Find a hike in the park based on where you plan on visiting. Important to note that only trails on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive are accessible via a paved road. All others are gravel or require four wheel drive.
Carrying your life on your back? Click here for overnight hikes, or the strenuous ones to test your abilities.
How to pick a trail:
Pick a trail within your ability level. Don't push yourself too hard especially when not acclimated or under-prepared.
Consider starting altitude, many trails go beyond 10,000ft and altitude sickness can be a very real danger while hiking.
Keep in mind all of Great Basin's backcountry regulations and follow them carefully. Pets are not allowed on park trails with the sole exception of the Lexington Arch Trail.
Consider timing. Most people hike about 2 miles/hour, or about 3 kilometers/hour, so leave plenty of time in the day for your hike, or take a good source of light for night hiking. Additionally, many trails and areas of the park will see afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months.
Look for road conditions updates on the Alerts page. Many roads close in the winter even if trails technically remain open, limiting access or significantly increasing the length of a hike.
All trails remain open in winter time, but are generally covered in several feet of snow. Snowshoeing and backcountry/crosscountry skiing are the top activities for being on trails in winter. Check the Winter Touring page for popular winter routes.
Navigation can be extremely difficult in winter for the uninitiated. Check with park rangers for the most up-to-date conditions and which hikes/routes are well marked.
Hike the 5.1 mile Dead Lake Loop to see an ephemeral lake and gorgeous wildflowers and fall colors. Every time of year, Snake Creek has something to offer.
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.
Hike the Lehman Creek Trail in summer and fall for amazing colors and plenty of shade, or to access the higher elevation trails in the winter time. This 6.4 mile round trip journey travels through a varied forest showcasing a harder to see perspective of the many mountain peaks.
Take a short walk on the Mountain View Nature Trail behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Waiting for a tour? Only wanting a short distance? This nature trail will enlighten you on the past, present, and future of Lehman Caves and Great Basin National Park.
Hike to see the last glacier in Nevada. This roughly five mile hike works its way across boulder fields near its conclusion to allow for stunning views of Wheeler Peak and the glacial cirque.
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.
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 Bristlecone Trail is not to be missed on a visit to the park. This 2.8 mile trail takes visitors through some of the oldest organisms on Earth, and offers opportunities for introspection as you consider your place in the universe.
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.
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.
