Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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38.98610°N / 114.3125°W |
Route Type:
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Hike |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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Approach
Head up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive for 12 miles (8% grade) until you get to the trailhead parking lot at about 10,000 ft.This parking lot is about .5 miles above Wheeler Peak Campground and is near a horse loading ramp.
In the winter, the road is not plowed above Upper Lehman Creek campground, at 7800 feet elevation. Parking is ample enough here, considering that you will have little to no competition.
Route Description
Leave the parking lot and hike on the well marked trail for about 4 miles to the summit. This is not a difficult hike, but the views are very nice. The trail gains about 3,000 ft of elevation before reaching the summit. Note from shredgar: "If the snowpack is stable a more direct route is to follow the obvious low angle gully above Stella Lake."
In winter, after you have parked at the Upper Lehman creek campground at 7800 feet, get on the Lehman Creek trail (well-marked). Depending on snow coverage, you may have trouble following the trail. If no ski tracks guide you, don't worry; all you need to do is head up the drainage of Lehman Creek. After 4 miles (one way) you reach the Wheeler Peak campground and trailhead to the peak at 10000 feet.
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Essential Gear
Nothing special is necessary.
In winter, depending on snow conditions, you may choose to take the winter travel aid of your choice. Wheeler Peak is likely quite skiiable from the summit in ideal snow conditions, although the route faces southwest.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
Moogie737 - Oct 29, 2012 11:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Scenic Drive closuresI was on this drive on October 27, 2012 and found the route gated closed above the Upper Lehman CG at about 8,400'. So not only is the road not plowed, but it appears that it is truly closed, perhaps at a certain date regardless of snow conditions. Can you verify this? And if so closed, when is the gate restriction removed in the spring? Thanks.
mpbro - Oct 29, 2012 11:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Scenic Drive closuresI can't verify since I don't live in NV. But I can make you an owner of the page, since it seems like you're better equipped! ;-)
Moogie737 - Nov 8, 2012 9:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Scenic Drive closuresThanks, but I'd better respectfully decline for now. I live in Utah and have only been there once before. However, if I make it down there before too long and have a successful climb I'd perhaps consider doing it.