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The Atlas/Nevada/Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (via NV-488)

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (via NV-488)

5 mi
Length
3
Verified stops
6,570 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

Nevada State Route 488 (Lehman Caves Road) enters Great Basin National Park from the town of Baker and connects to the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive — a 12-mile paved park road climbing from 7,000 feet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to over 10,000 feet at the Wheeler Peak trailhead and campground. The gain of 4,000 feet in 12 miles compresses multiple ecological life zones into a single ride, ascending from sagebrush desert through mountain mahogany, pinyon-juniper, and subalpine bristlecone pine forest. Views of the Snake Range and Wheeler Peak (13,063 ft, Nevada's second-highest summit) are continuous on the upper sections. Vehicles over 24 feet are prohibited past Upper Lehman Creek Campground; motorcycles have the full run. Seasonal: road typically opens Memorial Day weekend.

// Mile by mile

What you'll hit along the way.

Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

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Baker

Small gateway town at the edge of Great Basin National Park where you can fuel up and gather supplies before heading into the mountains.

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Lectrolux Cafe

Local diner in Baker offering a convenient meal stop before or after the scenic drive.

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Whispering Elms Campground

Shaded campground near the park entrance providing an overnight base for exploring the area.

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