GREAT BASIN
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 77,180 ACRES

EST. 10 27 1986

NEVADA

Planning a Trip to
Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is home to stunning alpine forests, limestone caverns, and ancient bristlecone pines. It is the perfect place for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse beauty of the Great Basin region. The park offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The Lehman Caves are one of the park's most popular attractions, featuring incredible limestone formations and a variety of living organisms. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while the park's numerous trails offer a variety of experiences and opportunities to spot wildlife. Great Basin National Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Great Basin region.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

Spring is the best time to visit Great Basin National Park, as temperatures start to warm up and the snow melts away. The wildflowers start to bloom and the days become longer, allowing more time to explore the park.

Summer is also a great time to visit Great Basin National Park, as temperatures are pleasant and the days are long. This is the best time to go hiking, as the trails are open and the weather is perfect.

Fall is a great time to visit Great Basin National Park as the leaves start to change colors and the temperatures are cooler. This is also the best time to go camping, as the weather is still nice and the nights are crisp.

Winter is a great time to visit Great Basin National Park, as the park is blanketed in snow and the temperatures are cold. This is the best time to go skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

The best time to visit Great Basin National Park varies depending on the type of activities you plan to enjoy. For bird watching and other wildlife viewing, April and May are ideal, as the wildflowers are in bloom and the birds are nesting. For camping, the best time to visit is usually in the late summer and fall when the temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds. Hiking is best done in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the wildflowers are blooming. Stargazing is best in the late summer and fall when the skies are clearer and the stars are brighter. For skiing and snow sports, the best time to visit is between December and March when the snow is plentiful and the temperatures are cooler.

OVERVIEW

Great Basin National Park is a beautiful and diverse park located in eastern Nevada. It is home to some of the most spectacular mountain vistas, deep limestone caverns, ancient bristlecone pines, and many species of wildlife. One of the best things about Great Basin National Park is the abundance of outdoor activities that are available, including hiking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities that visitors can take part in. There are also spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Great Basin Desert that can be enjoyed on the many scenic drives throughout the park.

WEATHER

Great Basin National Park in Nevada offers a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. During summer months, temperatures range from highs in the 80s to lows in the 40s, making for warm days and cool nights. In the spring, temperatures can range from highs in the mid-60s to lows in the mid-30s, making for pleasant hiking and camping weather. In the fall, temperatures range from highs in the 70s to lows in the 30s, making for pleasant sightseeing and wildlife viewing. During the winter months, temperatures range from highs in the 40s to lows in the single digits, making for chilly days and cold nights. Be sure to bring plenty of warm layers when visiting the park during the winter season.

Great Basin National Park is home to a unique and diverse ecology. The park is situated in a montane basin and range area, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 13,063 feet. This range in elevation, combined with the park’s location near the border of the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau, creates a variety of habitats and species. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, more than 40 species of mammals, and over 20 species of reptiles and amphibians. The park also has a wide variety of plant life, including several species of wildflowers, several species of cacti, and various species of shrubs and trees. All of these help to make Great Basin National Park a great place for both visitors and local wildlife.

GEAR

When backpacking at Great Basin National Park, it's important to bring the right gear. Here's a list of the top 10 items you should pack:

1. A sturdy, waterproof tent: This is essential for a comfortable and dry camping experience.

2. A sleeping bag: Make sure it's rated for the temperatures you'll be facing in the park.

3. Hiking boots: You'll need a pair of good boots to tackle the steep trails.

4. Water bottles: Bring at least two bottles for staying hydrated during your trip.

5. Sun protection: Don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

6. Flashlight or headlamp: Don't forget something to light your way in the dark.

7. A first aid kit: Make sure to bring a basic kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.

8. A map: Bring a detailed map of the park to help you find your way.

9. Insect repellent: The bugs can be bad in the summer, so don't forget the bug spray.

10. A camp stove: This is essential for cooking meals at your campsite

When visiting Great Basin National Park for a hike, it's important to be prepared with the right gear. Here are the top 10 items that you should bring along for your hike:
1. A comfortable pair of hiking boots – for all-day comfort and support.
2. A hat – to protect your head from the sun and provide warmth.
3. Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from the sun's rays.
4. Water – to stay hydrated and to use for cleaning up afterwards.
5. Sunscreen – to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.
6. A first aid kit – to treat any minor injuries or illnesses.
7. A map – to help you plan your route and explore the park.
8. A flashlight – to light your way in the dark.
9. A cell phone – to call for help if needed.
10. A camera – to capture the beautiful scenery and your experience.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Great Basin National Park was first established as Lehman Caves National Monument in 1922, and was later upgraded to a national park in 1986. It is located in east-central Nevada and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the bristlecone pine, the oldest living tree species in the world. The park is home to a wide range of features, including limestone caverns, vast forests of ancient pines, and a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Bonneville cutthroat trout. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, including the Wheeler Peak summit trail, which leads to the highest peak in Nevada. Great Basin National Park is an important part of Nevada's history and is a great place to explore and experience the natural beauty of the region.

