Baker Lake Trail
Following Baker Creek, this trail leads to Baker Lake, climbing about 2,600 feet from its start at 8,000 feet elevation. It passes through meadows and forests, past pinyon, juniper, aspen, and pine, changing with the elevation. It's a good choice for wildlife viewing; you are likely to see mule deer, rock squirrels, and a variety of birds. Anglers often stop to catch a trout in the creek, and the trail provides excellent views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you pass the remains of a miner's log cabin. 12 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: End of Baker Creek Rd.
Johnson Lake Trail
This rugged trail follows an old mining road, with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet, before arriving at Johnson Lake. The lake bears the name of Alfred Johnson, who mined and processed tungsten here in the early part of the 20th century. Rangers warn hikers to stay out of mine structures, which are dangerous. This trail can be combined with the Baker Creek Trail to produce a 13-mile loop, starting with the Baker Creek Trail and descending along Snake Creek. Parts of this loop are difficult to follow, and topographical maps and good mountaineering skills are needed. 7.4 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: End of Snake Creek Rd.
Lehman Creek Trail
Although there is a 2,050-foot elevation change along this trail, it's an easy downhill walk for those who start at Wheeler Peak Campground and have a vehicle waiting at Lehman Creek Campground. The trail mostly follows a bluff above Lehman Creek, crossing through several separate life zones and offering views of a wide variety of plant life, from sagebrush and cactus to forests of aspen, spruce, pinyon, and tall Douglas fir. Along the way, you will also see mountain mahogany and, if your timing's right, an abundance of wildflowers. 3.4 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Upper Lehman Creek Campground or Wheeler Peak Campground.
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
Those looking for stupendous panoramic vistas should consider this strenuous trail, which begins as a relatively gentle walk through a forest of pine and becomes considerably steeper as it reaches the tree line. Eventually, you find yourself on the summit, at an elevation of 13,063 feet, the second-highest point in Nevada. During its 2,900-foot ascent, the trail passes through several plant communities, including forests of Englemann spruce and pine, before climbing above the tree line. This is generally an all-day hike, and rangers advise starting early so you're off the summit by the time afternoon thunderstorms appear. Hikers are also advised to carry plenty of drinking water, extra clothing, and rain gear. 8.6 miles RT (from campground). Strenuous. Access: Summit Trailhead, about .5 mile from Wheeler Peak Campground, or from the campground on Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which intersects with Summit Trail.
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.
