Great Basin, located in a remote area of Nevada, is a national park that flies under many peoples' radar. The park covers a portion of the Snake Range, which on a map appears as one of many mountain chains in the Basin and Range province of the Southwest USA. The mountains of Great Basin National Park are exceptional, though, for their height exceeding 13,000 feet and their diversity of life and geology, including ancient trees and a lonely glacier.

Great Basin National Park is well known for bristlecone pines, which are some of the oldest living organisms on the planet. The Bristlecone Trail begins near Wheeler Peak Campground, and goes steady uphill through varied forest before reaching the bristlecone grove. Interpretive signs tell the story of these ancient trees, and you can see them up close. Continuing on the trail leads to Wheeler Peak Glacier, which is the last remaining glacier in Nevada.

The Alpine Lakes Loop is one of the park’s most popular hikes, providing a concise tour of the subalpine environment around Wheeler Peak. On this loop, you’ll hike through a forest of bristlecone pines and find tranquil views at two alpine lakes named Stella and Teresa. The direction you take the loop doesn’t matter much. Stella Lake is generally regarded as the prettier of the two, so you can choose to see it first or second.

Wheeler Peak, at 13,065 feet, is the second-highest point in Nevada, and the highest in Great Basin National Park. Visible from many of the park’s trails, this mountain stands sentinel over the Snake Range. There are multiple routes to Wheeler’s summit, but the Wheeler Peak Trail makes the standard approach, beginning from the end of the Scenic Drive. It’s a straightforward hike under typical summer conditions, but early or late season snow can make it much more technical.

Compered to the Alpine Lakes Loop, Baker and Johnson lakes are very much off the beaten path in Great Basin National Park. Because of the dirt road access and tougher elevation profile, you’ll find significantly fewer people on this hike. You could make an out-and-back to either Baker or Johnson Lake, but the full loop is the more adventurous route, surmounting a panoramic alpine ridge between the two lakes.