Exploring Baker, Nevada: An Epic Adventure in Great Basin

Exploring Baker, Nevada: An Epic Adventure in Great Basin National Park

The remote wilderness of Great Basin National Park, Wheeler Peak offers a hiker’s dream, having views from the top that provide awe and a climb to gratify any eager challenger. If, however, you desire an Adventure that will ultimately write home about—a story to forever post to family and friends—consider the Wheeler Peak Trail combined with the Stella Lake Trail and Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop. The Brass tacks on this very cool hike are here, along with a little bit about the odd assortment town called Baker, Nevada.

The Allure of Baker, Nevada 

Although small, with a fluctuating population of perhaps 20 to 40 people, Baker offers a blend of solitude and natural beauty. The isolation is part of the charm and presents just the proper setup for getting away from it all, the city, the noise, city life. The closest sizable town is Ely; some 60 miles away, Baker, in most ways, holds the symbol of a getaway destination.

Though it has limited services and a few local businesses,  primary access to Baker is via U.S. Route 6 and U.S. Route 50, famously known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” underscoring the town’s isolation.

Why Wheeler Peak Trail?

I had Wheeler Peak on my radar for some time. Plans were to hit it in the summer of 2023, but my car didn’t think that was appropriate and decided to self destruct over the Fourth of July weekend. Knowing how remote Great Basin National Park is, I needed to postpone the trip until getting assurance of a more reliable vehicle. Car trouble in such an out-of-the-way location was the last thing I wanted.

The Final Push to the Summit 

Seriously, why Wheeler Peak? Trails like this should be illegal! But seriously, Wheeler Peak is one of those climbs that need to be done on the Nevada/Utah border. This towering mountain over 13,065 feet marks my first 13er. What I mean by saying trails like this should be illegal is that with its deceptive first two miles of flat terrain, it just hits you with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in just two miles. The trail gets steeper and more rocky, but it’s worth the struggle. At the top, panorama views unfold before you across parts of Nevada into neighboring states.

I nearly got blown off my feet by the wind as I approached the ridge. Huge kudos to some thoughtful hikers who built rock wind shelters for much-needed rest. I sat there, while eating an apple, contemplating if I wanted to make the final push or if the dangers outweighed the pros. You already know I made that final push, come on now! Welcome to 13,065 feet above sea level, Theo! 

Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop 

To make something of this adventure, I combined a few hikes together to create one epic path, which started with Bristlecone Pines. This trail begins at about 10,000 feet in elevation; I could feel the thin air from the start. At first, the trail was easy: gentle, meandering through a thick forest of pines and aspens. After about 1.5 miles of walking, I came into a stand of Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest living things on Earth, aged over 4,000 years; touching their gnarled, twisted bark was humbling.

Getting to Teresa Lake was like arriving at an oasis; this crystal-clear water mirrored the peaks above it, reflecting so well. It was a lovely spot to renew one’s strength surrounded by so much peace, even a dude playing a harmonica. Further up, Stella Lake was still as beautiful and calm. The trail around these lakes was relatively more relaxing, also showing how the Great Basin varies in beauty.

Vulnerable Post Alert

Wheeler Peak was quite the struggle. This hike commanded respect as most mountains do. As I strolled through the woods during the first two miles, I kept glancing up at the peak, realizing this was going to be a bitch but it awe of the beauty. 

It holds a powerful energy to be in such a secluded part of the country. Simple tasks, like finding a grocery store for bananas, become difficult. This was actually the case. I was craving a solid banana at the summit of Wheeler Peak and when I went to the only store in town, they didn’t sell them. The nearest place I could get bananas was 1 hour away. Needless to say, I ended up getting yogurt and an apple. 

Staying in a town that spans just five blocks does disconnect you from life’s stressors. Sure, relaxing in a five-star hotel is fun, but being completely disconnected is even better. No cell service and spotty Wi-Fi will put you outside, staring at the mountains. I was intoxicated with their beauty. We’re so used to constantly being connected that we panic when it’s not there. Here, you make your fun.