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When most people think of America’s National Parks, places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, or Yosemite come to mind. But Great Basin National Park in Nevada is a hidden gem that offers incredible hiking, stargazing, and solitude—without the crowds.

After a 13-hour drive along the Loneliest Road in America, I finally reached Great Basin National Park, and it exceeded my expectations. One of the highlights of my trip? Hiking to Stella Lake, a serene alpine lake tucked away in the mountains.

Don’t forget to stargaze here! Here is your guide to Stargazing at Great Basin National Park: Best Dark Sky Views & Tips

Hiking the Stella Lake Trail

📏 Trail Length: 2.1 miles round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: 442 feet
⏳ Time to Complete: 1 hour (longer if you linger at the lake)
📌 Trailhead Location: Near the campground parking lot off Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

How To Get To The Trailhead

To access the trailhead to Stella Lake, take Wheeler’s Peak Scenic Drive, a mountainous road in the park.

Some parts have no railings, making it an anxious drive for some. If you take your time around the turns, you will be fine.

What to Expect on the Trail

The Stella Lake Trail begins in a shaded forest, winding through tall pine trees and rocky terrain.

The first section has a gentle incline, but as you get closer to the lake, the elevation gain becomes more noticeable.

The Trail is 2.1 miles long and starts from the parking lot near the campgrounds.

You will make your way into the forest, which then brings you up a dirt path. It is enough to get your heart going, with an elevation gain of 442 feet.

I did the hike during a 100-degree heatwave, which made it feel long and excruciating.

But on a cooler day, I could see the hike being delightful since you can take your time and enjoy your surroundings. Once you make your way up the dirt path, you will reach the glacial lake.

The lake was freezing even during the heatwave, which felt nice on our feet. If you are brave enough, you could take a quick dip.

Another important tip is to make sure to bring bug spray since mosquitos and small bugs are around the lake.

For an additional 0.3 miles, add on the Sky Islands Forest Trail on your way down!

How To Get To Great Basin National Park

There are a few ways to get here, depending on where you are located. I drove from Colorado, which took about 13 hours, and I will be honest, that drive was not fun.

Many people will drive from Salt Lake City to Great Basin National Park, which is a 3 and a 1/2 hour drive. Salt Lake City has a decent-sized airport, making it a hub for most travelers.

🚗 Driving Distances

• From Salt Lake City, UT: ~3.5 hours (234 miles)
• From Denver, CO: ~13 hours (750 miles)
• From Las Vegas, NV: ~4.5 hours (286 miles)

Explore More of Great Basin National Park

It may surprise you that there are so many things to do at Great Basin National Park.

During my two-night trip, I enjoyed stargazing, a drive along Wheelers Peak Scenic Drive, and a guided tour of Lehman Cave.

Read all of my National Park Travel Guides!