Hike Wheeler Peak NV

8.8 miles - Hard Effort
5-8 Hours (Total)
Expect to See Some Other Hikers
2,920 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 13,065 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The hike to Wheeler Peak (NV) is tough, but it has its payoffs. On a clear day, you can see for 100 miles, and the scenery on the way to the summit is simply incredible. In this guide, I'll show you how to hike to Nevada's highest official hiking trail.

In this Guide:

Video and Hike Directions
Where to Park
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links:
Park Website - Weather Forecast - My Dec 2024 Gear

Where is Wheeler Peak?

Great Basin National Park Location — Wheeler Peak is located within Great Basin National Park, about 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City and 5 hours from Las Vegas.

There is also a Wheeler Peak in New Mexico. Set your car GPS carefully or you might end up a few hundred miles away.

Wheeler Peak Nv Location — The hike starts from the Summit Trailhead off Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which is not open all year. In the winter this hike is covered in snow and not doable as outlined in this guide.

Use this trailhead address:
Summit Trailhead, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Baker, NV 89311

Some notes if you're visiting:

There is no entry fee for Great Basin National Park.
Get water and use the bathroom at the visitor center. The trailhead has no facilities.
If the parking is full, you can park down the road by the Wheeler Peak Campground.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed in the winter up to this destination. Check the park website to see if it's open when you visit.
The park has no hotels or lodges, it's camping only. Check the park website for more information.

Wheeler Peak Nv Trailhead — It's best to do this hike at sunrise when the lot is empty. You'll also minimize your chances of getting caught in an afternoon thunderstorm.

Gear Recommendations

Wheeler Peak Nv Gear — This is a true backcountry hike and you need to be prepared for all conditions.

Bring the 10 essentials.
A good portion of this hike is exposed and above the tree line. Bring extra layers and rain gear. The weather can change quickly in the high mountains.
I'd bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks.
Don't expect cell phone reception. A satellite communicator is your best bet in case you get into trouble.
The hike goes to over 13000 feet, so you might get altitude sickness. Some people have luck with ibuprofen to treat the symptoms. Others use the prescription Diamox. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache, stop and acclimatize. If you feel really bad, descend immediately.
If you do this hike early in the season, there can still be snow. Bring micro-spikes and trekking poles.
Trekking poles are helpful in all conditions.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated December 2024)

Wheeler Peak Trail Maps

Wheeler Peak Nv Trail Sign — The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Wheeler Peak Nv Elevation — One of the tough things about this hike is that the beginning is flat, and then it gradually gets steeper as you ascend. Expect to go very slow on the last 1.5 miles up to the summit. It's steep and the air is thin.

Wheeler Peak NV Hike Directions

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 4 — At about 1.2 miles, hike right onto the Alpine Lakes Loop.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 5 — And quickly after that make the right onto the Summit Trail.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 6 — Hike up through the alpine meadow toward the saddle.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 7 — At about 3 miles you pass the tree line. From here it's all exposed and steep.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 8 — The trail goes up the spine of the ridge to the summit. Toward the top you'll bear left to the summit area.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 9 — The last half mile is very steep, but doesn't require any scrambling.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 10 — At about 4.2 miles you'll reach the summit area.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 11 — The true summit is close to the start of the summit area. I've marked it on the map.

Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 12 — That's the hike! From here just return then way you came up.

My 50 Hike Challenge

Not all the states have high points that you can safely hike to on an established trail. Nevada is a great example. Boundary Peak is the high point, but according to the official Forest Service website, there's not an established trail. So instead, Wheeler Peak is the second highest point and has an established trail.

Follow Along On My Trip

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.