Nevada · Hiking

Upper Lake Trail

Upper Lake TrailPhoto: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
3.7 mi
round trip
27 ft
climb
3,378 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Oct–Nov
best months

Upper Lake Trail is an easy out-and-back hike of about 3.7 miles on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail rises only about 27 feet from its low point at 3,349 feet to a high of 3,378 feet, so it's a gentle walk with little climb. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show April highs around 74°F and October highs around 78°F, while July and August average near 100°F. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and bikes are permitted. The trail sits close to several other routes. Davenport Trail is about 0.2 miles away and Black Canyon Trail about 0.4 miles. Pahranagat Loop Trail and Visitor Center Trail are both within about a mile and a quarter.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Oct–Nov

    Best time to visit Upper Lake Trail

    Best months: February–May and October–November. 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

      54° / 29°

      3 wet

    2. Feb

      59° / 32°

      4 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 37°

      3 wet

    4. Apr

      74° / 42°

      2 wet

    5. May

      83° / 50°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      95° / 59°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      100° / 66°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      99° / 64°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      91° / 55°

      1 wet

    10. Oct

      78° / 44°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 34°

      2 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 27°

      2 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pahranagat Wr, NV, 1.2 mi away at 3,334 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors