USA Stella Lake, Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Stella Lake is a picturesque glacial lake at the base of Wheeler Peak in the Snake Range of Nevada. It is located in Great Basin National Park and is one of two alpine lakes (the other is Theresa Lake) that make up the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail.

Aside from alpine lakes, the highest mountain range that lies entirely within the state of Nevada, the second highest peak in the state, Great Basin National Park has an impressive Bristlecone forest and is home to the only glacier in Nevada. Given its remoteness, you won't find a big crowd here. The best time to visit is between the mid-July to late September when the trails are cleared of snow.

Any time of day is fine, but early morning would be preferable. Anywhere along the lake makes for great photography. For additional viewpoints, you can climb partway up the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail which summits the second highest peak in Nevada at 13,065 feet.

Great Basin National Park is located in the remote eastern-central part of Nevada and boasts of Rockies-and-Sierra-like scenery. It is approximately a 5-hours’ drive from Las Vegas and the closest city to the park is Baker. Given that this area is so remote, this park is the least visited and most underrated national park in the USA.