The outstanding 8.8 mile out and back hike to Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park will test your acclimatization program as it gets you to an altitude of 13,065 feet or 3,982 metres. It’s a difficult, albeit rewarding hike that will take you between 5 – 7 hours in total depending on your hiking pace and fitness level.
The hike up Wheeler Peak – Nevada’s second highest peak – is a challenging one as it climbs 3,100 feet over 4.4 miles. If you’re not acclimatized, you’ll feel the lack of oxygen and you may suffer from altitude sickness. But the reward for those who make it to the summit are panoramic mountain views on a clear day extending up to 100 miles. You’ll also feel a great sense of accomplishment.
If you decide to do the Wheeler Peak hike, get an early start, especially in summer when thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Go well prepared as it’s notoriously windy and snow can linger well into summer.
My Wheeler Peak trail guide will cover everything you need to know to do one of the best hikes in Nevada – and have a memorable day.
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Wheeler Peak hike summary
Distance: 8.6 miles (14.9 km) return
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet or 945 m.
Difficulty: Hard because of elevation gain and altitude.
Time needed: 5 – 7 hours depending on hiking speed and conditioning.
Dogs: Not permitted on the trail unless they are a trained service animal.
Don’t forget: Always pack the hiking essentials. Be sure to carry lots of water, high energy food and salty snacks. It’s cold part way up, so include gloves, a hat and a warm coat.
Did you know? You can fill water bottles at the Lehman Caves Visitor Centre and in Baker at the Great Basin National Park Visitor Centre.
Where is the trailhead for the Wheeler Peak hike?
From the town of Baker, drive approximately 16 miles into Great Basin National Park via Lehman Caves Road and the 12-mile-long Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to the Summit Trailhead. It’s 0.67 miles short of the Bristlecone Trailhead, located at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Allow 30 minutes for the drive from Baker.
From the Lehman Caves Visitor Centre, where there’s a good cafe, it’s about a 25-minute drive. It’s a particularly pretty drive, if you catch sunrise.
From Baker you ascend 4,684 feet, so you’ll probably feel your ears popping as you wind your way up Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
Vehicles longer than 24 feet are not permitted past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
Limited parking at the Summit Trailhead
There are only 22 parking spaces at the Summit Trailhead and no parking is permitted on the road, so it pays to be at the trailhead by 6 AM.
In 2024, the road to Bristlecone Trailhead was closed for upgrades – but normally you should be able to park at Bristlecone Trailhead. From there simply take an alternate route to Wheeler Peak either via the Alpine Lakes Loop or via a trail that cuts across to meet up with the one coming from the Summit Trailhead.
The parking lot at the Summit Trailhead near the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive isn’t very big!
What is the best time to do the hike up Wheeler Peak?
In a perfect world, the best time to do the Wheeler Peak hike is from late June – once the snow has melted, until early October. You want a good weather day – as once above treeline – you’re the highest object if there’s a thunderstorm.
I’d also recommend that you check Windy – and get a read on what to expect above treeline. If the winds are forecast to be severe, give it a pass and do the hike another day.
Temperatures can be all over, especially above treeline. With the combination of high altitude and wind, it can be quite cold, so dress appropriately and go well-prepared.
Wheeler Peak hike description
The Wheeler Peak hike is straight-forward but having said that, it’s still the hardest hike in Great Basin National Park. It starts at an elevation of 10,000 feet, so right off the bat you’ll likely notice the thin air.
Plan to do the hike after a day or two of acclimatization or you run the risk of altitude sickness. Please keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to turn back if there is an approaching thunderstorm – even if you’re close to the summit. It’s best to start the hike at dawn so you’re off the summit well before noon when the chance of thunderstorms increases.
The Wheeler Peak hike starts off gently from the Summit Trailhead, winding its way through twisted aspen trees and stands of limber pine and Engelmann spruce. Reach an intersection at 1.0 mile and follow the trail sign that points to Wheeler Peak.
Climb gradually crossing a meadow where we say a half dozen deer and five wild turkeys. In another 20 – 30 minutes you’ll break through the trees.
Once out of the trees, the views get better and better with each passing step. Follow the switchbacks on a good trail to a flatter area where you’ll find some rock wind breaks. This might be a good time to throw on a few layers and drink water as the biggest climb of the day is ahead.
Keep climbing towards the ridgeline where you are rewarded with great views of the Great Basin Desert below. The last 30 – 40 minutes of the hike is a sustained climb, often on boulders. The trail through the boulders is excellent, and you shouldn’t have a difficult time picking your way up. Just go at a pace that is comfortable.
Once on top there are numerous wind breaks as Wheeler Peak has quite a reputation for being crazy windy. Sit back, enjoy the views, and sign the guest register located in a mailbox in one of the wind breaks.
It’s also fun to hike the ridge in either direction from the Wheeler Peak summit. Enjoy views of the Snake Range and the closer hills. From the summit you can also see a couple of the lakes on the Alpine Lake loop hike.
To return to the parking lot simply retrace your steps. The descent is speedy and within a few hours you can be back at the car celebrating your summit success. There is the option too of adding in the Alpine Lake loop and a side trip to the Bristlecone Pine Grove after summiting (which we did), but it makes for quite a long day.
