Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park
Snake Range, Nevada · 9,904 ft
Alpine meadow and aspen at just under 10,000 feet under the quartzite cliffs of Wheeler Peak, ringed by dense Engelmann spruce. A mile and a half up the trail is the bristlecone grove, which puts trees thousands of years old in the same frame as aspen that turn in a fortnight.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
Near typical peak. Check recent reports before traveling.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
From Baker take NV-488 to the park, then the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to the campground. Vehicles over 24 feet, towing or towed, are not permitted on the drive.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- Engelmann spruce
- bristlecone pine
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 18Typical color progression for Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park. No change from Aug 11 to Aug 28. First color from Aug 28 to Sep 6. Approaching peak from Sep 6 to Sep 14. Peak from Sep 14 to Sep 22. Past peak from Sep 22 to Oct 2. Bare from Oct 2 to Oct 16.
Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park is typically at peak on this date.
Light at peak
Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park on September 18, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 5:54 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 87° | 6:21 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 6:56 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:31 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:06 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 6:41 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:08 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 12h 20m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.