10 Best hikes and trails in Great Basin National Park

Hiking/
United States/
Nevada/
Great Basin National Park

Best trails in Great Basin National Park

4.5(8,223 reviews)

United States
:
#47 of 60 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Great Basin National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 27 great trails for hiking, birding, and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in Great Basin National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 3 to 4,301 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Great Basin National Park.

Top trails

#1 - Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop

This trailhead is quite popular and parking may be limited, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. Hikers will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of alpine lakes, a bristlecone grove, Wheeler Peak, the glacier, and plenty of wildlife. This route offers a chance to experience many of the highlights of Great Basin National Park and is considered a must-do hike in the area.

#2 - Alpine Lakes and Bristlecone and Glacier Loop

The Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, located at the end of Great Basin National Park Scenic Drive, offers a diverse experience found only in the high-elevation backcountry. The hike begins at the Bristlecone Parking Area near Wheeler Peak Campground. The trail features two small lakes, both situated in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, occupying shallow depressions left behind by retreating glaciers. These lakes are fed by snowmelt and occasional summer storms. To reach Stella Lake, the trail ascends 400...

#3 - Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail

The Glacier Trail is the continuation of the Bristlecone Trail that leads to a magnificent view of Wheeler Base Glacier. It continues beyond the bristlecone pine grove to the only glacier in Nevada, nestled beneath Wheeler Peak. The terrain is rocky, and you may also encounter snow depending on the time of year. The trailhead is located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive at the Bristlecone Parking area. The trail winds through groves of the park's ancient trees and into a...

#4 - Wheeler Peak Summit Trail

4.8(1117)

•Hard

•8.5 mi

This route starts at the Summit Trailhead Parking and leads you up a steep, exposed trail toward the stunning Wheeler Peak. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Since the trail is exposed, checking weather conditions before heading out is essential for a safe hike. Due to limited parking, it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. The climb can be challenging, but the panoramic vistas and sense of accomplishment make this a must-do hike...

#5 - Wheeler Peak Trail via Alpine Lakes Trail

The Wheeler Peak Trail connects Alpine Lakes Trail with Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in the Great Basin. Along Lehman Creek, the trail passes through a mixed woodland of fir, spruce, and pine. Beautiful alpine meadows full of fauna and decked with wildflowers will greet you as you ascend. The trail's switchbacks across a rock field, which get steeper as you get closer to the summit, are one of its attractions.

#6 - Baker Creek Loop

This loop trail can be accessed from the parking lot at the end of Baker Creek Road, where restrooms are available. It takes you to Great Basin National Park. It winds through a shaded forest of large aspens and along the creek with beautiful water views. Be prepared for steep sections with loose dirt and rocks—sturdy footwear is recommended.

#7 - Lehman Creek Trail

Lehman Creek Trailhead can be found at the Upper Lehman Creek Campground at the very end. Walk amongst the pine trees to reach some beautiful alpine meadows with view of the mountains and the bristlecone area. It is recommended to the parking area early as spots are limited. Other hikes can be found starting from Wheeler Peak camground that go further into the alpine.

#8 - Lehman Caves Visitor Center and Mountain View Nature Trail

Lehman Cave is a stunning limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is only accessible during a ranger-led tour. This is a great trail for a family outing or those interested in learning more about these caves. For more info about tours check out: https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/lehman-caves-tours.htm

#9 - Stella Lake via Alpine Lakes Loop Trail

This trail offers a slow, steady climb through beautiful aspen groves on a well-maintained path leading to the serene Stella Lake. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding mountains, including Rock Glacier. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as mule deer and mountain goats are often spotted along the route. The peaceful setting, combined with the chance to experience nature up close, makes this hike a rewarding journey for all skill levels....

#10 - Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

4.5(262)

•Hard

•23.3 mi

This is a beautiful drive that gives you stunning views of the Wheeler Peak area and the valley below. Make sure you drive the speed limit. There are campsites available on this route if you want to spend more time in the area. If you love hiking, be sure to check out the hiking trails, as this scenic drive accesses several beautiful alpine trails.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact

Open 24 hours

Passes & fees

No fee required

Accessibility

General park hours

Every day • Open 24 hours

Phone

(775) 234-7331

No entrance fee or pass is required.

Annual pass

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Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80

Purchase pass

Overview

Great Basin National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping and cave tours.

The Lehman Caves Visitor Center, Great Basin Cafe, and Great Basin Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning. The Astronomy Amphitheater below the Lehman Caves Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible with parking and restrooms.

Some ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices, Braille brochures, and tactile exhibits are available. Please call (775) 234-7520 or email to make a reservation for assistive listening devices.

Additional information about accessibility at Great Basin National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Gothic Palace, the first room of Lehman Cave, is available for a tour for those unable to navigate the stairs and narrow passageways of the full cave tour.

Camping

Lower Lehman (#1), Upper Lehman (#2 and #18), Grey Cliffs (#A8 and #C3), Baker Creek (#4, #21, and #28), Wheeler Peak (#5 and #21) campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and accessible restrooms.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Guides

Top Picks in Great Basin National Park

8 trails

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Trail reviews for Great Basin National Park

9,494 trailgoers Busiest in June

JC Narasimhan

Sep 1, 2024•Hiking

All trials is wrong... There is no access to the trailhead because the Great Basin national Park has some construction going on. . Take the summit trailhead. And then merge on to the loop mentioned in the all trials here....

Difficulty: Moderate

Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop

Denzil Newman

Jul 8, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Stella and Teresa Alpine Lakes. Over 10,000 feet asl. Great Basin National Park. Great views of Wheeler Peak, which is over 13,000 feet high. A lot of Aspen trees, but the bristlecone pines are the most amazing. Dead trees - some of them over 7,000 years old

Alpine Lakes and Bristlecone and Glacier Loop

Karen Wilde

Jun 26, 2025•Hiking

Great conditionsGreat views

Bristle cone pine trail. Stella lake Teresa lake Great Basin Nevada

Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop

Gabe Albertus

Jun 21, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful views of the glacier and an alpine lake! Great Basin is a super underrated experience

Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail

Heather Larkin

Jun 17, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Had to split this hike up into two days (mainly because the weather looked like clouds/potential rain coming through the first night and the food truck for dinner was closing at 8pm :)) gorgeous day and beautiful views. If I did it assim I’d probably go out and back on the splines trail part and not go as far on the bristlecone trail to glacier part (very rocky). Have a Great BASIN day

Conditions: Bugs

Alpine Lakes and Bristlecone and Glacier Loop

Alexander Chamitoff

Jan 25, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Came through this way in an attempt to do a winter ascent of Wheeler Peak. Did not happen due to the winter storm; however, it was gorgeous. Originally planned to climb Doso Doyabi and camp on the ridge (just outside of the “no camp” zone) then descend the next day, but with the low cloud cover visibility was limited. So, instead just camped at wheeler peak campground and enjoyed the blowing snow. Love Great Basin NP - every trip is worth it.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Lehman Creek Trail

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Great Basin National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Great Basin National Park is Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,270 reviews. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,217 ft.

What is the longest trail in Great Basin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Great Basin National Park is Baker Creek, Johnson Lake, and Timber Creek Loop. This trail is estimated to be 12.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Great Basin National Park?

There are 27 trails in Great Basin National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 8,223 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Great Basin National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Great Basin National Park has you covered. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive boasts the most elevation gain with 3,861 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Baker Creek, Johnson Lake, and Timber Creek Loop, which will get you 3,717 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Great Basin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Great Basin National Park and the most popular is Pole Canyon Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 194 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Great Basin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Great Basin National Park and the most popular is Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,165 community reviews.