Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state in the lower 48 and, accordingly, has several beautiful scenic drives. While Mount Washington in Great Basin National Park, White Pine County, near the Nevada-Utah border is the highest road at 11,459 feet above sea level, the highest paved road is the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, also in Great Basin. From the various flora and fauna to the stunning views and the crisp mountain air, this highest road scenic drive will definitely lead you on an unforgettable journey. Oh, and bring a camera!
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is located inside Great Basin National Park just off Nevada State Route 488, near Baker.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
This true mountain road hugs the curves of the South Snake Mountain Range as it takes you higher than any other paved road in Nevada.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
This scenic 12-mile out-and-back road begins at an elevation of 5,318 feet and ends at 10,163 where the Wheeler Peak Summit Trailhead begins.
Murray Foubister/Flickr
In fact, the diversity of life along this road is incredible as you climb from the desert below into gorgeous alpine forests, traveling through several ecological zones with the unique flora and fauna indigenous to each. From low shrubs to pinion pines to conifers to aspens, each zone is as beautiful as the previous one.
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr
The eerily twisted Bristlecone pine trees are plentiful along this scenic drive.
Murray Foubister/Flickr
As the road is rather narrow and quite twisty, to protect other motorists and wildlife, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Murray Foubister/Flickr
There are several places to stop and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of such landmarks as Lehman Creek, Mount Moriah, Jeff Davis Peak, Wheeler Peak, and the Snake Valley below.
Ken Lund/Flickr
The views are, truly, spectacular.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
You never know who you might run into, like these cute sheep. You may also see mule deer, jackrabbits, coyotes, and marmots on your drive.
informedmindstravel/Flickr
Because of the altitude, this road is closed between November and June. The weather can be quite unpredictable, but be sure to add this to your bucket list for next summer!
Ken Lund/Flickr
A visit to Great Basin National Park must include this incredibly scenic drive along Nevada’s highest road. Have you taken this breathtaking drive? Please comment below.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Murray Foubister/Flickr
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr
Ken Lund/Flickr
informedmindstravel/Flickr
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