Best trails in Great Basin National Park

4.5(9,405 reviews)

United States
:
#46 of 60 national parks

Great Basin National Park spans sagebrush valleys to alpine summits, offering solitude amid ancient bristlecone pines, the oldest non-clonal trees on Earth. Enter Lehman Caves on ranger-led tours to marvel at marble formations and rare shield structures. Drive or hike the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to access alpine lakes, sky-island forests, and Nevada’s only glacier. At both visitor centers, Lehman Caves and the Great Basin Visitor Center north of Baker, you’ll find parking, exhibits, films, trail info, and orientation for stargazing and night sky programs.

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(1296)

•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 - 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....

#9 - Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

4.5(289)

•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.

This is a short hike to Teresa Lake with steady elevation gains. At the lake, you can enjoy a beautiful lake view with peaceful surroundings. Bristlecone Parking Area has a good-sized parking area with a restroom. Wheeler Peak Campground is nearby if you are interested in camping in this area. During certain times of the year, you may not be able to use the designated parking lots due to road closures.

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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

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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

11,392 trailgoers Busiest in July

Jon Cross

Sep 25, 2025

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Snake Creek Canyon is the prettiest place in Great Basin National Park in my opinion. It’s a 13 mile drive down a gravel road but so worth it. The drive itself is pretty. It’s so peaceful back there and not many people go there. This is a very nice trail. I did it clockwise which is a little steeper than the Johnson lake side but the climb is shorter. Dead lake is appropriately named. Not much of a lake but the area at the top is so beautiful. The aspen were in peak color which made it even prettier. So peaceful up there.

Dead Lake Trail and Johnson Lake Trail

Andrew Guazzerotti

Sep 12, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Honestly my favorite hike in all of Great Basin National Park. My Fiancée and I started at 7am and did the loop CCW per the other recommendations on here, and summited Pyramid Peak as well. It starts my paralleling Baker Creek and is an easy uphill trek pretty much all the way to Baker Lake. After baker lake it gets pretty steep, and us being from the east coast and day 1 on the trails here, it took us a hot minute to get to the top of the ridge. The views at the top are stunning, as you can see much of the rest of the park, as well as both Baker and Johnson lake. We opted to do Pyramid Peak, and we met a couple and their kids doing it as well. It is a scramble with some loose rock, but honestly it’s not bad. We did it in trail runners no problem. We did Wheeler Peak a few days later, and our honest opinion was that the view was better up here - not that you shouldn’t do Wheeler, it is beautiful as well. After Pyramid Peak, we came down the other side of the ridge towards Johnson Lake and let me just say that was the sketchiest part of the entire hike - including Pyramid Peak. It is very steep, with loose gravel and rock, and it is apparent that people have made their own trails through part of it. My fiancée had to slide on her butt a few times because she couldn’t get any stable footing through parts of it. Johnson lake is beautiful with the backdrop of Pyramid Peak and the ridge we just came down behind it. From here, the trail is fairly mellow with one last somewhat steep uphill section, then easy downhill cruising back to the parking lot. Overall highly recommend if you have the trail legs for it. My watch clocked about 14 miles total.

Baker Creek, Johnson Lake, and Timber Creek Loop

Jason Crane

Jul 31, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Spectacular day with breath-taking views. Trail is heavily traveled & easy to follow with signage at junctions & red blazed on the lower segment. Above tree-line, the winds were very strong at times, enough to cause resistance. Almost 2 months ago to the day, I got caught high up on the ridge in a thunder & lightning storm, which forced a hastily retreat down the mountain. Felt amazing to complete this one on a blue sky day. There's a trail register at the summit & for wildlife, I only saw a lone buck foraging in the forest. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is paved & there's no charge for parking or to enter Great Basin National Park. Overall, I feel like this is a moderate hike with a steady incline until about the final 300-400 feet or so, as the ridge steepens during final summit push. There is no scrambling involved. The trail was completely dry from start to finish. Climb time: 2 hrs 45 min up & 2 hrs 15 min down.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Difficulty: Moderate

Wheeler Peak Summit Trail

Jason Graham

Jul 12, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Stepping onto the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail in Great Basin National Park is to move through time and elevation, where ancient trees stand sentinel and glaciers nestle in alpine solitude. Arriving at the trailhead at about 1pm, I found the parking lot already full, fortunately, roadside parking less than a quarter of a mile away was available, making for a short and pleasant walk to the trail’s official start. If you plan a weekend visit in peak season, factor in a little extra time for parking, as early birds will have an easier go of it. While the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail is often rated as relatively easy, the elevation—over 10,000 feet—demands respect. The trail’s gentle grades and clear path are welcoming, but the thin alpine air and the strong mountain sun can catch even experienced hikers off guard. The heat, surprisingly intense despite the elevation, made hydration and sun protection essential. On the way up to the glacier, a stop at the celebrated Bristlecone loop, where ancient, twisted pines—some over 3,000 years old—is a must. Past this loop, the trail becomes noticeably more exposed, weaving through open alpine terrain. There’s little shelter from the sun, so ample sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water are non-negotiable. Even in July, the sun’s rays at this altitude felt relentless. The views are breathtaking: from dense stands of bristlecone pine, you emerge into wind-swept openness with sweeping vistas of rocky peaks and distant desert basins. The transition is remarkable; less than half an hour before reaching the trailhead, I was traversing sunbaked desert, yet here I stood amid snow patches and ancient trees under a clear blue sky.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Difficulty: Moderate

Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail

Andrew Guazzerotti

Sep 13, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

This was a nice relatively easy hike. It starts out in a dried up river bed that I believe was formed from flash flooding, so a rocky start. It splits off and the incline begins, but the switchbacks make it pretty mellow. You get a really nice view of the valley and some rock formations the entire hike to the arch. After the switchbacks, you’ll arrive to a bench that has a really good view of the arch with a cliff right next to it. The trail continues to the arch, and it gets pretty steep at the end, but you can sit under the arch if you want. On the hike back we were surprised by a Great Basin Rattlesnake right off the trail! My recommendation would be if you have a dog to make sure they’re leashed up in case they mistake one of these as a toy. Otherwise a really nice hike!

Lexington Arch Trail

Sarah Van Riper

Aug 31, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Must do trail for Great Basin NP!

Parking: Free, Large lot

Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop

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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 1,500 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 9,405 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 204 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 1,331 community reviews.