Great Basin National Park Guide

Great Basin National Park Guide

Calling all intrepid explorers and nature lovers! If you’re looking for a picturesque outdoor adventure, then Basin National Park is the perfect destination. Boasting sweeping landscapes, lake views, waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife – this park is one of the USA’s most breathtaking natural escapes. So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey – we have your guide right here! Discover what makes Basin National Park so unique in our ultimate guide below.

Where is Great Basin National Park located?

Located in east-central Nevada near the town of Baker, Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem worth exploring. Spanning 77,180 acres from the Great Basin Desert to the South Snake Mountains, this expansive park is home to tall peaks and sweeping deserts. Although it has remained relatively obscure, experiencing only 144,875 visitors in 2021, its rugged beauty and incredible biodiversity make it a truly remarkable place. 

The park offers a diverse range of sights – from majestic mountains to awe-inspiring caves and abundant wildlife to scenic drives. Along with opportunities for exploration, numerous activities such as camping and hiking bring visitors even closer to the outdoor experience. So if you’re looking for something special – something far away from everyday life – put Great Basin National Park on your adventure list!

Do I need an entrance pass?

Visiting Great Basin National Park is an incredible experience, and one of the best perks? There’s no entrance fee! The Lehman Caves Visitor Center is open year-round, so there’s always an opportunity to explore the park and purchase a ticket for one of the popular ranger-led cave tours.

Cave tours are available for an added fee ranging from $4 per child to $15 per adult, depending on which tour you choose. Secure your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee your spot! Campers should also be aware that campsite fees are $20 per site per night – an incredibly reasonable price to experience a little slice of Great Basin National Park!

Make sure to plan ahead and purchase your ticket up to 30 days in advance, as these tours can fill up quickly! Hours of operation vary slightly depending on the season, so check before you go.

Why should I visit this National Park?

Visiting this National Park should be at the top of your bucket list. Not only will you admire the beauty of nature and observe fascinating wildlife, but you’ll also experience a sense of adventure and freedom that can’t be found anywhere else. From the majestic mountains to the vast valleys offering picturesque views, this National Park is like stepping into an escape from reality. Here’s a taste of what awaits you:

The Lehman Caves

Great Basin National Park is a fantastic area to visit, with 40 known caves, but none more impressive than Lehman Caves. Taking one of the daily ranger-led cave tours will give you a sense of wonder as you explore the massive underground labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites that make up this natural marvel. Even better, you’ll gain incredible insight into how so much life can thrive within such a space because more than 10 new species have been discovered there in just 15 years!

Great Basin National Park Wildlife

Home to a wide array of wildlife – from bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mountain lions to sagebrush voles and lizards. This biodiversity in such a seemingly harsh environment might come as a surprise, but this very desert landscape has made the Great Basin so rich with different species. Native animals like the pygmy rabbit also inhabit the Great Basin Desert, adding even more species to appreciate. However, be sure to keep a safe distance and never attempt to feed any animals or disturb them in any way – admire their beauty and watch them with reverence.

The most scenic overlooks

There are several picture-worthy overlooks, such as the Mather and Wheeler Peak overlooks, while further down, you will find access points to Stella Lake, Teresa Lake, and Blue lake. You can stroll through the ancient bristlecone pine groves and take on Nevada’s only glacier via the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail. Whether looking for a peaceful picnic spot with stunning views or an exhilarating adventure in pristine nature, Great Basin National Park has something for everyone!

What are the guided tours at Great Basin National Park?

The Grand Palace Tour

Great Basin National Park in Nevada offers a variety of cave tours year-round, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of its 400 acres of big caves. The Grand Palace Tour is the most extended and most popular tour, lasting about 90 minutes and taking visitors through the Gothic Palace, Music Room, Lodge Room, Inscription Room, and Grand Palace rooms within the Lehman Caves. Unfortunately, this tour does not run during wintertime, so the Lodge Room tour provides an optimum alternative for those who don’t wish to wait for summer. It’s a half-mile journey with plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Pricing varies from $4 to $15 per ticket, depending on your level of participation and age. Still, it is advised that tickets are purchased in advance as same-day sales are unlikely due to popularity.

What are the guidelines that need to be followed in the Caves?

Visiting Lehman caves is an enjoyable and educational experience, but it’s essential to keep specific rules in mind for the benefit of your fellow explorers and the cave environment:

• All visitors must arrive fifteen (15) minutes before their tour to complete the White-Nose syndrome screening.
• Masks will be required inside the cave if local community transmission levels return to high, and all ages, regardless of vaccination status, are expected to comply.
• No bags of any sort are allowed inside, only front-mounted baby carriers.
• There is a strict rule against touching anything inside the cave.
• Any clothes or shoes previously worn in other caves must be kept from Lehman Caves, as this could harm our bat population.
• Inside all caves, there should be no food, liquids, water, chewing gum, or chewing tobacco, as these all can damage the delicate cave environment. 
• Large items such as tripods and large lenses are not allowed.
• Pets and strollers should not enter the cave as they can disturb fragile ecosystems inside.
• Keep in mind that a tight space because of a cave’s environment can cause feelings of claustrophobia and unease. If you encounter this feeling while on a cave tour, you can get escorted out by one of our knowledgeable tour guides if necessary.

