Wheeler Cirque Glacier
Nevada's only glacier: 2-acre alpine ice field at 11,500 ft on Wheeler Peak's east slope.
Natural Attraction
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.
Getting there & parking
- 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)
- GPS Coordinates
- 38.988237, -114.309476
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning for photography and to avoid afternoon lightning. Mid-June through mid-September for optimal conditions.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Excellent alpenglow on Wheeler Peak and glacier ice at sunrise and sunset, though timing depends on canyon shadows
- Best Season
- Summer and early fall (typically mid-June through mid-October when trails are clear and alpine access is safest)
- Busiest Season
- July and August (peak summer season)
- Seasonal Access
- Typically accessible mid-June through mid-October; snow closes trail outside this window
- 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
- 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.
- Wildflower Peak
- Early to mid-summer (late June through July) when alpine wildflowers bloom in surrounding meadows
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Alpine Glacier
- 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
- 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.
- Best Viewpoints
- The cirque basin overlook at approximately 11,500 ft elevation provides the best view of the glacier
- Common Wildlife
- Alpine pikas, mountain goats, marmots, alpine birds
- 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.
- Stargazing Quality
- Exceptional; Great Basin is an International Dark Sky Park, with minimal light pollution at high elevations
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- No day-use entrance fee
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Interpretive Signs
- Yes
- Accessibility Level
- Backcountry hike to high alpine; elevation and steep terrain require fitness and acclimatization.
- Nearby Services
- Baker (nearest town with supplies and lodging)
- Nearby Facilities
- Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin Visitor Center - Desert Shrub
- 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.
Safety
- 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.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Wheeler Peak, Baker Lake, Stella Lake, Teresa Lake, Johnson Lake, Bristlecone Grove, Wheeler Peak Overlook, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
- Connecting Trails
- Trail network from Bristlecone Trailhead connects to Alpine Lake and Sky Island Forest areas
- Trailheads Here
- Bristlecone, Alpine Lake, and Sky Island Forest Trailhead
Planning advice
- 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
- Elevation Feet
- 11500
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- 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.
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.