Hike the ADA Sky Island Forest Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Altitude is the real hazard here. At nearly 9,900 feet, visitors coming straight from sea level may feel lightheaded, short of breath, or nauseated. Take it slow and hydrate well before driving up.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive closes seasonally (typically late fall through late spring) due to snow. Check with the visitor center before planning your trip — there is no alternate route to this trailhead.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Drive Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive early in the morning — the twelve-mile climb is narrow with limited pullouts, and by midday you'll be battling RVs and trailers on the switchbacks. The trailhead parking lot at the end of the scenic drive fills up on summer weekends by 10 AM.
Even though the trail is short and flat, bring a light jacket. At nearly 9,900 feet, temperatures can drop twenty degrees from what you felt in the valley, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast from June through September.
Pair this trail with the Bristlecone Grove trail that starts from the same trailhead — the interpretive signs on Sky Island Forest give you context that makes the ancient bristlecone pines up the ridge even more meaningful. Think of it as the appetizer before the main course.
Photos
NPS
