Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
A strenuous exposed ascent to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak.
Route overview
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail in Nevada.
The trail climbs through meadow and forest to a high saddle, then follows the broad, rocky north ridge above treeline to Nevada's second-highest summit.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Nevada
- Distance
- 14.00 km
- Typical duration
- 240-600 minutes
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- 945 m
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No entrance fee, reservation, or ordinary day-hike permit; parking is limited and roadside parking prohibited.
Safety context
Begin near dawn. Descend immediately for thunderclouds, altitude symptoms, severe wind, snow, poor visibility, or inadequate water. Exposure above treeline is extreme. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Begin near dawn. Descend immediately for thunderclouds, altitude symptoms, severe wind, snow, poor visibility, or inadequate water. Exposure above treeline is extreme.
Highlights
Wheeler Peak, summit hike, exposed ridge, strenuous trail
Why find a buddy
Match on acclimatization, summit pace, lightning cutoff, wind tolerance, emergency gear, and turnaround authority.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.