Alpine Lakes + Wheeler Peak

Alpine Lakes + Wheeler Peak is an 11-mile route through Great Basin National Park. This route begins at the Bristlecone Trailhead and takes you to the Alpine Lakes Loop via the Wheeler Peak Trail. It follows the Alpine Lakes Loop clockwise, passing Teresa Lake and Stella Lake before returning to the Wheeler Peak Trail and making its way to the top of the peak. 

The route features well-maintained singletrack trails, granite cliffs and jagged peaks. It meanders through aspen groves, pine forests, and floral meadows. As the trail ascends toward Wheeler Peak (13,063'), the second highest peak in Nevada, it becomes more steep and rocky. 

This route can be completed in a day or enjoyed as an overnight backpacking trip. 

CONSIDERATIONS

• This area is prone to afternoon storms, especially in the summer, therefore it is advised that hikers begin their trek very early in the day. 

BACKCOUNTRY REGULATIONS

Visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with area-specific backcountry regulations. Visit the parks website to learn how to recreate responsibility within Great Basin National Park. 

CAMPING AND PERMITS

The Great Basin National Park visitor center offers free backcountry permits and registration, which are strongly recommended for backcountry camping in Great Basin National Park. Find out more about camping rules and regulations in the park at https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/management/backcountry-regulations.htm. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summer and early fall are the ideal seasons for this trek.  

FEES AND PASSES

There is no entrance fee for Great Basin National Park.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NPS - Great Basin National Park