The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Snake Range

The Baker Creek Loop in Great Basin National Park offers a delightful journey through diverse landscapes, from conifer forests to open sagebrush and grassy meadows. You'll follow the scenic Baker Creek, crossing bridges and enjoying small waterfalls and rapids, with the Open Field in Great Basin National Park providing a lovely vista. This easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) hike, with 910 feet (277 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to experience the park's natural beauty in about 1 hour and 52 minutes.

This trail is particularly useful for acclimatizing to higher altitudes, as the trailhead starts around 8,000 feet. It's also one of the few trails in the park that remains accessible year-round, though winter conditions can bring deep snow requiring snowshoes. Plan your visit according to the season you prefer, whether it's for spring wildflowers, summer greenery, or fall foliage. Pets are not allowed on this route.

Beyond its accessibility, the Baker Creek Loop serves as an excellent introduction to hiking in Great Basin National Park for beginners. For those looking for a longer adventure, the trail offers connections to the more extensive Baker Lake Trail. This loop provides a comprehensive taste of the park's varied terrain and natural features, making it a popular choice for many visitors.

The Stella Lake via Alpine Lakes Loop Trail offers a quick, scenic escape into the heart of Great Basin National Park's alpine beauty. This easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hiking loop, with 440 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through varied terrain, from pine and aspen forests to open meadows. You'll be treated to stunning views of Stella Lake and Teresa Lake nestled in glacial cirques, with the dramatic backdrop of Wheeler Peak.

While the hike itself is short, taking about 34 minutes, remember that the trailhead starts at nearly 10,000 feet (3,097 meters) above sea level. This high altitude can make the route feel more challenging than its stats suggest, so stay hydrated and bring snacks. Access to the trailhead is seasonal, as the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive typically closes from November to May, so plan your visit accordingly.

This trail is a fantastic introduction to the park's unique glacial features and high-altitude ecosystems, making it one of the most popular and accessible hikes. It's a great option for beginners or families looking for a rewarding experience without committing to a full-day trek. Keep an eye out for abundant wildflowers in summer and the possibility of spotting local wildlife.

Step into a high-alpine wonderland on the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, a short but incredibly scenic hike in Great Basin National Park. This easy 0.9-mile (1.5 km) loop takes you past two stunning alpine lakes, Stella Lake and Teresa Lake, offering expansive views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding high summits. You will wander through meadows dotted with wildflowers and coniferous forests, experiencing the unique beauty of Nevada's high country.

Despite its easy rating and quick 27-minute estimated duration, remember that the trail starts at nearly 10,000 feet, so factor in the altitude when planning your visit. The trailhead is conveniently located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Summer is the best time to go, especially if you want to catch the vibrant display of wildflowers.

What makes this trail truly special is its accessibility to spectacular alpine scenery without requiring extreme exertion or a long commitment. It is an excellent way to experience the higher life zones of the Great Basin Desert. You can even extend your adventure by linking up with the Bristlecone and Glacier Trail, which leads to ancient bristlecone pines and a permanent snowfield.

The Wheeler Peak Summit Trail offers a journey through diverse ecosystems, starting in subalpine forests with ancient bristlecone pines before opening into alpine meadows. As you ascend, the terrain becomes rugged and exposed, leading to the rocky summit of Wheeler Peak, where panoramic views extend over 100 miles on a clear day. This difficult 8.7-mile (14.0 km) hike involves 2773 feet (845 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 5 hours and 5 minutes.

Given the high-altitude conditions, it's crucial to start your hike early in the morning to avoid midday sun and common afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, including strong winds and potential snow at higher elevations even in summer. This challenging route is best suited for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness.

Wheeler Peak is Nevada's second-highest peak and the highest point entirely within the state, making this trail a notable achievement. The route provides access to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth in its bristlecone pine groves, and the park's less crowded nature offers a unique "alone-in-nature" experience.