About
Length (round trip)20.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain3,500 ft up
Typical time18 hr
TrailheadBig Wash Road, southern park
SurfaceWash bottom and shrubland, little shade
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. The Lexington Creek approach requires a 4WD vehicle, modified low clearance vehicles are not advised.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🦌 Wildlife🎒 Backpacking

Trail Overview Distance: 20.6 miles / 33.2 kilometers Starting elevation: 8,200 feet / 2,500 meters from Snake Creek or 8,400 feet / 2,560 meters from North Fork Lexington Creek Elevation Gain: 3,880 feet / 1,183 meters from Snake Creek or 3,200 feet / 975 meters from North Fork Lexington Creek Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 12 hours - 24 hours Begin at : Snake Creek Trailhead or North Fork Lexington Creek This lesser travelled route through the southern areas of Great Basin is perhaps the most isolated in the park. Many switchbacks bring you down to the creek between North and South Forks. Due to the remoteness of this trail, there may be sections where the trail is covered, so be prepared for bushwacking and wayfinding. This hike starts at either the Snake Creek Trailhead on Snake Creek Road or at the end of the North Fork of Lexington Creek Road (different than the Lexington Arch Trailhead). Stop to park at the trailhead at the road's end. 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. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day. Restrooms The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Snake Creek Trailhead. Lexington Creek has no restroom facilities.

Tips
The park describes it as the most difficult and least travelled trail it has. There is no reliable water and very little shade; treat it as a serious undertaking.
Location

Big Wash Road, southern park

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
Your Hikes

🔒 Login or create an account to record the trails you've done, rate them, and tie them to a trip.