Scale the sovereign summit of Wheeler Peak, situated in Nevada

Exploring Wheeler Peak (NV): A Hiker's Guide to Nevada's Highest Trail

The journey to conquer Wheeler Peak in Nevada might be tough, but trust me, it's worth every sweat-drenched step. On a crystal-clear day, the view from the summit stretches for a whopping 100 miles, and let's not forget about the breathtaking scenery that leads you to the peak. In this guide, I'll walk you through a hike to Nevada's highest official hiking trail.

Where to Find Wheeler Peak

A heads up: there's another Wheeler Peak in New Mexico, so make sure you set your car GPS correctly or prepare for a long detour.

Use this trailhead address for your navigation magnet:

Summit Trailhead, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Baker, NV 89311

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

Some essential info for your visit:

Don't worry about an entry fee; Great Basin National Park keeps its gates open to all.
Swing by the visitor center to fill your water bottles and use the restroom; the trailhead has no facilities.
If the parking lot is packed, you can park down the road by the Wheeler Peak Campground.
In winter, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive might be closed at this destination. Keep a tab on the park website to ensure the road is open when you visit.
This park is camping only; check the park website to learn more about available campsites.

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Hiking Essentials

Pack the 10 essentials; this includes extra layers, rain gear, and a hearty water supply.
Most of the hike lies above the tree line, so don't forget your layers and rain gear; the weather can change quickly in the high mountains.
Aim for 2-3 liters of water and some snacks; hydration is key to summit success.
Don't expect much phone service; a satellite communicator is your lifeline in case of trouble.
The hike climbs to over 13,000 feet, so altitude sickness is a potential pitfall. Some hikers find relief in ibuprofen, while others prefer the prescription Diamox. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache, take a break and acclimatize. If things get really bad, make a beeline for lower ground.
If you embark on this hike early in the season, there might still be snow. Bring micro-spikes and trekking poles to stay on your feet.
Trekking poles help cushion your joints and provide stability in all conditions.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

My Top Gear Picks

Here are the gear items I find indispensable:

AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My trusty sidekick for all-day adventures. Light, durable, and keeps my back dry with its trampoline mesh.
Norda 001 - A comfy pillow, a monster truck, and a featherweight baby for your feet.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable emergency coverage, this is my go-to gadget in the backcountry.
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, alerts, and Garmin sync. Handy for navigating unknown trails.
Garmin Fenix 8 - Recently tweaked to make my hiking life a breeze; I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

You can find details about my gear choices and why I love them on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Map and GPS Files for Wheeler Peak NV Hike

Wheeler Peak NV Hike Directions

My 50 Hike Challenge

In some states, it can be tricky to safely hike to the high point on an established trail. Nevada is an excellent example, as Boundary Peak is the high point, but according to the official Forest Service website, there's no set trail to the summit. Instead, Wheeler Peak becomes the second highest point and offers an established hiking trail.

Keeping Tabs on My Adventures

[1] Enrichment Note: Great Basin National Park offers various hiking trails, including the popular Wheeler Peak Summit Trail, which showcases beautiful landscapes featuring alpine meadows, bristlecone pine stands, two glacial lakes—Stella Lake and Teresa Lake—and panoramic views of the Great Basin once you reach the summit. The trail approaches 8.6 miles roundtrip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain, making it a strenuous hike due to its rocky terrain and steep switchbacks.

[2] Enrichment Note: Proper gear, including sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and trekking poles, is essential for this high-elevation hike, as temperatures and weather conditions may change drastically on the trail. The park's diverse ecosystems range from desert floor to alpine forests, with the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive approximating a 12-mile paved road gaining over 4,000 feet in elevation starting near Baker, NV, and leading to the trailhead. Winter snow conditions may persist on the higher trails, so hikers should assess weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Brace yourself for some incredible views, and enjoy the journey! Remember, it's not just about reaching the summit; it's about the memories you create along the way.

To avoid a long detour, ensure your car GPS is set correctly for the Summit Trailhead located at Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Baker, NV 89311.
For a successful summit attempt, pack essentials such as extra layers, rain gear, water, snacks, and a satellite communicator due to limited phone service.
As most of the hike lies above the tree line, don't forget to bring your layers and rain gear to combat the quick weather changes in the high mountains.
If the parking lot at the trailhead is full, you can park down the road by the Wheeler Peak Campground.
Keep in mind that this park is camping only, so check the park website for available campsites before your visit.