Did you know that Doso Doyabi, formerly known as Jeff Davis Peak, is home to Nevada’s only glacier? This majestic 3,893 m (12,771 ft) peak in Great Basin National Park stands as Nevada’s third-highest summit and offers some of the darkest night skies in the United States. In 2019, the mountain officially reclaimed its Shoshone name “Doso Doyabi” (meaning “White Mountain”), honoring the indigenous heritage of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a casual hiker seeking breathtaking alpine scenery, this remote treasure offers adventures that few visitors to Nevada ever experience.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Doso Doyabi requires some planning as it’s located in one of America’s most remote national parks. Great Basin National Park sits near the Nevada-Utah border, approximately 470 km (290 miles) north of Las Vegas and 385 km (240 miles) southwest of Salt Lake City.

Nearest Airports:

• McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) – 470 km (290 miles)
• Salt Lake City International Airport – 385 km (240 miles)
• Ely Airport (regional) – 100 km (62 miles)

From Las Vegas, take US-93 north to Ely, then US-50 east to Baker. From Salt Lake City, take I-80 west to Wendover, then US-93 south to Baker. The small town of Baker (population under 100) serves as the gateway to Great Basin National Park, located just 8 km (5 miles) from the park entrance.

Once inside the park, access to Doso Doyabi is via Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a 19 km (12-mile) winding mountain road that climbs from 2,100 m (7,000 ft) to over 3,000 m (10,000 ft). Note that vehicles longer than 7.3 m (24 ft) are not permitted beyond Upper Lehman Creek Campground.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Best Time to Visit Doso Doyabi

The alpine environment creates its own weather patterns. Summer days typically range from 15-26°C (60-80°F) at lower elevations but can be 5-10°C (10-20°F) cooler at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, making early morning starts essential for summit attempts.

Winter brings heavy snowfall, with Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive typically closed beyond Upper Lehman Creek Campground from November through May. During this period, accessing Doso Doyabi requires a much longer approach on snowshoes or skis.

Getting Around Locally

Great Basin National Park has no public transportation, so a personal vehicle is essential. The park is compact enough that most attractions are within a 30-minute drive of the visitor center.

Key Routes:

• Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: The primary access road to Doso Doyabi trailheads. This 19 km (12-mile) paved road climbs over 1,200 m (4,000 ft) with spectacular views.
• Baker Creek Road: Provides access to alternative trailheads and campgrounds on the west side of the park.
• Lehman Caves Road: Leads to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, a must-visit attraction.

Within the park, hiking is the primary mode of transportation to reach Doso Doyabi. There are several approach routes of varying difficulty, with the most popular being the traverse from Wheeler Peak via the ridge connecting the two mountains.

Where to Stay

Accommodations near Doso Doyabi are limited but characterful. Plan to book well in advance, especially during the peak summer season.

Within the Park:

• Wheeler Peak Campground (9,800 ft): The closest accommodation to Doso Doyabi trailheads. 37 sites available, first-come, first-served. Open June-September. No hookups.
• Upper Lehman Creek Campground (7,750 ft): 24 sites, reservations available through Recreation.gov. Open May-October.
• Lower Lehman Creek Campground (7,300 ft): 11 sites, open year-round, though winter access may be limited by snow.
• Baker Creek Campground (7,530 ft): 38 sites in a scenic setting. Open May-October.
• Grey Cliffs Campground (6,825 ft): 16 sites. Open May-October.

In Baker (8 km/5 miles from park entrance):

• Stargazer Inn: Basic but comfortable rooms with restaurant. Telephone: +1 (775) 234-7323
• Border Inn: Located on the Nevada-Utah border. Motel, RV park, restaurant, and casino. Telephone: +1 (775) 234-7300
• Hidden Canyon Retreat: Secluded lodging about 23 km (14 miles) from Baker. Telephone: +1 (775) 234-7172

In Ely (100 km/62 miles from park):

Ely offers more accommodation options including chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express and La Quinta Inn, though the commute to the park is substantial.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining options near Doso Doyabi are extremely limited. Baker has just a few eateries, and there are no restaurants within Great Basin National Park except for a small café at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

In Baker:

• T&D’s Restaurant: Casual dining with American fare. Known for hearty breakfasts.
• Kerouac’s Restaurant: Seasonal operation with rotating menu.
• Magic Bean Coffee Cart: Coffee and light breakfast items.

