Great Basin National Park

Hike the Shoshone ADA Trail

easy Wheelchair UsersFamiliesAnglers
0.1 mi Distance
20 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type

What to Expect

This is less a hike and more a front-row seat to one of Great Basin's quieter corners. From the Snake Creek Trailhead, a smooth, wheelchair-accessible path rolls out for a tenth of a mile through high-desert scrub and scattered conifers before delivering you to a wooden platform perched right above Snake Creek. At over 8,000 feet, the air is thin and cool even in summer, and the creek below runs clear enough to spot native Bonneville cutthroat trout holding in the current. The fishing platform is the real draw — it's one of the few truly accessible angling spots in any national park. The whole thing takes about fifteen minutes round-trip, making it perfect for families with small kids, wheelchair users who want a genuine creekside experience, or anyone who needs a quick leg-stretch after the long drive into Snake Creek Canyon.
Wheelchair UsersFamiliesAnglersQuick StopsAccessibility

Safety Advisory

At 8,200 feet, even a flat stroll can leave you winded if you just drove up from the valley floor. Take it slow and watch for signs of altitude discomfort, especially in children and older visitors.

Snake Creek can rise quickly during afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Stay off the creek banks if you see dark clouds building over the Snake Range.

Trail Details

Distance 0.1 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time 20 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Hike the Shoshone ADA Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

The road to Snake Creek Trailhead is unpaved and rough in spots — if you're driving a sedan or anything with low clearance, check current road conditions at the visitor center before committing. A flat tire out here would ruin your afternoon.

Trail Tip

Bring a fishing rod and a valid Nevada fishing license if you want to try for Bonneville cutthroat trout from the platform. The creek is catch-and-release only with single barbless hooks, and mornings before the sun hits the water give you the best shot.

Trail Tip

This trailhead is also the jumping-off point for the much longer Shoshone Trail system. Walk the ADA path first to gauge how your group handles the altitude, then decide if you want to push further up the drainage.

Photos

Getting There

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