Wheeler Peak stands as Nevada's second-highest summit and the most topographically prominent peak in the Great Basin. Located within Great Basin National Park, one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, the 13,065-foot peak ranks 12th by prominence in the contiguous United States. Named during the Wheeler Survey of 1869, Wheeler Peak is distinguished by Wheeler Peak Glacier, Nevada's only glacier, which persists in a protected cirque at the base of Wheeler Peak. Ancient Great Basin bristlecone pines, among the oldest living trees on earth, grow in a grove near the trailhead parking area.
The surrounding landscape is characterized by the Snake Range. Above 10,000 feet, high winds, afternoon thunderstorms, and rapid weather changes are common throughout summer.
Recommended Route
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
The standard route ascends 8.6 miles round-trip via the Alpine Lakes approach, gaining 2,900 to 3,100 feet from the Summit Trailhead parking area at 10,160 feet. The trail begins at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and is well-marked throughout, with no technical climbing or route-finding difficulty required.
The approach traverses the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail junction around 1.2 miles. By 2.5 miles, the trail reaches the Bald Mountain saddle at approximately 10,900 feet, placing hikers above treeline and exposing them to wind and weather. From this point, the route ascends the north-south ridge toward the summit via multiple switchbacks, with the final 0.5 to 1 mile constituting the steepest section. This final approach crosses steep, rocky terrain with sections of talus and uneven footing. The trail register at the summit offers clear views extending 100+ miles on clear days.
Key Landmarks
- Alpine Lakes Loop Trail junction (1.2 mi, ~10,400 ft)
- Bald Mountain saddle (2.5 mi, ~10,900 ft)
- Final rock and talus section (last 1 mi)
warning An early start is strongly recommended. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer, and the summit ridge is fully exposed to lightning and high winds. Parties that delay departure risk sudden weather forcing retreat near the summit.
Permits & Camping
Climbing Permits
No permit is required for day-use climbing. Great Basin National Park does not charge an entrance fee for day-use visitors. Backcountry permits are required only for camping on the Baker-Johnson Lakes Loop, including Baker Lake or Johnson Lake trips. These permits are free, have no quota, and are available at either park visitor center. For other backcountry camping, free registration is strongly recommended but not required.
Camping & Wilderness
Wheeler Peak Campground sits at the top of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive at approximately 9,886 feet and provides accessible staging for early starts. The campground has 36 sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire grills. Potable water is not available at the campground. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, and the nightly fee is $20 per site (50% discount for America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders). The campground typically opens in late May and closes in early fall, weather permitting. Ely, Nevada, approximately 65 miles west, offers lodging and services; Baker, Nevada, is closer but has very limited lodging options.
Safety Information
Technical Requirements
- Altitude Acclimatization
- Alpine Start
Known Hazards
- Altitude Sickness
- Lightning Exposure
- Extreme Wind & Weather
- Loose Rock & Scree
Getting There
location_on Wheeler Peak · NV
Data source: Great Basin National Park, SummitPost, PeakBagger, NPS
