The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed at mile 3, Upper Lehman Creek Campground, for the winter season. For information on other closures, click more... More
Baker Creek Road highlighted in blue. The road is accessible off the main road entering the park.
NPS
The Baker Creek area is an oft-underutilized area of Great Basin National Park, and contains multitudes of opportunities to travel easily and shortly, or take the leap into the backcountry with the independence of camping by pristine alpine lakes.
Baker Creek is also one of the areas accessible latest into the year, though the road may close due to inclement weather throughout the winter. Baker Creek campground is the only perrenially first-come, first-served campground in the park, perfect for the unprepared or spontaneous traveller. Grey Cliffs campground is best for large groups and those without trailers, hosting the only group campgrounds in the park.
Find information on trails below, and click on a specific trail for more in depth information, a trail map, and helpful tips.
Directions to Baker Creek Road
Baker Creek Road is accessed via Highway 488, within the national park boundary. The road is dirt and gravel and 3.5 miles long in total. The Pole Canyon Trailhead is about 1.5 miles down the road and off a side section towards Grey Cliffs Campground with ample signage. The main Baker Creek Trailhead is found at the end of the 3.5 miles, at the top of a small loop.
An upper easy/low moderate hike, Baker Creek is often accessible or semi-accessible year round, making a viable alternative when roads close or parking lots are crowded. 3.3 miles makes for acceptable easy distance for most visitors, though challenging in the winter when deep snow is present.
The most popular backcountry route in the park, the Baker & Johnson Lakes Loop frequently sees campers, but still nothing compared to many other popular parks. This about 12 mile loop will take visitors by mountain lakes, glacial cirques, and a profound amount of isolation.
Johnson Lake may be reached from either Baker Creek or Snake Creek. This trail offers a path to a pristine mountain lake and mining history in the Snake Range. Nearly 10 miles of trail equals good times and plenty of room.
Hike the Pole Canyon trail, moseying by streams, wildflowers, and dense conifers. The 6.6 mile round trip trail also treks through the Baker Creek and Grey Cliffs campgrounds, making it easy to start from a campsite without a drive.
An extended loop through the Baker Creek area, Timber Creek offers more meadows, woodland, and creeks. This 5.1 mile loop is surely worth a visit, especially when the Scenic Drive is closed.
The hike to Baker Lake is a 10 mile round trip through pine forests and along a mountain stream. Baker Lake is one of the largest mountain lakes in Great Basin National Park. Nestled in a mountain cirque the beautiful lake frequently has snow on its rocky banks.
