Backpack the Baker & Johnson Lakes Loop

Trail Overview

Total Distance: 11.7 miles / 18.8 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 3,280 feet / 1000 meters
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 6 hours - 12 hours, 1 day -14 days if overnight
Begin at: Baker Creek Trailhead

A challenging day hike to Baker Lake rewards visitors with the sight of Baker Lake which few have seen. One of the largest lakes in the park and neastled in a glacial cirque, bristlecone pines dot these mountains and reward the inquisitive and attentive travellers. While making for a challenging day hike, Baker Lake is fairly easy by backpacking standards if done as an overnight trip, but come prepared. Snow often lingers throughout the year on this beautiful lake's rocky banks. 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.

Permits

The Baker & Johnson Lakes Loop requires a backcountry permit to camp along. Permits are available for free at either visitor center and are used to track wilderness use and in the event of a lost person. When acquiring a permit, rangers will collect information and supply you with a copy of the backcountry regulations.

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.