Johnson Lake
Alpine cirque lake ringed by granite peaks. Historic mining relics in the backcountry.
Natural Attraction
Looking across the alpine basin, Johnson Lake's dark water reflects granite peaks—a glacially-carved cirque created during the Pleistocene when high-elevation ice sculpted the landscape. The lake sits deep in Great Basin's backcountry, accessible only by hiking from Baker Creek or Snake Creek trailheads. Near the lake stand historic mining equipment and structures—remnants of human exploration in this alpine zone. Glacial cirque morphology here demonstrates the power of ice-age erosion at elevation.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Johnson Lake is accessed via hiking trails from the Baker Creek Trailhead or Snake Creek Trailhead in Great Basin National Park. Multiple trails lead to the lake deep in the backcountry. Plan for a full-day hike or overnight backcountry camping expedition.
- GPS Coordinates
- 38.94325, -114.29742
When to go
- Best Season
- June through September
- Weather Patterns
- Afternoon thunderstorms common. Rapidly changing conditions at high elevation. Snow may linger into June depending on winter snowpack.
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Glacial Lake
- Main Features
- Glacially carved cirque basin, granite peaks, alpine lake water, historic mining structures and equipment
- What Youll See
- Granite cirque peaks surrounding an alpine lake. Dark-colored glacial water. Historic mining structures and equipment. Possible wildlife sightings including pika, marmots, and mountain goats on peaks.
- Unique Characteristics
- Historic mining relics from early Great Basin exploration. Glacially-carved cirque at high elevation demonstrating Pleistocene ice-age geomorphology. Alpine lake ecosystem in remote backcountry setting.
- Common Wildlife
- Pika, marmots, mountain goats on peaks, ground squirrels, possibly mountain lions and coyotes
- Geological Formation Type
- Glacial Cirque Lake
- Scientific Interest
- Glacial cirque morphology, Pleistocene glaciation evidence, alpine ecology, Great Basin uplift and basin-and-range geology
Facilities, fees & access
- Permits Required
- Yes
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Multiple trails from Baker Creek and Snake Creek trailheads; final approaches require off-trail scrambling to reach the cirque. No maintained paths to lake; route-finding skills necessary.
- Accessibility Level
- Scramble required
- Nearby Facilities
- Great Basin Visitor Center at park entrance. Nearest campgrounds: Baker Creek Campground, Wheeler Peak Campground, Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Drop is steep around the cirque—stay back from cliff edges. Cold glacial water causes hypothermia rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms common at high elevation; descend by midday. Remote location requires self-rescue capability. Historic mining sites are protected—do not enter or disturb structures and equipment.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Baker Lake, Dead Lake, Stella Lake, Teresa Lake, Wheeler Peak, Wheeler Peak Overlook, Lexington Arch
Planning advice
- Tips Advice
- Look for glacial striations on granite surfaces—evidence of Pleistocene ice. Bring topographic map and compass; trails are minimally marked. Start early to avoid afternoon lightning. Filter or purify water before drinking. Watch for historic mining artifacts but do not touch or remove them.
More details
- Park Area
- Great Basin National Park backcountry, accessible via Baker Creek and Snake Creek drainages
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Fishing Nearby
- Yes
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is the water safe to drink?
No. Filter or purify all water before drinking. Glacial silt and potential biological contaminants require treatment.
Can I fish in Johnson Lake?
Data does not specify fishing access. Assume catch-and-release only if fishing is allowed; follow current park regulations.
Are these mining structures really historic?
Yes. They date to early mineral exploration in the Great Basin. They are protected sites—do not disturb or enter.
How long is the hike?
Depends on trailhead and route. Multiple different trails lead to the lake from Baker Creek and Snake Creek trailheads. Plan for 6–8+ hours round-trip depending on distance and terrain difficulty.
Can I camp at the lake?
Backcountry camping may be permitted with a valid permit. Contact Great Basin National Park for current regulations and permit requirements.
Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.