Biking -- Although biking is permitted only on designated motor vehicle roads, the park has miles of dirt roads, many of which handle little traffic. Bikers should check with rangers about which roads are open and their current conditions.
Fishing -- The park's small, clear mountain streams provide good but somewhat challenging fishing for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Anglers over 11 will need a Nevada fishing license, available at T&D's Country Store, Restaurant & Lounge in Baker.
Horseback Riding -- Horses and other pack animals, including mules, burros and llamas, are welcome in the back country and on all trails except the Wheeler Peak Day Use Area trails, Osceola Ditch trail, Lexington Arch trail, and Baker to Johnson Lake Cutoff trail. Portions of other trails may close temporarily due to safety or environmental concerns so check at the visitor center before heading out. Horses and pack animals are not allowed on paved roads, in the campgrounds, or in other developed areas. Any manure dropped at trail heads or in backcountry campsites should be scattered.
Wildlife Viewing -- Almost every visitor will see wildlife, whether some of the mule deer that frequent the campgrounds, meadows, and creek sides; or birds such as pinyon jays, western tanagers, and Clark's nutcrackers. Park visitors should also watch for golden eagles, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and small mammals, including rock squirrels, wood rats, and marmots.
Winter Sports -- Although there are no designated cross-country ski trails, once snow falls -- sometimes as early as October -- the park becomes a winter playground, especially at higher elevations. You can use cross-country skis or snowshoes on many of the trails and several roads, although it's best to talk with rangers about your plans before setting out so you can avoid trails that might be too steep for your ability. In lean snow years, you may have to hike a bit from parking areas to snow that's right for skiing, but there's almost always plenty of snow at the higher elevations.
One favorite cross-country ski trip is up Baker Creek Road, which leads to Baker Creek Campground, and then on up the Baker Creek Trail for a while before heading back. Those particularly skilled and in good physical condition might ski the 4-mile trail from Upper Lehman Creek Campground up to Wheeler Peak Campground. The trail climbs about 2,500 feet. Although Wheeler Peak Campground is technically closed from about mid-October through mid-June, skiers are welcome to spend the night.
Trails and roads in the park that are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are not groomed, although the most popular ones are flagged with tape. For equipment rentals, check with Silver Jack Inn.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
