Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park
Snake Range, Nevada · 9,904 ft
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
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 .
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.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 28.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 12
16 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
42°F / 28°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park on September 18, 2026, 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.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
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.