Paul Szydelko
On Sept. 17, a fire broke out at Mount Charleston Lodge, high above Las Vegas. The fire that erupted at the A-framed landmark, which housed a bar and lounge as well as a restaurant, did not cause any injuries.
The fire did not reach Kyle Canyon National Recreation Area, which is part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The lodge's owners have made it clear that they will rebuild it.
The rustic Mount Charleston Lodge offers a scenic escape from the heat of summer and a snowy wonderland for winter. It is a stark contrast to the Strip. The lodge is about a 45 minute drive from the city and has temperatures that are 20-30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas valley.
It's the perfect place to visit Las Vegas in all seasons. This is one reason this spot has become so popular with out-of-town visitors, tour groups, and people planning and hosting events. Christina Ellis is general manager of Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery, as well as other family holdings that includes the lodge.
Skiers can go to nearby Lee Canyon. However, hikers who follow the 50-miles of marked trails up Mount Charleston consider the lodge a charming escape option.
The lodge, which had a capacity for 200 people, was destroyed. It featured a large stone fireplace in its center, a small stage, and windows on three sides.
"This structure is more than a structure. It's more than a business. It becomes a part of peoples' lives, it's just where you go," Mark Hall-Patton, historian, told KTNV Channel 13.
Ellis stated, "The outpouring love and memories have been incredible."
I have some of these memories. There was the day I proposed to my wife. It was Christmas 1994. To keep her warm in the snow, I concealed the engagement ring inside one of the gloves that I gave to her. My father and uncle were not expecting to see me in Vegas, so I have a less fond memory of driving my car through a snowstorm.
Mount Charleston Lodge featured a huge stone fireplace, a 20-foot loft ceiling, and windows on three sides. Photo credit: Mount Charleston Lodge
Ellis claims it is too early to give a time frame for rebuilding, but she says that planning is underway. She stated that she wants to preserve and honor the lodge's original design and feel, as well as create something unique for the next generation.
"While we are determined to rebuild, our first priority is to care for the team members as well as guests who made the lodge feel like a second family to so many."
Ellis' team is currently working with other locations to relocate events or connect brides and event hosts to other venues on the mountain.
Ellis stated that while the loss of the lodge was heartbreaking, the team understands the pain of losing the venue for an event you have planned for months or even years. "We will do our best for our guests during this difficult time."
One week after the fire, the lodge's 21 guest rooms were reopened. The hospitality cabin offers a continental breakfast and hosts movie nights and games. The lodge will be rebuilt until then, so management is looking for long-term food service solutions.
For more information or to book a cabin, visit MtCharlestonLodge.com.
