Nevada Hiking Guide | Cap Puckhaber

Backpacking Guide to Stella Lake in Great Basin National Park

Stella Lake is one of the alpine highlights of Great Basin National Park, sitting at 10,400 feet and offering a short, scenic overnight option. The hike is about 2 miles one way from the Wheeler Peak Campground, with roughly 600 feet of elevation gain. While the distance is modest, the views deliver in a big way. From mirror-like reflections of Wheeler Peak to ancient bristlecone pine groves, Stella Lake combines accessibility with alpine beauty. It’s an ideal introduction to backpacking in Nevada, and it’s one of the least crowded national park lake destinations I’ve visited.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a 12-mile road that climbs over 4,000 feet from the desert floor to Wheeler Peak Campground. The road is paved but steep, so keep that in mind if you’re driving an RV. From the campground, pick up the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail. Stella Lake sits just off this loop, which is 2.7 miles total and also passes Teresa Lake. I recommend doing the full loop for maximum scenery.

Where to Camp

Backcountry camping is allowed near Stella Lake, but you must set up at least 100 feet from the lake shore to protect fragile vegetation. I found a tucked-away site sheltered by pines that kept me out of the wind. Fires aren’t allowed at this elevation, so plan to cook with a lightweight stove like the MSR PocketRocket. If you prefer established sites, Wheeler Peak Campground is your best bet. It’s first-come, first-served, and fills fast in summer, so arrive early or aim for weekdays.

Best Time to Visit

The road to Wheeler Peak is usually open from June through October, depending on snow. July and August bring wildflowers, while late September and October are unbeatable for fall foliage. I’ve camped here in mid-July and still had to scrape frost off my tent in the morning, so pack accordingly.

What to See

Stella Lake is a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise when the still water mirrors Wheeler Peak. Along the Alpine Lakes Loop, you’ll pass groves of ancient bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees on earth, with ages measured in thousands of years. Keep an eye out for marmots, mule deer, and golden eagles. In the fall, the aspen groves around the trail explode with yellow, turning the basin into one of Nevada’s most colorful alpine displays.

Permits and Regulations

You don’t need a backcountry permit for overnight camping in Great Basin National Park. That said, regulations are strict to preserve the alpine environment. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources, never build fires, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Dogs are not allowed on the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, so leave pets at home.

Bear Safety and Food Storage

Unlike Glacier or Yellowstone, you don’t have to worry about grizzlies here. Black bears aren’t common in Great Basin, but rodents, marmots, and chipmunks are notorious food thieves. I recommend carrying an Ursack Major or a traditional bear canister to keep your food safe. Even in a “low-bear” park, proper food storage is required.

Where to Get Water

Stella Lake itself is the most reliable water source on this hike. Always use a filter or purifier—I carry the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System, which is lightweight and easy to use. In late summer, creeks may run low or dry, so don’t count on flowing water near the trail.

Essential Gear Checklist

Since you’re camping above 10,000 feet, conditions can change quickly. Here’s what I consider essential for Stella Lake:

• Warm sleeping bag and pad: Nighttime temps can drop into the 30s even in July.
• Lightweight stove: Fires aren’t allowed, so a compact backpacking stove is necessary.
• Water filter: The lake is clean-looking but untreated.
• Layers: A down jacket and rain shell are non-negotiable.
• Navigation: Download Gaia GPS maps offline before heading out—cell service is spotty at best.
• Sun protection: High-elevation UV exposure can be brutal.

Final Tips

If solitude is your goal, hike early in the morning or later in the season. Great Basin is one of the least visited national parks, but Stella Lake is still popular compared to other park trails. Take your time here—bring a book, soak in the alpine quiet, and let the bristlecone pines remind you that slowing down is part of the experience. Backpacking Stella Lake isn’t about distance; it’s about savoring a rare high-alpine retreat in Nevada.