National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
Great Basin National Park
From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the sagebrush-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park hosts a sample of the incredible diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There's a lot more than just desert here.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
2.7 mi · 440 ft gain · loop
One of the park's most popular trails, passing Teresa and Stella lakes with views of Wheeler Peak through alpine meadows.
Starts at: Bristlecone Trailhead
2.8 mi · 600 ft gain · loop
Interpretive loop through the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine grove, home to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
Starts at: Bristlecone Trailhead
4.8 mi · 1,040 ft gain · out & back
Hike past ancient bristlecone pines to Nevada's only remaining glacier, a Wheeler Peak rock glacier.
Starts at: Bristlecone Trailhead
8.6 mi · 3,100 ft gain · out & back
Challenging ascent to Nevada's second-tallest peak at 13,063 feet with panoramic views spanning over 100 miles.
Starts at: Summit Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Astronomy Program
Enjoy a double feature under the stars! Rangers will present 30-minute evening programs exploring the Great Basin and the cosmos, followed by roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes of telescope viewing (weather permitting). Programs will be hosted in the Astronomy Amphitheater each week, Thursday through Sunday, during the summer and fall. Attendance to this program is limited by the number of available parking spaces. Arrive early, especially on busy holiday weekends. Rules and recommendations Please do not use white lights (flashlights or cell phones) during the program in the astronomy amphitheater. Red lights are allowed Arrive early for the program, especially during holiday weekends Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or bring any pets to the program Wear layers - nights get cold even in summer Benches are provided - Personal chairs are not allowed Tripods are not allowed
Evening with a Ranger
Join a park ranger under the stars for an engaging and enjoyable story about Great Basin National Park. Mountain lions, wildfires, natural sounds, and bats are just a few of the many topics explored. Stick around and check our astronomy program, too.
Alpine Ranger Rove
Exploring the Alpine Lakes Loop or Bristlecone trails? From 9am to 3pm, keep your eye out for a friendly ranger ready to chat about Great Basin's spectacular high country. Occurs daily, staff and weather permitting.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March, April, May, October, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
There is almost an 8,000 ft (2,400 m) difference in elevation between Wheeler Peak and the valley floor. Weather conditions in the park vary with elevation. In late spring and early summer, days in the valley may be hot, yet the snow pack may not have melted in the higher elevations. The Great Basin is a desert, with low relative humidity and sharp drops in temperature at night. In the summer, fierce afternoon thunderstorms are common. It can snow any time of the year at high elevations.