Hike to Wheeler Peak

The view from the Wheeler Summit on a clear day allows you to see up to hundreds of miles.

J. Hamilton

Trail Overview

Total Distance: 8.6 miles / 14.0 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet / 945 meters
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 4 hours - 10 hours
Begin at: Summit Trailhead

Wheeler Peak stands as the second tallest point in Nevada, and the tallest to have its flanks entirely within the state. This rocky and windy trail is considered one of the hardest in the park, and finishes with the steepest section of trail in the park. Once standing on it's top, Wheeler Peak strikes awe allowing sight of more than 100 miles on a clear day. Hikers should be prepared for a steep and exposed hike where thunderstorms and high winds are common. During the summer, snow still may be on the trail at the higher elevations.

After reaching the saddle between Wheeler and Bald Mt, about 2.5 miles up the trail, hikers get above treeline and become the most prominent features on the hillsides. This means extreme danger when thunderstorms approach. The trail is best done starting around dawn so well prepared and altitude adjusted hikers can return by the late morning or early afternoon.

Beginning at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, these trails 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.

This hike starts at the Summit Trailhead near the top of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 2/3 of a mile short of the Bristlecone Trailhead at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. 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 at the Bristlecone Trailhead.

Details

Duration

4-10 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Summit Trailhead

The trailhead for this hike has limited park. Please do not park on the side of the road.

Reservations

No

Season

Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn

Accessibility Information

This trail is not accessible.

Wheeler Peak Trail highlighted in orange. Note it begins at the Summit Trailhead, short of the Bristlecone Trailhead at the end of the road.

NPS

Trail Map

Find the Wheeler Peak Trail on the trail map emerging from the Summit Trailhead Parking Area near the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. 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: Wheeler Peak is best done in summer and starting early in the morning hours, right around sunrise or before. Hikers should be prepared for a full day even if they only expect a few hours.