Once back in Baker I recommend a visit to the Bristlecone General Store for cold drinks and ice cream.
Wheeler Peak hike photos
The following photos from our hike up Wheeler Peak should give you a good idea of what to expect. They were all taken in the second week of September.
Tips for a successful hike up Wheeler Peak
Start early
I lived in Colorado for 10 years, so I learned that you need to start hiking any high peak very early to beat the thunderstorms and bad weather. The same goes for hiking Wheeler Peak – as it’s the highest peak in the area and there is nowhere to hide.
Pick the right day to hike Wheeler Peak
Acclimatize: Spend a day or two in the park before your hike to acclimatize to the altitude. Drink lots of water, especially the day before and the day of the hike.
Start Early: Begin your hike at dawn to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. That way you have lots of daylight too.
Pick a pace: There is no point in trying to hike faster than your body wants. Pick a pace you can maintain and stope frequently for water and snacks.
Look out for wildlife: Mule deer, wild turkeys, marmots – whatever you see on the trail should be given plenty of space.
Leave No Trace: Pack out your garbage, don’t cross-cut the trails, and be respectful of the environment and your fellow hikers. You might want to read this article on the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Preparation and gear recommendations
Essential gear for the Wheeler Peak hike
Preparation is key to a successful summit of Wheeler Peak. Be sure to pack the following.
Hiking boots – Ensure they are well broken in and provide good ankle support.
Clothing – Pack layers – and include wicking shirts made of merino wool or any other moisture-wicking material but don’t wear cotton. Include warm clothing like a down coat, hat and gloves, especially early and late in the hiking season. You’ll probably find that the temperature starts to drop on the ridge when the winds pick up.
Hiking poles – Some people will love the reduced knee strain on the steep section of the hike up and down Wheeler Peak. They also aid in keeping your balance. We flew carry-on and so didn’t have poles, and had no problem.
Sun protection – Higher elevations mean increased UV exposure. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a ball cap or sunhat.
Water: Take more than you think you need. I’d suggest at least 3 to 4 L per person. If you sweat a lot, you might want to pack an electrolyte replacement.
Food: Pack high energy snacks you know you like. Avoid tuna sandwiches at altitude – the one thing that was a big no-no climbing fourteeners in Colorado.
Navigation: I like Organic Maps as an offline hiking app though you’ll have to download the Nevada maps before you get to the trailhead as you need a cell signal. I also recommend packing aGarmin inReach Mini2should you have a real emergency.
First-aid: I always carry a small first-aid kit with bandages, tape, some gauze patches, Neosporin, and a Tensor elastic bandage in case I go over on an ankle.
Where to stay and camp
In Baker, Nevada there aren’t a lot of choices for overnight accommodation. We stayed at theStargazer Innassociated with the Bristlecone General Store. The rooms are cozy, coffee is provided and there are healthy eats to purchase at the general store.
Another option is theWhispering Elms Motel & RV Parkor theEnd of the Trail and Great Basin Bunkhouse, five miles from the entrance to Great Basin National Park.
Camping
In Great Basin National Park there are five campgrounds to choose from. If you want to stay close to the Wheeler Peak trailhead, choose the Wheeler Peak Campground at an elevation of 9,886 feet.
Other campgrounds include Upper Lehman Creek Campground, Lower Lehman Campground, Baker Creek Campground and Grey Cliffs Campground.
Potable water is not available at any campground. Make reservations early through Recreation.gov as campsites fill up quickly in season.
More attractions in Great Basin National Park
If you have more time, be sure to hike the Alpine Lakes Loop, and book a tour of the Lehman Caves – where you’ll find exquisite limestone formations.
Highlights and photo opportunities
There are many highlights and options for photo opportunities as you hike the Wheeler Peak trail.
The Wheeler Peak ridgeline: On clear days the views from the ridgeline are fantastic. Photograph the broad sweeping vista you get of the empty Great Basin Desert, the only cold desert in the US.
Wheeler Peak summit: Hike along the ridgeline from the true summit and capture mountain and desert views.
Bristlecone Pine Grove: If you park at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive at the Bristlecone Parking Area, then it’s easy to include a stop in Bristlecone Pine Grove, home to the oldest living trees, including some that are 4,000 years old! Their trunks are beautiful and make for striking photos.
Final thoughts on the hike up Wheeler Peak
The highlight of our trip to Great Basin National Park was the hike up Wheeler Peak and the stunning views along the route. It’s very cool to stand on top of the 2nd highest mountain in Nevada out of 314 named mountain ranges in Nevada.
I love the sense of accomplishment you get from climbing a high mountain. If you’re adventure loving and you’re visiting Nevada, this is one peak you must climb! Just be sure to go prepared, pick the right day, and acclimatize – so you can enjoy the experience.
More hikes you might enjoy in the US
The South Rim Trail in Big Bend National Park, Texas
5 of the Best Hikes Near Boulder, Colorado
Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park (Utah)
The Capitol Gorge Hike in Capitol Reef National Park
Flume Gorge Hike in Franconia Notch, NH
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