Wheeler Peak Summit, Great Basin National Park
Hike Statistics:
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,906 feet
Highlights: Wheeler Peak summit, ancient bristlecone pines, alpine lakes
About this Hike
Great Basin National Park is one of the most isolated and least visited parks in the lower 48 states. A “sky island,” Great Basin protects an alpine wilderness that rises above a barren desert below it. At its center, Wheeler Peak – the most prominent peak in Nevada and second highest – towers above groves of ancient bristlecone pine trees.
For the adventurous, climbing Wheeler Peak is something that should not be missed. The hike starts off with an easy stroll through the high-elevation forest that defines much of the park. Deer are common here, and you’ll spot plenty of flora like aspen trees and the park’s famous bristlecone pines. Before long, the vegetation disappears, giving way to a long and difficult slog up a steep scree field that ultimately leads to the summit. Along the way, you’ll catch unbelievable views of the surrounding desert and distance mountain ranges, while gaining a new perspective of the park below you.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can add the Alpine Lakes Loop (+2.6 miles) and/or the Bristlecone Pine Grove (+4.8 miles) to see everything Great Basin has to offer.
Despite the park’s isolation, Great Basin offers some incredible scenery and hikes. Even if you’re not interested in climbing Wheeler Peak, visit the park for its fantastic night sky, Lehman Caves, or to see its ancient bristlecone pines up close.
