Hike the Lehman Creek Trail

Lehman Creek Trail is the best way to reach high elevation in winter

B. Mills

Trail Overview

Total Distance: 6.4 miles / 10.3 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 2,040 feet / 622 meters
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Time: 3 hours - 6 hours
Begin at: Lehman Creek Trailhead in Upper Lehman Creek Campground

The Lehman Creek Trail takes visitors on a deceptively steep trip up from the Upper Lehman Creek Campground to the Wheeler Peak Campground and Bristlecone Trailhead. Following the creek, passing by meadows, and through dense aspen forest, this trail wows any who travel it year round with fall colors, wildflower blooms, and the babbling of Lehman Creek.

Reaching an elevation of just under 10,000 feet, this trail provide both a respite from the summer heat of the Snake Valley, but also added dangers in the form of altitude sickness and afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared with plenty of water and salty snacks, or to return to your vehicle if you become symptomatic of altitude sickness or see thunderclouds rolling in. During winter, this is the best route to snowshoe or crosscountry ski to reach the upper trails when the Scenic Drive is closed.

This hike starts at the Lehman Creek Trailhead in the Upper Lehman Creek Campground, three miles up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Park at the trailhead in summer or at the pullout across from the campground in winter. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited.

No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link.

Water

Potable water is not available along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day. Water is available year-round at the nearby Lehman Caves Visitor Center or seasonally at the dump station.

Restrooms

The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water in the Upper Lehman Creek Campground

Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Lehman Creek Trailhead

Located within the Upper Lehman Creek Campground

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

This trail is not accessible.

The Lehman Creek Trail highlighted in orange. The road closes in winter around the Lehman Creek trailhead, making this the quickest and easiest route to the upper trails in winter.

NPS

Trail Map

Find the Lehman Creek Trail on the trail map emerging from near the end of the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. The campground is located on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, approximately 3 miles up. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive's entrance is located off Highway 488 leading to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. The road is paved with an 8% grade. Vehicles longer than 24 feet are not permitted past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground.

Ranger Tip: The Lehman Creek Trail is visible from Mather Overlook, and the meadow visible from that road overlook is readily accessed by a short off trail journey about two miles up the trail.