In the Park:

• Great Basin Café: Located at Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Serves sandwiches, snacks, and beverages during peak season.

For hikers planning to summit Doso Doyabi, packing a substantial lunch, snacks, and plenty of water is essential. The remote location and high elevation make proper nutrition and hydration critical.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Hiking to Doso Doyabi:

The primary attraction is the challenging hike to Doso Doyabi’s summit. There are several routes:

• Wheeler Peak Traverse: The most popular route. First summit Wheeler Peak (13,065 ft), then follow the ridge 2.4 km (1.5 miles) to Doso Doyabi. Challenging Class 2-3 scrambling with exposure. Total round trip: 15.5 km (9.7 miles) with 1,180 m (3,876 ft) elevation gain.
• North Slope Route: Direct approach from the glacial cirque. Steep with loose rock. 10 km (6.3 miles) round trip with 1,185 m (3,886 ft) elevation gain.
• Northwest Couloir: Technical route for experienced climbers. Best when snow-covered in spring.

Other Nearby Attractions:

• Wheeler Peak: Nevada’s second-highest peak offers a challenging but non-technical hike with spectacular views.
• Alpine Lakes Loop: 4 km (2.5 mile) moderate trail visiting Stella and Teresa Lakes with views of Doso Doyabi.
• Bristlecone Pine Grove: 4.5 km (2.8 mile) round-trip hike to ancient trees, some over 3,000 years old.
• Rock Glacier: 1.6 km (1 mile) beyond the Bristlecone Grove, visit Nevada’s only glacier.
• Lehman Caves: Spectacular limestone cave system with guided tours available. Advance reservations recommended.
• Stargazing: Great Basin National Park offers some of the darkest night skies in the country. Ranger-led astronomy programs available in summer.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While the area around Doso Doyabi is primarily known for natural attractions, there are several cultural and historical points of interest:

Within the Park:

• Great Basin Visitor Center: Located in Baker, this center features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Great Basin region.
• Lehman Caves Visitor Center: Besides being the starting point for cave tours, this center includes exhibits on the geological and human history of the area.
• Mountain Light Gallery: Located in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, featuring work by local photographers.

Cultural History:

The name “Doso Doyabi” reflects the area’s indigenous heritage. The Shoshone people lived in the valleys and highlands surrounding these peaks for millennia. In 2019, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially renamed the peak from Jeff Davis Peak to Doso Doyabi, honoring the mountain’s original stewards.

Annual Events:

• Great Basin Astronomy Festival: Held in September, this popular event celebrates the park’s exceptional dark skies with telescope viewings and presentations.
• Snake Valley Festival: Held in Baker each June, featuring local food, music, and culture.
• Ranger-led Programs: During summer months, rangers offer daily programs on topics ranging from geology to wildlife.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

The area surrounding Doso Doyabi offers exceptional natural diversity, with five distinct life zones ranging from desert to alpine environments.

Flora & Fauna:

• Ancient Bristlecone Pines: Some trees in the grove near Doso Doyabi are over 3,000 years old, making them among the oldest living organisms on Earth.
• Alpine Wildflowers: During July and early August, the high meadows burst with colorful wildflowers.
• Wildlife: Look for mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. The park is also home to wild turkeys, which were accidentally introduced decades ago when the wrong species was imported for hunting in the valley.

Natural Features:

• Nevada’s Only Glacier: Located in the cirque between Doso Doyabi and Wheeler Peak, this small glacier is a rare feature in the desert state.
• Alpine Lakes: Stella and Teresa Lakes offer serene beauty and reflect the surrounding peaks.
• Limestone Caves: Lehman Caves features remarkable stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations.
• Dark Night Skies: Great Basin National Park has some of the darkest night skies in the United States, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.

