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Free Traveling Guides » States » Nevada » Greater NevadaWheeler Peak Scenic Drive
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a 12 mile (19.31 km) paved road that branches from the main road just before the Great Basin National Park visitor center. A little ahead, it ascends into the mountains along the Lehman Creek. The latter is a stream that flows into the beautiful Snake Valley throughout the year. Initially, the road is fairly straight as it continues past 2-3 campsites in the Park. However, the route becomes relatively narrower and steeper after 3 miles (4.8 km). The second half of the road is a remarkable drive up and over the rocky cliffs and ridges and past a number of deep valleys. The drive finally ends at a small flat area next to the Creek at an elevation of 9,886 ft (3,010 m).
The Wheeler Peak Scenic drive has 8% grade and vehicles that are longer than 24 ft (7.3 m) are not permitted to travel beyond the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. There are a number of picnic sites on the way to the base of the panoramic Wheeler Peak. These sites provide all the required facilities for picnicking and offer breathtaking views of the beautiful saga-brush covered basin to the east. All other roads in the Great Basin National park are unpaved and therefore, less frequented. Once you reach the base of the Wheeler Peak, you can either hike the 6 mile (9.6 km) loop trail that leads to the gigantic glacier or follow easy and short trails to the bristlecone pine forest and alpine lakes.
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