Posted in Nevada Nature April 07, 2017 by Natalie Faulk

The Scenic, Breathtaking Drive In Nevada Where You End Up Among The Clouds

Wheeler Peak is located in Great Basin National Park, in White Pine County near Baker on the Nevada-Utah border. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a truly spectacular jaunt high into the clouds. This scenic breathtaking drive is a true mountain road that winds through the South Snake Mountain Range to a place with sweeping, panoramic vistas of the beautifully rugged Great Basin desert below.

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Wheeler Peak is located in the Great Basin National Park, and the drive is definitely a highlight of any visit to the park.

An awe-inspiring view of the 13,000-foot tall Wheeler Peak.

The scenic breathtaking drive begins at the Park's entrance on Nevada Highway 488.

The paved, 12-mile drive takes visitors as high as 10,000 feet before ending at the Wheeler Peak face.

Throughout the drive, there are many places to pull over and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views and photo opportunities. Among the most popular pullouts include Mount Moriah, Lehman Creek, Wheeler Peak, Jeff Davis Peak, and the Snake Valley below.

Several different types of sagebrush are visible starting at around 7,000 feet.

By 8,000 feet, pinion pine and juniper trees are plentiful. At 8,500 feet, mountain mahoganies take over.

Near 9,000 feet, conifers like Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine become abundant before spotting the gorgeous aspen near 10,000 feet.

Along this 12-mile drive, visitors will gain over 4,000 feet in elevation while crossing through a number of different ecological zones where a wide variety of flora and fauna can be seen.

Who knows what wildlife you will see? Here are some adorable grazing lambs.

Depending on the time of year, you may enjoy the brilliant colors of changing fall foliage.

On the top of the world looking east toward Utah.

For a truly scenic breathtaking drive, the Wheeler Peak Road in Great Basin National Park is one of Nevada’s best. Have you experienced this gorgeous and tranquil area? Please comment below.