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A beautiful trail leading through alpine forests and meadows to the summit of Wheeler Peak.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

7.0

KM

74%

Runnable

13,048' 3,977 m

High

10,192' 3,106 m

Low

2,898' 883 m

Up

42' 13 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

75%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed in the winter, usually from November to June.

Description

From the trailhead, follow the trail southwest through quaking aspen and mixed conifers. After opening onto an alpine meadow and joining into the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail for a short stretch, the trail separates and heads north toward Bald Mountain.

After turning west to ascend the ridge that runs between Wheeler Peak and Bald Mountain, the trail turns south and heads toward the final destination. Enjoy this last stretch of conifer forest as the timberline approaches fast. Once you leave the trees behind, the trail begins a series of switchbacks, through a fellfield, until attaining the shoulder of the final ridge.

Here you can appreciate the vistas; from southwest, around to west, and all the way to the northeast. The wind tends to be substantial along this ridge, which is why you'll see periodic windbreaks that have been built from rocks along this section of the trail. This is the point from which the summit is visible in front of you, and it seems so near! Alas, it is also the point that the trail begins getting steeper and steeper as it approaches the top. There are some switchbacks in the final stretch, but since snow is common at this point until August, it is easy to lose the trail and just scramble up the rocks till you summit.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Ethridge

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 7 votes

#7203

Overall
  4.6 from 7 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#51

in Nevada

#7,203

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,588 Since Jun 16, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
14%
71%
14%

Photos

Best view in the park!
Jun 13, 2016 near Baker, NV
Wheeler Peak summit view.
Sep 5, 2016 near Baker, NV
Enjoy some time laying in the grass and listening to the wind while looking at the Wheeler Peak.
Jan 15, 2016 near Baker, NV
Wheeler Peak. The final climb is along the top of the ridge from right side.
Aug 7, 2017 near Baker, NV
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, but don't get too close; that buck means business.
Jun 13, 2016 near Baker, NV
Instead of dirt trails, they have laid a mat like material on the trail to make it accessible for all to enjoy. Here the trail passes through some birch trees.
Jul 19, 2020 near Baker, NV

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