When is the Visitor Center at Great Basin National Park open?

Lehman Caves Visitor Center is located 5.5 miles from the town of Baker. During summer hours (May 24 through Sept. 7), the Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to explore and purchase tour tickets. Visitors can watch Great Basin’s park movie between cave tours or learn more about its dark night skies, nocturnal animals, and countless other natural resources. During different seasons, the Visitor Center maintains abbreviated hours, typically ending at 4:30 PM in the fall (Sept. 8 through Oct. 24) and 4:00 PM in the winter (Nov. 1 through May 23). The Visitor Center is also closed on most major national holidays, so be sure to check ahead before planning your trip!

What are the best hikes in the park?

Great Basin National Park has something for every explorer. Beyond the incredible underground caves, there are various breathtaking hiking trails ranging from gentle, low-elevation walking paths to challenging high-elevation trails. The Alpine Lakes Loop is a majestic route that boasts terrific views of Stella Lake and Wheeler Peak. Even more incredibly, some of Great Basin’s trails feature locations such as Ancient Bristlecone Pine—the world’s oldest living trees—dotting the land. Great Basin is an excellent escape for outdoor enthusiasts as it offers limitless discoveries.

Where to Stay Near Great Basin National Park?

While camping undeniably has its perks, those looking for a slightly more luxurious experience should consider the highly-rated Hidden Canyon Retreat just outside of the park. Complete with cozy rooms, modern furnishings, a kitchenette, satellite TV, and a private bath, this lodge tucked away in Hidden Canyon offers an incredibly relaxing escape.

You’ll enjoy access to a lovely little market where you can buy snacks and drinks like water, juice, beer, and wine. To top it all off, the wildlife around the retreat includes mule deer, wild turkeys, and golden eagles – animals you won’t miss seeing while staying at Hidden Canyon Retreat. With unbeatable value and quality guaranteed to make your Great Basin National Park adventure one to remember, don’t hesitate to book yourself a stay at this charming retreat!

Can I stay at Great Basin National Park?

Camping at Great Basin National Park is a perfect way to explore the beauty of nature and make lasting memories. With five developed campgrounds in the park, everyone can find an ideal spot to stay!

Here are some smart reminders: there are no electric hookups, and water might not be accessible during colder months – so advance reservations are highly recommended! With nature abounding around you at Great Basin National Park, it’s sure to be a memorable camping experience!

How many campgrounds are located in Great Basin National Park?

Whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started with the outdoors, there’s something to love here. In total, six developed campgrounds feature different amenities and activities.

1. Wheeler Peak Campground

Wheeler Peak Campground is the place for you. Just minutes away from the park headquarters and visitor center, camping here means quick access to all park attractions and plenty of chances to get involved in guided activities. There’s no shortage of character at this campground; with its mountain vistas, small aspen groves, streams, and meadows, Wheeler Peak Campground will draw you into an outdoor adventure like no other. 

2. Baker Creek Campground

If you’re looking for a place to really wet your line and catch some big fish, the Baker Creek Campground is a great choice. With plenty of well-stocked trout streams, rivers, and lakes, it’s easy to get in on some of the region’s best fishing. What’s more? The views are amazing, too. On a clear day, you can enjoy the beauty of white-capped mountain peaks while enjoying hours on the pond or riverbank. This camping experience is perfect for anglers who want a unique outdoor adventure with plenty of creature comforts.

3. Grey Cliffs Campground

An excellent option if you’re looking for a camping spot, Grey Cliffs Campground in Great Basin National Park is worth a visit. You’ll love being nestled amidst the stunning pinyon and juniper trees overlooking sparkling skies. Plus, it’s conveniently located near popular hiking locations like the Bristlecone Trail. There are plenty of nearby attractions to explore, so you can make your camping trip an adventure.

4. Upper Lehman Creek Campground

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not spend some time camping at Upper Lehman Creek Campground? This is an attractive option that offers the rustic feel of true wilderness. With vast mountain meadows, foothills, and valleys, this remote area has something for everyone – plenty of stars to admire at night and wide open spaces to explore during the day! Upper Lehman Creek Campground is a perfect choice, whether you are fishing or a hike you’re after.

