Natural Attraction
Wheeler Cirque Glacier
From the east face of Wheeler Peak at 11,500 feet, a small glacier occupies a protected cirque basin—about 2 acres of permanent ice and Nevada's only active glacier. Alpine cirques form when snow accumulates in shaded, high-altitude bowls and compacts into ice over time. This glacier represents the southern limit of natural glaciation in the continental United States, marking a boundary between alpine conditions and the surrounding desert climate.
Access & viewing
- GPS Coordinates
- 38.988237, -114.309476
Conditions & safety
- Permits Required
- 0
Planning advice
- Nearby Attractions
- Wheeler Peak, Baker Lake, Stella Lake, Teresa Lake, Johnson Lake, Bristlecone Grove, Wheeler Peak Overlook, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
- Nearby Facilities
- Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin Visitor Center - Desert Shrub
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning for photography and to avoid afternoon lightning. Mid-June through mid-September for optimal conditions.
- Tips Advice
- Arrive early (before 9 am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common at alpine elevations
- Ascend gradually to acclimate to 11,500 ft; altitude sickness can strike quickly
- Look for glacial striations (parallel scratches) on exposed bedrock—evidence of ice flow
- The glacier's edges may have crevasses; stay on established trail and do not venture onto ice
- Bring layers; temperatures drop roughly 30°F from the park base to glacier elevation
More details
- Park Area
- Wheeler Peak
- Family Friendly Notes
- High elevation (11,500 ft) poses altitude sickness risks. Steep terrain with exposed sections. Unsuitable for young children or those unaccustomed to high altitude. Requires solid fitness and acclimatization.
- Attraction Type
- Alpine Glacier
- Elevation Feet
- 11500
- Accessibility Level
- Backcountry hike to high alpine; elevation and steep terrain require fitness and acclimatization.
- How To Get There
- Start at the Bristlecone, Alpine Lake, and Sky Island Forest Trailhead and follow trail signs for the glacier.
- Road Type
- Dirt trail (alpine)
- Seasonal Access
- Typically accessible mid-June through mid-October; snow closes trail outside this window
- Entry Fees
- No day-use entrance fee
- Main Features
- Alpine cirque glacier (~2 acres), Wheeler Peak backdrop, glacial ice field, high-altitude alpine basin, visible glacial striations on cirque walls
- What Youll See
- Persistent glacier occupying a cirque basin at 11,500 ft, likely with patches of snow even in mid-summer. The ice appears white to bluish from glacial flour suspended in meltwater. Exposed rock faces showing glacial polish and striations. Wheeler Peak rising steeply above the cirque.
- Unique Characteristics
- Nevada's only glacier; southernmost active glacier in the continental United States; remnant of Pleistocene glaciation; sits in protected alpine cirque; approximately 2 acres
- Safety Considerations
- Extreme altitude (11,500 ft) increases risk of altitude sickness—ascend gradually over 2-3 hours. Steep cirque walls: falls are fatal—stay on marked trail. Afternoon lightning common—descend by early afternoon. Glacial crevasses present on ice surface; do not venture onto glacier.
- Best Viewpoints
- The cirque basin overlook at approximately 11,500 ft elevation provides the best view of the glacier
- Photo Opportunities
- Glacier against Wheeler Peak backdrop at sunrise or sunset alpenglow. Close-ups of glacial ice and crevasses from safe distance on trail. Alpine vegetation foreground adds compositional depth.
- Photography Spots
- From the cirque rim on the approach trail, looking back at glacier with Wheeler Peak rising beyond. Early morning light on ice surface creates strong contrast.
