Summit Trail

Of the twelve developed trails within the Great Basin National Park, Summit Trail reaches the highest elevation, taking hikers all the way to the top of Mount Wheeler. At 13,063 feet, this is the tallest peak within the park and the trail offers excellent views of the Snake Range and the Great Basin all along the way.

Located at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, the preferred trailhead is well signed and easy to find. It can be reached by following Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive toward the Wheeler Peak Campground. The trailhead is about a mile before the campground turnoff and ample parking is available.

From here, the trail rises steadily for nearly five miles, resulting in a gain of almost 3,000 feet and making this a strenuous climb for inexperienced hikers. The altitude and thin air can present problems, too, and afternoon storms are common in the vicinity. The ascent can require as much as four hours and is best undertaken in the morning.

The round-trip journey covers about 8.2 miles, starting with a forested segment. Colorful alpine wildflowers can be seen along the way and even on the summit. Also look for glacial remains, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and plenty of Engelmann spruce, which is indigenous to this area.