Western Region
GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to Great Basin National Park, a hidden gem located in eastern Nevada. Known for its ancient bristlecone pine forests, dramatic mountain scenery, and the spectacular Lehman Caves, the park offers an impressive variety of natural wonders from desert valleys to alpine lakes and high mountain peaks.
Despite its remarkable landscapes, Great Basin remains one of the least visited national parks in the lower 48, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking solitude and dark night skies.
Did You Know?
- Great Basin bristlecone pines are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some trees estimated to be nearly 5,000 years old.
- Wheeler Peak Glacier is one of the southernmost glaciers in North America and the only glacier in Nevada.
- The park is home to the White Pine amphipod, a small blind freshwater crustacean found only in Lehman Caves.
My Personal Experience
The park sits in eastern Nevada near the Utah border, but for many visitors exploring the American Southwest it is simply too remote to include on a typical road trip to the “Mighty Five” parks in Utah. As a result, Great Basin receives only a fraction of the visitors of parks like Bryce Canyon. Las Vegas is more than four hours away, and the closest major city is Salt Lake City, about 3.5 hours by car.
I visited the park while living in California and decided to drive U.S. Route 50 the “Loneliest Road in America” from Reno to the park. The drive took about six hours, and there was hardly anything in between.
One attraction you absolutely must visit is Lehman Caves. Even though the park is relatively quiet, cave tours sell out quickly, and you don’t want to drive several hours only to discover there are no tickets left. Be sure to reserve a tour in advance. Accommodation can also be limited in the area, so booking early is recommended.
If caves are not your thing or if you are a bit claustrophobic there is plenty to explore above ground. Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, hike one of the alpine trails, and take some time to admire the incredible bristlecone pine groves.
Basic Facts
Address:
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Visitor centers have seasonal hours.
Visitors:
Approximately 150,000 per year (2022)
Entrance Fees:
- Entrance to the park is free. However, cave tours have separate fees.
- Lehman Caves Tour Prices: Vary by tour, starting from $8.00 for adults.
Website:
nps.gov/grba
Map:
nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit greatbasinpark.com.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is mid-June through September, when Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and high-elevation trails are fully accessible.
Early fall is especially beautiful, with fall colors and fewer visitors.
Recommended Time
1 Day: Tour the Lehman Caves and drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
2-3 Days: Add hikes to the bristlecone pine groves or the alpine lakes.
Getting There
The closest town is Baker, Nevada. From Baker, drive west on NV-488 for about 5 miles to reach the park entrance.
Weather
Weather in Great Basin National Park varies dramatically with elevation. Conditions at Wheeler Peak can differ significantly from those in Baker only a few miles away.
- Spring (Mar–May): 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) in lower elevations. Snow often lingers on higher trails well into late spring.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): 80s–90s°F (27–35°C) near Baker, while temperatures at higher elevations are often 20–30°F cooler. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): 50s–70s°F (10–21°C). Pleasant hiking conditions, fall colors in the aspen groves, and generally clear skies.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): 20s–50s°F (-6–10°C). Significant snowfall occurs in the mountains, and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is typically closed beyond certain points.
Because of the park’s elevation range from desert basin to alpine summit, visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather at any time of year.
Hiking
Great Basin offers hikes ranging from short nature walks to challenging alpine summits:
Easy:
- Lehman Creek Trail – 2-mile round trip: A peaceful walk following Lehman Creek through forest and meadow scenery near the visitor center.
- Mountain View Nature Trail – 0.3-mile loop: A short interpretive trail near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center with excellent views of the surrounding basin and mountain ranges.
Moderate:
- Alpine Lakes Loop – 2.7-mile loop: A beautiful trail leading to the alpine lakes Stella and Teresa, surrounded by high mountain scenery.
- Bristlecone Pine Trail – 2.8-mile round trip: A scenic hike through ancient bristlecone pine groves, where some trees are nearly 5,000 years old.
Strenuous:
- Wheeler Peak Summit Trail – 8.6-mile round trip: A challenging hike to the 13,065-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, offering spectacular views across Nevada and Utah.
- Baker Lake Trail – 12-mile round trip: A longer backcountry hike leading to a remote alpine lake surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes.
Lehman Caves Tours
Lehman Caves offers guided tours through impressive limestone formations.
