Visiting in Spring

 

Rangers conduct yearly Search and Rescue Training to prepare for any conditions

NPS / G. Baker

Spring Beauty with Challenges

Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Great Basin. Wildlife and birds return, wildflowers begin to bloom, snow covered landscapes melt to reveal the emerging life beneath.

However, spring is not without it's struggles, especially in years with heavy snowfall.

• Road closures, wet trails, snow cover, and avalanche danger become regular encounters during a visit.
• Conditions change rapidly as warm days are contrasted with fresh snowfall and occasional flooding.
• Keeping an eye on changing conditions, speaking with park rangers, and having alternative plans if your ideal destination is inaccessible will help ensure a safe, successful, and incredible visit.

Spring Hiking Safety

When encountering snow-covered trails, the park reminds all visitors to carefully assess conditions, physical fitness, and backcountry experience. During spring melt, conditions change rapidly, snow depths are difficult to estimate, and some high elevation locations are prone to avalanche danger. Hiking through snow can be tiring and increases cold-related dangers such as hypothermia. Accidentally following social trails can result in becoming lost. Dress appropriately for all conditions, be knowledgeable of your abilities and when you should turn around and alert others to your plans and estimated return time.

Weather & Snow Conditions Change Rapidly

Be prepared to encounter variable weather and snow conditions. Temperatures can fluctuate from the 20s F at night to 70s F in the day. Expect wet and muddy conditions in recently melted areas. As the park sees conditions warm, the snow will continue to recede to higher elevations allowing greater snow-free trail access. However, north-facing or shaded trail areas may still have deep pockets of snow even at lower elevations.

 

Road Closures block vehicle traffic in areas across the park

B. Mills

When Will Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Open?

After a typical winter, the Bristlecone Trailhead at the end of the Scenic Drive opens in late May, around Memorial Day. This date can vary depending on how heavy snowfall in the park is, sometimes opening as early as April, sometimes as late as July based on spring melt conditions. Typically the road will open in segments as snow melts at lower elevations, allowing some further access as the park approaches summer.

Why does it Take so Long to Open the Scenic Drive?

North facing slopes hold significant snowpack and ice that road plows and snowblowers have a difficult time removing. The park works to open the scenic drive as quickly and safely as possible, but on-the-ground spring melt conditions determines when staff and equipment can access high elevation locations.

 

Heavy snowfall means some trails are difficult to access

G. Baker

How do I Access Wheeler Peak Summit, Alpine Lakes Loop, and Bristlecone Trails?

These trails remain open, even when the Scenic Drive is closed, but the only access is via the Lehman Creek Trail found in Upper Lehman Creek Campgroundadding 6.4 miles round-trip to all hikes. It is not recommended to hike these trails unless you have significant backcountry and winter experience and equipment.

Where Else Can I Go That Has Limited Snow?

• Hike past the closure on Baker Creek Road to the trails beyond
• Hike the first ½ mile of Pole Canyon
• Walk the Upper Lehman Creek campground for an unexpected mixed-forest & riparian ecosystem
• Hike along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive past the closure (Dog friendly!)
• Hike the first mile of the Lehman Creek Trail or until the snow deepens

As the park sees conditions warm, the snow will continue to recede to higher elevations allowing greater snow-free trail access. Inquire at the visitor for the most recent trail condition reports.