5. The Lower Lehman Creek Campground

An excellent spot for a camping trip! You can find a wide variety of activities to use up the day. Hiking, bird watching, and sightseeing are all available, and you’ll be able to take in some of nature’s most beautiful sights. After winding down near the end of the day, get comfortable around one of the campfires rings with friends or family. This campground offers scenic views and beautiful memories that will last forever!

6. Snake Creek Campgrounds

Situated along the beautiful Snake Creek River. With its diverse environment of ancient Aspen groves, majestic limestone cliffs, and hiking trails leading to places like Shoshone and Johnson Lake, Great Basin National Park offers an unbeatable camping experience. Whether you plan on staying at Monkey Rock, Squirrel Springs, Eagle Peak, or Pinnacles sites—or if you’re up for a short hike to explore more nature during your stay—you’ll easily find a place that feels like home in Great Basin National Park’s Snake Creek Campgrounds.

Whatever your preference may be, at Great Basin National Park, you can find a perfect spot for a beautiful camping experience!

Is there parking available at Great Basin National Park?

Overnight parking is available for all campers who’ve reserved a site. While day-use parking is also available at picnic areas, visitor centers, and trailheads throughout the park, it can get crowded during peak hours – especially in the summer months – so it pays to plan ahead and arrive early. There are also limited parking spots around the park, such as pull-outs and other lots along Wheeler Scenic Peak Drive. Be sure to plan your trip well to guarantee parking access.

What can I do in Great Basin National Park?

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program at Great Basin National Park is a fantastic way to experience the park in a significant, memorable manner. Through completing activities and answering questions, visitors of any age can get to know Great Basin and all it offers in an interactive, educational way. Learn about cave formations, wildlife, and local plants native to the area—all while discovering the unique stories of this vast land.

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

Especially when embarking on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Start from Nevada Highway 488 in the Great Basin Desert and take a right onto Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive for a fantastic journey that goes up 4,000 feet in elevation. The 12 miles of drive offer stunning views as you pass through different ecological zones. Time your visit during autumn and enjoy a magical experience as the golden hues of the aspen trees create a vibrant landscape that will linger long after you leave this spectacular park.

Stargazing

Great Basin National Park is an incredible place for stargazers and astrophotographers alike. With its remote location and little to no light pollution, it’s the perfect spot to observe the night sky in all its glory. Imagine lying out under a blanket of stars, barely seeing each other among the millions of tiny dots that make up the Milky Way – that’s what you can experience here! February to October will be your best bet for viewing this gorgeous natural spectacle without moonlight washing out the stars. No matter how you spend your night, Great Basin National Park provides an unbeatable opportunity to explore the heavens.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular pastime in Great Basin National Park, and licenses are required following the laws and regulations of the State of Nevada. Licenses can be obtained at any number of retail locations both inside and outside the park. For those fishing within the park boundaries, it is essential to follow all regulations to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for everyone and that the park’s resources are protected.

When is the best time to visit Great Basin National Park?

Visiting Great Basin National Park in late Spring and early summer is one of the best times to explore this fantastic area. In Spring, enjoy clear skies with an occasional stray cloud, pleasant temperatures, and low chances of thunderstorms. Explore the park’s outdoor activities, like camping and hiking, during these months for the quietest weather conditions you can experience at a national park! Plus, marvel at the wildflowers blooming at higher elevations and take a break from the summer heat. 

Summertime is the best time to visit Great Basin National Park as you experience all the exciting tours Lehman Caves offers. You also must take advantage of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, one of its top attractions. The great thing about summer is that you don’t have to worry about the roads closing due to adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms or snow! Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this period has it all for visitors to Great Basin National Park!

What is the average temperature in Great Basin National Park?

Exploring Great Basin National Park means ensuring you’re ready for all kinds of weather. From the valley floor to Wheeler Peak, located 13 064 feet up, there’s an 8,000-foot elevation change with accompanying drastic climate changes. In the summer months, fast-moving weather systems can surprise visitors with strong afternoon thunderstorms and freezing temperatures at the peak compared to 30+ degree drops in temperature if you make it up there. Be prepared for your visit to Great Basin National Park by packing lots of layers to take full advantage of all this sprawling desert has to offer.

What are the best places to eat in Great Basin National Park?

Great Basin National Park in Nevada is a gem of the desert. If you plan on visiting, drop by the Lehman Caves Visitor Center for cave exploring and food! From April through October, the café and gift shop open their doors and satisfy all visitors’ needs, from postcards to food cravings. So don’t forget to bring your appetite with you when you explore this scenic piece of the desert!

What is the best route to get to Great Basin National Park?

If you’re a rugged and remote landscapes fan, look no further than Great Basin National Park! Located near Baker, Nevada (about 300 miles from Las Vegas or 225 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah) is the entrance to an array of mesas, canyons, and mountain ranges. Start your journey at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center for an experience that will take you away from tourist traps and into nature. Take in views of beautiful desert valleys dotted with ancient bristlecone pines and discover limestone caves created more than 5 million years ago – all on the same day! Prepare yourself for an adventure that you won’t soon forget when visiting Great Basin National Park.

