About
Length (round trip)7.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain2,300 ft up
Typical time6 hr 30 min
TrailheadBaker Creek Road (gravel)
SurfaceForest trail with a steep upper section
Best seasonJuly to September for the high trails; the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed by snow roughly November to June.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
AccessibilityThis trail is not accessible
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🏛️ Historic site🎒 Backpacking

Trail Overview Distance: 9.8 miles / 15.8 kilometers Starting elevation: 8,020 feet / 2,445 meters Elevation Gain: 2,740 feet / 835 meters Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 5 hours - 8 hours Begin at : Baker Creek Trailhead Johnson Lake is located deep in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. Near this mountain lake there are historic buildings and mining equipment, please to not enter or disturb any historic sites. The Johnson Lake Mining District is a remnant of early 20th century mining efforts. Today a historic landscape in Great Basin National Park, Johnson Lake Mine's story actually begins in the early part of the 1900s, when the mineral tungsten was first discovered in the southern Snake Range. At Johnson Lake Mine tungsten was extracted and milled onsite and then transported a great distance to be refined and then used to make alloy steel. Alloy steel was used to create things like weapons, tanks, and transmitter radios during World War I. Many of the historic cabins still standing have remained through avalanche, blizzard, rockfall, and time for around a century. Efforts have been made to preserve the cultural significance of these structures. Please do not disturb these sites in respect for their cultural value. Spring time ushers in a bevy of wildflowers of many colors, some years blooming well into the summer. Find yourself surrounded by pine, fir, and aspen trees as you hike through the forest and gain elevation. Johnson Lake remains high throughout the year, partially freezing in the winter time. This hike starts at the Baker Creek Trailhead at the end of Baker Creek Road. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited. No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link. Water Potable water is not available along Baker Creek Road. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day. Water is available year-round at the nearby Lehman Caves Visitor Center or seasonally at the dump station. Restrooms The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Baker Creek Trailhead.

Tips
The mine cabins, aerial tram towers and machinery are still standing at the lake - a remarkable piece of industrial archaeology at 10,700 feet.
Location

Baker Creek Road (gravel)

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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