Great Basin National Park will definitely mesmerize and surprise you. Tucked away in central eastern Nevada, this 31,161-acre park is home to some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the region.
From a 13,065-foot-high mountain to a bristlecone pine grove, this national treasure features a surreal and stunning sight at every turn. What’s more, it’s packed with beautiful and wondrous animals including jackrabbits, coyotes, elk, and bobcats.
There’s no better way to explore this paradise than to take on the scenic Great Basin National Park hikes. With sparkling alpine lakes and soaring peaks, this national park is sure to quench your thirst for hikes and outdoor adventures.
Guess what? We’re helping you experience an unforgettable getaway here by highlighting the best Great Basin National Park hikes.
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The Best Great Basin National Park Hikes
Table of Contents
1. Sky Islands Forest Trail
Kick-start your Great Basin National Park adventure on a high note with a pleasant hike along Sky Islands Forest Trail. With no rugged terrain or steep climbs, this short walk is a superb trail to warm up in this national park.
Of course, it’s an ideal nature trip for newbies and hikers with limited mobility too. In fact, it’s a wheelchair-accessible hike with a flat surface and practically zero elevation gain.
Nevertheless, it’s filled with beauty, as it passes through Great Basin’s heavenly terrain, inhabited by melodic songbirds and surrounded by towering pine trees.
Furthermore, it’s an educational experience, with interpretive signs telling the age-old story of the trees, glaciers, and mountains.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Easy and even wheelchair accessible
- Elevation gain: Practically zero
- Length: 0.4 miles
- Trail type: Loop
- Trailhead: Bristlecone Parking Lot
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2. Alpine Lakes Loop Trail
Want to see the most spectacular scenery in Great Basin National Park in one nature trip? Do yourself a favor and include this trail to your list of must-try Great Basin National Park hikes.
As you follow this trail, you’ll encounter and see everything, including snow-covered peaks, meadows, bristlecone pines, and glittering lakes.
With this hike, you’ll have to cross a petty creek a number of times and pass through an aspen tree meadow before arriving at Stella Lake’s shores.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Length: 2.7 miles
- Trail type: Loop
- Trailhead: Bristlecone Parking Lot
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3. Mountain View Nature Trail
If you’re on the hunt for kid-friendly Great Basin National Park trails, look no further than this hike. Not only is it an easy hike, but it’s also an interpretive trail. Just borrow a trail guide at the visitor center to learn more about the region’s ecology and geology.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 80 feet
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Trail type: Loop
- Trailhead: Rhodes Cabin
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4. Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
For an epic and satisfying outdoor adventure in Great Basin, hike the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail. With stunning bird’s-eye vistas of the Great Basin, this hike is incredibly rewarding. Plus, this classic hike will take you up the state’s second-highest peak at 13,044 feet.
Trust me, you’ll feel more confident after completing his hike. Although it’s not technically difficult, the trail gets steep near the summit and is pretty challenging with the altitude.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
- Length: 8.6 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Summit Trail parking lot
5. Johnson Lake Trail via Snake Creek
Johnson Lake Trail is an absolute treat for hikers. It’s a steep hike with stellar vistas of Snake Creek on your way to a majestic lake. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of wildlife and gorgeous wildflowers.
There’s a mining area near the lake as well, housing interesting, abandoned, and old structures worth exploring.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
- Length: 7.4 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Snake Creek Road
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6. Baker Lake/Johnson Lake Loop
In the mood for more tough and challenging Great Basin National Park hikes? Why not hike this picture-perfect lake loop? With an overall length of 13.1 miles, this trail is the longest and one of the best Great Basin National Park hikes.
It provides a fantastic sample of everything that makes the park special, from views of Wheeler and Pyramid peaks to alpine lakes and wildflowers.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
- Length: 8.6 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Summit Trail parking lot
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7. Bristlecone Trail
No list of the best Great Basin National Park hikes is complete without the Bristlecone Trail. Sure, it’s a short and fairly easy hike, but it will take you to an ancient and fascinating forest with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Not to mention, the forest shelters some of the world’s oldest trees. As you hike this trail, you’ll be passing trees that are over 4,000 years old.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Bristlecone parking lot
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8. Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is a moderate alternative to the physically demanding and challenging Wheeler Peak trail.
Straightforward and well-signed, this hike will take you up to Wheeler Peak’s saddle. Once there, head north and climb over easy terrain for a mile to the top of Bald Mountain.
Did we mention that the views from the top are nothing short of phenomenal?
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
- Length: 3 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Bristlecone parking lot
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9. Bristlecone and Glacier Trail
As the name suggests, this hike is an extension of the picturesque Bristlecone Trail. That means you’ll start your journey through a grove of enthralling bristlecone trees. Once there, your hike will continue on the pathway to Wheeler Peak Glacier’s foot.
To me, this hike is a can’t-miss when visiting Great Basin National Park. From bristlecone trees to alpine lakes, this trail gives hikers a taste of many different things in Great Basin National Park.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
- Length: 4.6 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Bristlecone parking lot
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10. Lehman Creek Trail
Lehman Creek Trail is one of our favorite Great Basin National Park hikes. While hiking this long trail, you’ll be exploring forests and meadows as well as seeing the park’s natural habitats. Additionally, you’ll catch tons of small waterfalls as you hike along Lehman Creek.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
- Length: 4.6 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Bristlecone parking lot
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11. Serviceberry Loop
Looking for underrated Great Basin National Park hikes? You might want to take on this loop. Truthfully, it’s not as stunning as some of the Great Basin National Park hikes mentioned on this list, but it does have a ton of charms including Aspen groves and sweet expansive views.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 657 feet
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Trail type: Loop
- Trailhead: Snake Creek Road
12. Lexington Arch Trail
Getting to the hike’s trailhead can be a bit of a hassle since the road to this point has been damaged. However, the up-close views of this extraordinary limestone natural arch make the effort totally worth it.
Along the way, you’ll also have ample opportunities to admire a variety of wildflowers.
Additional info:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 820 feet
- Length: 5.4 miles
- Trail type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Situated outside Great Basin National Park
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More on Great Basin National Park
Other Things to Check Out
There’s more to Great Basin National Park than its picturesque trails. If you want to spice up your getaway, check these places out too.
- Lehman Caves
- Stargazing
- Camping
- Junior Ranger programs
- Wheeler Peak Scenic drive
- Skiing and Snowshoeing
- Snake Creek Road
- Mather Outlook
What to pack for your Great Basin National Park adventure
Not sure what to bring on your getaway to Great Basin National Park? Then don’t forget to take note of these suggestions and pointers.
- Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
- Daypack
- Trekking poles
- Waterproof and durable hiking shoes
- Rain gear, including pants and jacket
- Layers since temperatures vary based on the elevation
- Tent and other camping equipment if you’re planning on camping within Great Basin National Park
When is the best time to visit Great Basin National Park?
Great Basin National Park is open year-round, but some parts and attractions are closed between November and May. For hikers, the best time to visit Great Basin is in summer when the temperatures are, in general, mild.
Don’t worry about the summer crowds, as Great Basin isn’t as mainstream as other parks in the American Southwest. September and October are perfect for hiking as well, with thinner crowds and pleasantly cool temperatures.
When hiking in Great Basin, always be aware of the sudden thunderstorms that may catch hikers on exposed ridges or peaks at any time of the year.
Is there anything else that you’d like to add to our list of the best Great Basin National Park hikes? Don’t be shy, and feel free to share your thoughts and questions with us in the comment section.
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Heading to Great Basin National Park in July.
Very excited!
Really good website and very informative.
Thank You