Lodge Room Tour
- Duration: ~60 minutes
- Highlights: Stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate cave formations.
Grand Palace Tour
- Duration: ~90 minutes
- Highlights: Larger chambers and more complex cave formations.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Scenic Drives
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: 12-mile mountain road climbing to over 10,000 feet, offering spectacular views and access to several trailheads.
Best Viewpoints
- Wheeler Peak Summit: Panoramic views from Nevada’s second-highest mountain.
- Alpine Lakes Loop: Beautiful reflections of Stella and Teresa Lakes.
- Bristlecone Pine Groves: Ancient trees in a stark alpine environment.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife includes mule deer, mountain lions, marmots, and numerous bird species. Early morning and evening offer the best chances for sightings.
Photography
Great Basin offers some of the most diverse photographic opportunities in the National Park System.
- Ancient Bristlecone Pines: Twisted trunks sculpted by wind and time create fascinating subjects, especially near the Bristlecone Pine Trail.
- Alpine Lakes: Stella and Teresa Lakes provide beautiful reflections of Wheeler Peak and surrounding mountain scenery.
- Lehman Caves: Intricate shield formations, stalactites, and rare cave features offer unique photographic opportunities during ranger-led tours where photography is permitted.
- Night Skies: As one of the darkest parks in the Lower 48, Great Basin is renowned for astrophotography. The Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye, and annual astronomy programs attract visitors from around the world.
The combination of ancient trees, alpine landscapes, caves, and exceptionally dark skies makes Great Basin one of the most rewarding photography parks in the West.
Horseback Riding
Horses and other pack animals are allowed in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. They are not allowed on paved roads, self-guided interpretive trails, or in day use zones. Certain trails are also off limits for pack animal use. Check the park’s website for regulations and keep in mind that pack trips also must follow all guidelines for backcountry use. Visitors bringing their own feed must use Certified Noxious Weed-Free hay to prevent the spread of invasive species.
General Aviation
The closest airport is:
Ely/Yelland Field (KELY) in Ely, NV:
- Distance: about 1 hour north
- Runway: 6,017 ft
- 100LL available
Rental cars may not be available.
The closest airport with reliable rental car service is:
Cedar City Regional Airport (KCDC) in Cedar City, UT
- Distance: about 140 miles southeast
- Runway: 8,653 ft
- 100LL available
Great Basin’s mountainous terrain requires careful flight planning. Density altitude can become a significant factor during summer afternoons, particularly at airports above 6,000 feet MSL such as Ely. Afternoon turbulence and mountain wave activity are possible when winds increase over the Snake Range. Pilots should also remember that weather reporting stations are sparse in eastern Nevada. Check forecasts carefully and carry adequate fuel reserves. The region’s exceptionally dark skies and limited ground lighting can make night operations challenging for pilots unfamiliar with remote western terrain.
Nearby Attractions
- Cathedral Gorge State Park: Known for its narrow slot-like canyons, clay spires, and unusual erosion formations.
- Pioche, Nevada: A historic mining town with preserved Old West character and one of the most colorful histories in Nevada.
- Nevada Northern Railway Museum: Located in Ely, this museum offers historic steam train excursions and one of the best preserved railroad collections in the American West.
- U.S. Route 50: Often called “The Loneliest Road in America,” this legendary highway crosses some of Nevada’s most remote and scenic landscapes.
Important Tips
- Cave Tours: Reserve Lehman Caves tours well in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods.
- Altitude: Many popular hikes exceed 10,000 feet. Take time to acclimate and carry extra water.
- Fuel & Services: Services are limited in eastern Nevada. Fill your gas tank before entering the area.
- Weather: Mountain thunderstorms can develop rapidly during summer afternoons. Start longer hikes early.
- Night Skies: Bring a tripod and warm clothing if planning to attend astronomy programs or photograph the Milky Way.
- Navigation: Cell service is limited throughout much of the park and surrounding region
Great Basin National Park remains one of the most underrated parks in the United States. From exploring the stunning formations of Lehman Caves to standing among ancient bristlecone pines that were already growing when the pyramids of Giza were built, the park offers a remarkable combination of geological, ecological, and astronomical wonders. Visitors willing to travel off the beaten path will discover a national park unlike any other in the American Southwest.