Is Great Basin National Park pet-friendly?

Great Basin National Park is pet-friendly; however, some restrictions exist. For example, pets are forbidden in the Lehman Caves and during any night programs that may be offered. On the other hand, if you keep your animal leashed, you can bring them along on Lexington Arch Trail or take them for a stroll between the Great Basin Visitor Center and the town of Baker. Similarly, pets are allowed at the campgrounds, along roads, and outside visitor centers–as long as they’re kept leashed!

Can I bike in Great Basin National Park?

Great Basin National Park is a beautiful place to go road cycling. The Western Express leg of the Trans-America Trail runs through the Great Basin, from Pueblo, Colorado, to San Francisco, California. Baker is an excellent stop for those riding coast-to-coast. There are plenty of restaurants, motels, and campsites that cater to bicyclists.

In Great Basin National Park, biking is only allowed on roads. However, many old mining and ranching roads on BLM land make for excellent trail biking or mountain biking. For further adventure, nearby Ely also has plenty of mountain biking trails.

What is the accessibility at Great Basin National Park?

Visitors with disabilities can take advantage of their access pass to get 50% off Lehman Cave tours and campsite fees, as well as access to designated parking spots and ramps at each parking lot in the park, accessible public restrooms and visitor centers, along with three campgrounds – Upper Lehman Creek, Wheeler Peak, and Baker Creek – featuring first-come-first-serve accessible sites. Great Basin also allows service animals to join in on the adventure and provides assisted listening devices for ranger-led events. Great Basin National Park gives everyone an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Are drones permitted at Great Basin National Park?

Great Basin National Park is one of many sites that prohibits the use of drones. The National Park Service has enacted this rule to protect wildlife from the potential disturbance and disruption from human-operated drones flying through their habitats. Great Basin National Park is home to diverse habitats, ranging from alpine meadows, ancient bristlecone forests, pristine lakes and marshes, and desert canyons, all fragile ecosystems that need safeguarding. Drones are also banned for visitor safety due to the inherent risks posed by drone operation and the potential interference with aircraft flying overhead. Great Basin National Park offers stunning views from its peaks and canyons. However, visitors should make sure to admire nature responsibly in an appropriate manner.

What should I bring with me to Great Basin National Park?

Exploring Great Basin National Park in the wintertime can be a magical experience, but before you head out, it is essential to make sure you bring plenty of water. The only potable water can be found on the north side of the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, so don’t forget to plan accordingly. If you run low or forget anything, the nearby town of Baker has plenty of amenities that can help get you back in business. Don’t let a lack of water ruin an otherwise perfect adventure in nature!

So no matter when you cross over its gates – summer, winter, or fall – throw several layers in your backpack as insurance against Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Great Basin National Park may surprise you with hot days or snowfall surpassing your wildest expectations. Whatever the situation, you’ll be prepared if you come with enough clothes and a bit of wit for unpredictable Nevada weather.

What else is nearby Great Basin National Park?

If you want a taste of the great outdoors near Great Basin National Park, you have come to the right place! Beautiful parks and monuments surround GBNP like:

• Cedar Breaks National Monument is just 152 miles away;
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Lake Mead National Recreation Area are only 206-333 miles away.
• Tule Springs Fossil Beds may be far (300 miles), but the way out to Utah is worth it.
• Golden Spike National Historic Park (319 miles away) and Dinosaur National Monument (349 miles).
• And if fossils are your thing, why not head up to Fossil Butte (350 miles) nearby.
• For those in Nevada – both Cathedral Gorge State Park and Cave Lake State Park offer amazing sights to explore without going too far from home.

How can I avoid crowds at Great Basin National Park?

Beat the crowds at Great Basin National Park during the summer months by planning your trip for a weekday and arriving early in the day. If that’s not an option for you, the more remote areas of the park will offer you some quieter time, but many roads require a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. To get away from it all and have an unforgettable experience, take advantage of these less-traveled spots in Great Basin National Park.

To stay up-to-date on alerts and park closures, please visit Great Basin National Park’s official site at nps.gov.

Great Basin National Park is an incredibly unique and diverse destination – it’s the perfect place to explore nature. It’s essential to plan ahead for your trip so you can take full advantage of all that Great Basin has to offer, including avoiding crowds when possible. By following these tips, you can have a wonderful time discovering everything this park has in store! With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, ancient bristlecone forests, and more, Great Basin National Park is sure to be an unforgettable outdoor experience. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head out for an adventure! You won’t regret it!

What other US National Parks are nearby?

Please read about our two other expert guides about the Arches National Park and Zion National Park. Both are located in Utah and is a drivable distance.