Hike to Johnson Lake from Snake Creek

Hiking to Johnson lake is a beautiful full day activity

NPS

Trail Overview

Distance: 8.0 miles / 12.9 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 2,520 feet / 768 meters
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 4 hours - 8 hours
Begin at: Snake Creek Trailhead

Johnson Lake is located deep in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. Near this mountain lake there are historic buildings and mining equipment, please to not enter or disturb any historic sites.

The Johnson Lake Mining District is a remnant of early 20th century mining efforts. Today a historic landscape in Great Basin National Park, Johnson Lake Mine's story actually begins in the early part of the 1900s, when the mineral tungsten was first discovered in the southern Snake Range. At Johnson Lake Mine tungsten was extracted and milled onsite and then transported a great distance to be refined and then used to make alloy steel. Alloy steel was used to create things like weapons, tanks, and transmitter radios during World War I. Many of the historic cabins still standing have remained through avalanche, blizzard, rockfall, and time for around a century. Efforts have been made to preserve the cultural significance of these structures. Please do not disturb these sites in respect for their cultural value.

Spring time ushers in a bevy of wildflowers of many colors, some years blooming well into the summer. Find yourself surrounded by pine, fir, and aspen trees as you hike through the forest and gain elevation. Johnson Lake remains high throughout the year, partially freezing in the winter time.

This hike starts at the Snake Creek Trailhead on Snake Creek Road. Stop to park at the trailhead at the road's end. 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 Snake Creek Road. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day.

Restrooms

The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Snake Creek Trailhead.

Details

Duration

4-8 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Snake Creek Trailhead

Reservations

No

Season

Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

This hike is not accessible due to steep terrain, rocky paths and narrow walking paths.

Johnson Lake via the Dead Lake Loop. The shortest route is highlighted.

NPS

Trail Map

Find the Johnson Lake Trail on the trail map branching off of Snake Creek Road. Snake Creek road's entrance is located east of the park, at about the halfway point of the park's vertical length.

Ranger Tip: Snow can often linger near Johnson Lake into the early summer, even late into the year after heavy winter snows. Packing snow cleats like yaktrax or crampons will make for a safer trip year round.