Great Basin National Park is home to many legendary stories, including the legend of the Lost Caves of Lehman. According to the legend, a group of miners discovered a series of caves in the area, filled with gold and silver. Unfortunately, they were never able to find the entrance again and the caves remain lost to this day. Another legend tells of a magical lake, which is said to be filled with fish that never run out. The lake is said to be located somewhere in the park and has never been found. Lastly, one of the most popular legends tells of a mysterious glowing light in the night sky, sometimes seen over the park. It is said to be an alien spaceship, visiting our planet and watching over the area.

RECOMMENDED

1. Hike the Wheeler Peak Trail for a stunning view of the park and the surrounding landscape.
2. Go birdwatching in the park to spot some of the 200 species of birds that live there.
3. Explore the Lehman Caves, a fascinating limestone cave system full of unique formations.
4. Take a drive along the scenic Lehman Creek Road for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
5. Go on an interpretive tour of the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living trees on Earth.
6. Visit the Lehman Creek Visitor Center to learn more about the park and its history.
7. Go camping in the park and enjoy some of the most beautiful night skies in the US.
8. Take a guided horseback ride through the park to get a different perspective of the area.
9. Go fishing in the park’s many lakes and streams for a variety of native fish.
10. Enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many scenic spots and take in the beautiful views.

For spring, the top 10 recommendations to do at Great Basin National Park include visiting the Lehman Caves, camping in the Baker Creek campground, admiring the wildflowers and lush meadows, fishing for trout.

For summertime, some of the top 10 recommendations to do at Great Basin National Park include camping in the Lehman Creek or Baker Creek campgrounds, taking in the breathtaking views from Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, stargazing in the night sky, fishing for trout in the Lehman and Baker Creeks, and exploring the Lehman Caves.

For fall, the top 10 recommendations to do at Great Basin National Park include taking a scenic drive over the Snake Creek Pass, exploring the Wheeler Peak and Bristlecone Pine Trail, visiting the Lehman Caves, fishing in the Lehman Creek, camping in the Baker Creek campground, and admiring the vibrant autumn foliage.

For winter, the top 10 recommendations to do at Great Basin National Park include skiing and snowshoeing in the Wheeler Peak area, visiting the Lehman Caves, ice fishing in the Lehman Creek, camping in the Baker Creek campground, and admiring the snow-capped mountains and frozen landscape.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Great Basin National Park offers some of the best hiking in the West. Here is a list of the top 10 hikes, ranging from easy to difficult.

1. Lehman Caves Visitor Center Loop – Easy
2. Wheeler Peak Summit – Difficult
3. Bristlecone Trail – Moderate
4. Baker Creek Trail – Moderate
5. Lexington Arch Trail – Moderate
6. Johnson Lake Trail – Moderate/Difficult
7. Alpine Lakes Loop – Difficult
8. Bristlecone/Glacier Trail Loop – Difficult
9. Snake Creek Basin Trail – Difficult
10. North Fork Baker Creek Trail – Moderate/Difficult

Great Basin National Park is a stunning area with some of the best camping in the country. Here are the top 10 campsites at the park: 1. Grey Cliffs Campground;

2. Lower Lehman Creek Campground;

3. Baker Creek Campground;

4. Upper Lehman Creek Campground;

5. Wheeler Peak Campground;

6. Snake Creek Campground;

7. Baker Creek Group Campground;

8. Strawberry Creek Group Campground;

9. Baker Creek Primitive Camping;

10. Lehman Creek Primitive Camping.

All of these sites offer breathtaking views, plenty of amenities, and easy access to the park's many attractions.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Great Basin National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 300,000 visitors every year. In 2019, the park had a record-breaking year with over 355,000 visitors. During the summer months, the park sees the highest number of visitors, but the park is open year-round and has an abundance of activities to enjoy regardless of the season. In the winter months, visitors can take advantage of the park's skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring the park's caves and unique geological features. The park's popularity is only growing, so plan your visit soon!