Hike Wheeler Peak NV
PLAY VIDEO
State High Points You Can Actually Hike

Hike Wheeler Peak NV

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated November 16, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
8.8 miles
Time
5-8 hours
Total Climbing
2920 feet
Difficulty
Hard
Crowds
Moderate
Dogs
No Dogs
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Great Basin National Park

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.

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.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Wheeler Peak Trail Maps

Wheeler Peak Nv Trail Sign
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Click to activate map
CalTopo
Print Map, Work With It Yourself
GPX
Bring the Guide to Any GPS

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 2
Start on the Summit Trail from the parking lot.
Wheeler Peak Nv Hike Directions 3
The trail is easy to follow.
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

Originally published July 29, 2024