Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,314.00 ft (1,010.11 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
11.00 mi (17.70 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

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

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Alpine Lakes. Wildflowers. Peak Bagging.

Cons

Some areas are popular and can be difficult to find solitude.

Trailhead Elevation

10,175.00 ft (3,101.34 m)

Highest point

13,047.00 ft (3,976.73 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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