Photography Opportunities:

For photographers, Doso Doyabi offers exceptional opportunities. The best light for mountain photography is early morning or late afternoon. The view of Doso Doyabi from Stella Lake is particularly photogenic, especially in autumn when aspen trees turn golden.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Mountain Safety:

• Altitude Sickness: The high elevation (above 3,000 m/10,000 ft) can cause altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Acclimatize by spending a night at one of the campgrounds before attempting the summit.
• Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer.
• Loose Rock: Many routes to Doso Doyabi involve loose, unstable rock. Trekking poles and proper footwear are essential.
• Water: Carry at least 3 liters (100 oz) of water per person for summit attempts. There are no reliable water sources on the mountain.
• Sun Protection: UV exposure is intense at high elevations. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Environmental Etiquette:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Stay on Trails: The alpine environment is fragile. Avoid trampling vegetation.
• Bristlecone Pines: These ancient trees are extremely fragile. Do not touch or climb on them.
• Wildlife: Observe from a distance and never feed animals.

Local Customs:

The name change from Jeff Davis Peak to Doso Doyabi reflects growing awareness of indigenous heritage. Local residents and park staff appreciate visitors who recognize and use the mountain’s Shoshone name.

Visitor Comments About Doso Doyabi

Additional Nearby Destinations

While Doso Doyabi is the highlight, several nearby attractions merit exploration:

Within Great Basin National Park:

• Lehman Caves: 12 km (7.5 miles) from Baker. Take a guided tour of this spectacular cave system with rare shield formations. Tours fill quickly; reservations recommended through Recreation.gov.
• Baker Creek: Beautiful stream with hiking trails and a campground.
• Wheeler Peak: Nevada’s second-highest mountain offers a challenging but non-technical hike.

Beyond the Park:

• Notch Peak: 100 km (62 miles) northeast in Utah. Features one of North America’s highest vertical cliffs.
• Ely, Nevada: Historic mining town with the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and Renaissance Village.
• Baker Archaeological Site: Fremont Indian village ruins dating from 1220 to 1295 CE.
• Cave Lake State Park: 24 km (15 miles) south of Ely. Offers fishing, camping, and hiking.

For those with extra time, consider driving a portion of the historic Pony Express Trail, which passes near Great Basin National Park. The section from Schell Creek Station to Lookout Pass offers scenic desert landscapes and historical sites.

Practical Travel Tips

Essential Gear for Doso Doyabi:

• Hiking Boots: Sturdy footwear with good ankle support and traction is essential for the loose, rocky terrain.
• Layers: Even in summer, temperatures at the summit can be cold and windy. Bring a warm layer and windproof shell.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+) are crucial at high elevation.
• Water: Minimum 3 liters (100 oz) per person. No reliable water sources on the mountain.
• Navigation: Map, compass, and/or GPS. Cell service is unreliable.
• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for the loose, steep terrain, especially on descent.
• First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment and pain relievers for altitude headaches.

Planning Tips:

• Gas Up: Fill your tank in Ely or Delta before heading to Baker. Fuel options are extremely limited near the park.
• Groceries: Bring food supplies from larger towns. Baker has limited options at higher prices.
• Cash: Many local businesses don’t accept credit cards. ATM availability is limited.
• Reservations: Book accommodations months in advance for summer visits.
• Altitude Acclimatization: Spend a night at one of the park’s campgrounds before attempting Doso Doyabi.
• Park Information: Stop at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center for current trail conditions and weather forecasts.

The Call of Nevada’s Alpine Wilderness

Doso Doyabi stands as a testament to Nevada’s surprising alpine beauty, offering an experience far removed from the state’s desert reputation. This majestic peak rewards those willing to venture beyond the beaten path with solitude, challenge, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re scrambling along the rocky ridge from Wheeler Peak, photographing ancient bristlecone pines, or gazing at the Milky Way from a high mountain campsite, Doso Doyabi creates memories that endure long after you’ve descended from its lofty summit. As you plan your journey to this remarkable mountain, remember that its recent name change honors thousands of years of indigenous connection to this land—adding another layer of meaning to your adventure in Nevada’s alpine wilderness.