California · Hiking

Wheeler Creek

Wheeler CreekPhoto: simonov, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
9.0 mi
round trip
634 ft
climb
7,752 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Wheeler Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It doesn't name Wheeler Creek, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Wheeler Creek is a 9-mile out-and-back hike in California's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, within the Bridgeport Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route rises from 7,098 feet to 7,752 feet. It is a hard hike, with a one-way gain of 634 feet, and the trail surface is natural. The climb is spread across a single route that starts and ends at the trail's low point. Obsidian Campground sits just 0.1 mile away, making it the most convenient base for an overnight stay. For more time on foot, Rickey Cabin Trail is about 1.2 miles off, and Emma Lake is about 1.3 miles away. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Bridgeport weather station show July highs around 85°F with lows near 43°F, and September highs near 78°F. That station sits roughly 1,300 feet below the trail, so expect temperatures on the hike to run cooler. The trail is open year-round.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Wheeler Creek

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 10°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    2. Feb

      45° / 13°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    3. Mar

      52° / 20°

      4 wet · 3 snow

    4. Apr

      59° / 25°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      67° / 32°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      77° / 39°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 43°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 41°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 34°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 24°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      55° / 17°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      45° / 12°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bridgeport, CA, 12.3 mi away at 6,470 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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