar with the area should (1) consult with others that have hiked it previously or (2) consult maps and charts or (3) Hire a guide to assist you. Or better yet – all three. The hike, especially in the warmer months (April thru October), is dangerous from heat exhaustion and proper care needs to be taken to insure you can make it there and back and that someone knows your route in case emergencies arise.
This is a steep, long hike and should not be undertaken by beginner or the under prepared. In hiker language, this is a class 2 hike but some side trails are also class 4. The trail head is about 1.5 hours southwest of Las Vegas off of NV160 – Pahrump Highway.
Please respect the site and do not take souvenirs.
Take only pictures, leave only foot prints.
Pictures below are provided by contributors or supporters of this website. If you are interested in sharing your pictures of Nevada, please drop us a note.
Courtesy S. Ward – Mount Charleston, near Las Vegas