Winter Touring

Wheeler Peak in winter -NPS

Winter is the quiet season in the Snake Range. The upper slopes and mountain summits are covered with snow much of the winter, providing opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Baker Creek Road and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive are closed to motor vehicles during winter but are open to skiers and snowshoers. Lower Lehman Creek Campground is open in the winter, and Lehman Caves tours are available.

Outdoor recreation is more challenging in winter than other times of the year. Visitors should be be experienced, equipped and prepared for winter weather, which can change rapidly. Backcountry skiers and snowshoers must be aware of possible avalanche hazard on the mountain slopes.

There is no food service in the park during the winter, and the town of Baker has limited services. The nearest town with full services is Ely.

Skiing and Snowshoeing

There are no groomed trails in the park or the Snake Range and skiers and snowshoers must be prepared to handle natural snow conditions. These vary from deep new snow, to powder, to wet or frozen corn snow, or deep slush. Rental equipment may be available in Baker- see Lodging and Services. For current snow conditions, call 775-234-7331 x 7510.

Backcountry Winter Camping

Backcountry campers in the park must follow the Backcountry Guidelines. The Wheeler Peak Day Use Area is closed to camping year round. Backcountry users may camp in the closed Wheeler Peak Campground during the winter at no charge.

Winter Trails and Routes

Remember that winter trails and routes are maintained only by other users. All trails climb to various degrees and there are no level trails. Most winter trailheads are at about 7,000 feet. Routes that leave the main roads are not marked and will require winter navigation skills.

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

This route follows the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive from the winter closure point at Lower Lehman Creek Campground to the end of the road at Wheeler Peak Campground. Some parts of the road are south-facing and may be bare at times. The descent can be icy and fast.

Upper Lehman Creek Campground

The loop road through the campground is a good beginner cross-country ski or snowshoe route. You'll need to ski or snowshoe up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive from the winter closure at Lower Lehman Creek Campground.

Lehman Creek Trail

This route uses the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to reach the
Lehman Creek Trail, a summer hiking trail that follows Lehman Creek from Upper Lehman Creek Campground to Wheeler Peak Campground. The trail can be difficult to follow and the descent can be tricky along the narrow hiking trail.

Alpine Lakes Trail

To reach this trail, you'll first have to ski or snowshoe the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive from the winter closure point at Lower Lehman Creek Campground to the end of the road at Wheeler Peak Campground. See the
Alpine Lakes Trail for a description. This route can be dangerous due to frozen lakes and avalanche danger.

Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak in winter is a serious winter mountaineering trip. It requires skiing or snowshoeing the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive from the winter closure point at Lower Lehman Creek Campground to the Summit Trailhead, and then ascending the Wheeler Peak Trail to the summit. Note that camping is not allowed any time of year in the Wheeler Peak Day Use Area, but free winter camping is available at the end of the road in Wheeler Peak Campground. Only those experienced and equipped for winter mountaineering should attempt this route. Use caution for potentially high avalanche danger.