Great Basin National Park - Wheeler Peak Hike

Introduction:

What? :

For many visiting Great Basin National Park, the ultimate challenge and reward hike is the trail leading to Wheeler Peak.

Towering at 13,065 feet (3,982 meters), it's the highest point entirely within Nevada and offers a truly alpine experience far above the desert floor surrounding it.

This strenuous but breathtaking 9 miles out and back hike with 3,000 ft elevation gain leads you through ancient bristlecone pine and aspen trees groves, above an active glacier, climbing exposed mountain slopes and finally to a panoramic summit that will leave you feeling on top of the world.

Where? :

Great Basin National Park sits near the Utah–Nevada border, just outside the small town of Baker, Nevada.

It’s about 4.5 hours (230 miles) southwest of Salt Lake City and roughly 5 hours (300 miles) north of Las Vegas.

The largest nearest town is Ely, NV, located about an hour drive north of the park on highway 50 (known as the “Loneliest Road in America”).

It is one of the most remote national parks in the contiguous United States.

Wheeler Peak is the centerpiece of Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada.

The trailhead for the summit hike is located at the very end of the 12 miles Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a paved road that climbs dramatically from the park entrance to over 10,000 feet.

Google Map Link

When? :

The park is officially open year-round but most facilities and inner park roads are closed during the winter months.

The ideal time for most hikers is from mid-July through early September when the scenic drive is fully open, most snow has melted, and the weather is generally more stable.

Always check the NPS website for current conditions before you go.

More weather information:

Because of its wide elevation range, the Great Basin experiences a variety of climates.

Spring (April–June): Snow lingers at higher elevations; lower trails bloom with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 50–75°F during the day.

Summer (July–September): The most popular time to visit. Cool mountain air keeps highs around 70–85°F (21–29°C), but it can be hot in the valleys. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Hiking trails and all roads are open, stargazing programs.

Fall (October): Crisp air, golden aspens colors, and fewer visitors. Highs around 60°F.

Winter (November–March): Cold and quiet. Snow blankets the mountains, perfect for snowshoeing, but some roads and facilities close.

Tips and inputs:

Due note 1:

This is a remote park, always fill your gas before driving here.

The nearest gas station to Great Basin National Park is located about 5 miles north of the park on highway 6, right on the border of NV/UT (part of the Border Inn Casino complex).

There are only minimal tourist facilities and services.

Due note 2:

The park offers several developed campgrounds, all of which generally have vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grills. Campgrounds reservation is highly recommended, some are first-come, first-served in summer.

The small town of Baker has motels, Desert Camping & RV parks, and a few restaurants.

Backcountry Camping permits are free and required for overnight trips into the wilderness area.

Due note 3:

The 12 miles Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is typically open June–October (depending on snow).

Due note 4:

Bring layers, even in summer, temperatures can swing 40°F in a single day.

Above the tree line, you are completely exposed. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Due note 5:

Although considered a remote and less crowded park, during the summer month there are many other travelers visiting the park and you need to reserve your campground and cave tours in advance.

I visited here mid-September 2025 and there were only the last few available campground sites + no cave stores, only 8am visitor center reservation.

Due note 6:

Expect little to no cell reception once you leave the town of Baker. Download trail maps (like Google Maps or the NPS app) for offline use and print reservation confirmations.

If you need to make a camping reservation do this before getting here or ask for wifi password at the visitor center.

Due note 7:

The high-elevation trails start above 10,000 feet. Take it slow, drink plenty of water.

The weather at the mountain peak is a lot colder from the lower elevation.

Bring at least 3-4 liters of water per person. There is no water available on the trail.

Due note 8:

Unlike many national parks, Great Basin does not charge an entrance fee. However, the Lehman Cave tour requires a ticket as well as payment for the campground site.

Due note 9:

Winter snow storms can come early, always check the official NPS website for current road and trail conditions before your trip.

Due note 10:

During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the summer. Aim to be off the exposed summit by noon to minimize your risk of being caught in lightning or hail. Better start your hike early in the morning.

Due note 11:

Dogs are not permitted on the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail.

My thoughts:

The hike to Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park is an unforgettable hike to the roof of Nevada. A strenuous high altitude hike that rewards you with amazing views.

If you are up to such a hike I highly recommend it, you will not forget this experience.

The Hike:

To reach the trailhead: Enter Great Basin National Park via NV-488 from Baker, then follow the main park road and turn onto the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

From the road start driving for 11.1 miles (~20 minutes drive) until you will see the small Summit Trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road.

From the trailhead you will immediately start gaining some elevation through a beautiful subalpine forest, the trail here is not steep.

Within the first mile or so, the trail intersects with the Bristlecone Trail, allowing you to walk among a mixed forest of the ancient Bristlecone Pines and large sections of aspen trees.

After 0.5 mile you will pass a trail junction (here you should turn right), after an additional 0.45 mile you will reach another trail junction, left is to Stella Lake, turn right and keep following the trail leading to the summit.

After one large switchback, as you climb higher, the trees begin to thin and you can see the summit way above you and the valley and Stella Lake below.

As you climb the forest eventually completely disappears, and you are hiking in an rocky exposed alpine tundra environment.

From here the trail starts its steep climb section.

Before reaching the final summit push, you'll be able to see Nevada's only active glacier nestled in a cirque below the summit, covered with rocks.

The final hike push involves navigating a rocky ridge. Be prepared for exposure to the sun and strong wind. From the below there are a few "false summits" that can be discouraging, but keep pushing.

This is almost a straight climb up the steep slope all the way to the summit.

As the climb the views become increasingly vast.

Reaching the top of Wheeler Peak is an exhilarating experience.

At the summit you will find a small rock cairn protecting from the wind and a summit register.

As you walk along the small peak ridgeline the 360-degree views are absolutely spectacular, stretching across the entire Great Basin, with countless mountain ranges and valleys visible on a clear day.

You can see into Utah and far across Nevada.