- Stargazing Quality
- Exceptional; Great Basin is an International Dark Sky Park, with minimal light pollution at high elevations
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Excellent alpenglow on Wheeler Peak and glacier ice at sunrise and sunset, though timing depends on canyon shadows
- Visitor Center Present
- 0
- Restrooms Available
- 0
- Picnic Areas
- 0
- Interpretive Signs
- 1
- Water Available
- 0
- Guided Tours Available
- 0
- Trailheads Here
- Bristlecone, Alpine Lake, and Sky Island Forest Trailhead
- Connecting Trails
- Trail network from Bristlecone Trailhead connects to Alpine Lake and Sky Island Forest areas
- Nearby Services
- Baker (nearest town with supplies and lodging)
- Common Wildlife
- Alpine pikas, mountain goats, marmots, alpine birds
- Wildflower Peak
- Early to mid-summer (late June through July) when alpine wildflowers bloom in surrounding meadows
- Geological Formation Type
- Cirque Glacier
- Scientific Interest
- Active alpine glacier at the southern boundary of Pleistocene glaciation in North America. Visible glacial striations on cirque walls. Ongoing retreat demonstrates climate change effects. Represents rare temperate glacier in Great Basin's rain-shadow desert.
- Snow Lingering
- Snow may persist into early June at glacier elevation; check with visitor center before planning mid-June trips
- Winter Access
- Typically inaccessible in winter; heavy snow and avalanche danger
- Best Season
- Summer and early fall (typically mid-June through mid-October when trails are clear and alpine access is safest)
- Weather Patterns
- Afternoon thunderstorms common June through August; morning weather typically clearer. Rapid temperature swings. Wind increases with elevation. Snow possible year-round at glacier.
- Busiest Season
- July and August (peak summer season)
- Fishing Nearby
- 0
- Swimming Allowed
- 0
- Boating Allowed
- 0
- Climbing Areas
- 0
- Review Summary
- Visitors come specifically to see Nevada's only glacier. The high-altitude hike challenges many, but the unique geological significance and extreme alpine environment reward the effort. Most rate the 2-acre glacier as smaller than expected but geologically remarkable.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is the glacier big enough to be worth visiting?
Yes. At 2 acres, it's modest, but it's Nevada's only glacier and sits at the southern edge of glaciation in North America. The cirque setting and altitude make it geologically significant and visually striking.
Can I climb on the glacier?
No. Crevasses present hazards, and the glacier is fragile. Stay on the marked trail and observe from a safe distance on the cirque rim.
How bad is altitude sickness at 11,500 feet?
Altitude sickness is unpredictable—some visitors acclimate fine, others get headaches and nausea. Ascend gradually (2-3 hours), stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen.
What's the best time to go—is it worth visiting in early summer?
Mid-June through August offers the most stable conditions. Before mid-June, snow may block the trail. After September, weather becomes unpredictable. Plan June-August for best access.
Can I bring young kids?
Not recommended. The high altitude, steep exposed terrain, and afternoon lightning make it risky for children and less-fit adults. The hike requires solid endurance and experience.
Are there facilities (restrooms, water) on the trail?
No. This is a remote alpine trail with no services. Bring all water and supplies. Use facilities at Wheeler Peak Campground before starting.
Will I see the glacier melting?
Possibly. In summer, meltwater pools and streams run from the glacier. You may see active sublimation and melting, especially on sunny days—evidence of ongoing retreat from climate warming.
More at Great Basin National Park
Astronomy Ampitheater
Thousands of stars and the Milky Way visible from this International Dark-Sky Park—ranger telescope tours offered summer nights.
Baker Creek Road
Unpaved 3.5-mile drive through pinyon-juniper forest to alpine lakes and campgrounds.
Baker Lake
Mountain cirque lake at 10,200 ft, rocky banks often snow-capped. Six miles uptrail from Baker Creek.
Bristlecone Grove
Ancient bristlecone pines cling to rocky talus. 4,000-year-old trees in extreme alpine terrain.
Dead Lake
Small alpine lake in glacial cirque, formed by Pleistocene ice sculpting of Great Basin granite.
Lehman Caves
Nevada's longest cave reveals crystalline shield formations and glittering speleothems on daily guided tours.
Recommended gear for Great Basin National Park
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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.