Hike to Bristlecone Forest and alpine lakes.

Offering spectacular vistas and distinctive topography, Wheeler is Nevada’s highest independent peak. Your journey to the summit promises pleasant surroundings to begin and a breathtaking finish. This climb, which rises over 3000 feet in just 4 miles, is not for the faint of heart. Pack water and bring a friend for a truly amazing adventure.

In one of the most pristine and beautiful places in Northern Nevada, Lehman Creek Trail runs in the shadow of Wheeler Peak. This 200 foot descent through pine and aspen forest has some of the most spectacular of nature’s wonders. Much less difficult, even round trip, than the nearby peak trail to Wheeler Summit, this is a great hike accessible to all, with the option to access both ends of the trail with vehicles should you prefer not to make the return climb.

Accessible only from the Willard Creek or Cabin Outlook trails, this very worthwhile adventure can only be experienced as an extension off of another trail, so please plan accordingly. This trail extends up along a ridgeline to the Windy Peak. With sweeping views of the northern sections of Great Basin National Park, this is a beautiful if less-popular adventure.

A great destination for National Park lovers who aren’t looking for designated wilderness, in Pole Canyon you can hike one of the nicer trails in the great outdoors. This trail also connects to Timber Creek Trail for other options on getting back out of the back country. No pets or camping are allowed along this trail which is designated for hiking or running.

A moderately long trail with some climb to it, this trail is not particularly steep, but the slope is unrelenting as you trend upwards along its entire path into the hills. Designed as an out-and-back trail, yet this path does connect with others to get back out, though none loop back closely to the starting point. This trail passes through a narrow but lush valley in the Great Basin National Park, making it attractive to many who venture out from the park’s central attractions of Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak.

Rising up into the mountains from the valley west of Great Basin National Park, this is an out-of-the-way trail used less by visitors because it isn’t found behind an official entrance to the park. Those seeking solitude or just something different than the more tourist-friendly Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peek area should consider this option. Still in the National Park, no biking is allowed on the trail.

Leading to one of the largest limestone arches in the western U.S. this trail is one of the nicest in Eastern Nevada. You’ll make your way about 1 mile through pine forest and up about 900 feet into the hills, over an excellently maintained trail. There’s even seating areas provided for admiring the arch and other natural wonders once you reach your destination.

An enjoyable hike for beginners, the Stella Lake trail circumnavigates Stella Lake below Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park. Hikers will encounter beautiful foliage and a pleasant atmosphere before arriving at a small, pristine mountain lake. This short 2-mile path offers views of stunning Wheeler Peak, and is especially beautiful in the early fall when the native trees change color.

Located on the same trail as Blue Canyon Springs but rising up the mountain to Buck Peak, this trail is a more secluded place for those looking to avoid the crowds. From here you’ll have fantastic views of Wheeler Peak and the Lehman Creek area. The last mile of this hike is somewhat steeper as you make your way to the peak, and you may have to do a little bit of trail finding/interpretation as the official trail fades somewhat through this area. Be sure to leave no trace.