National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain
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.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Lehman Caves Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Lehman Caves Visitor CenterMain
Baker, NV · Park open 24 hours year-round; visitor center hours vary by season
- Directions to Great Basin Visitor Center (Baker) (opens in a new tab)
Great Basin Visitor Center (Baker)
Baker, NV · Seasonal, typically spring through fall
Airports
- CDC
Cedar City Regional Airport · Cedar City, UT
ClosestSmall airportLimited regional flights (Delta Connection to Salt Lake City).
- SLC
Salt Lake City International Airport · Salt Lake City, UT
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
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
Accessible Gothic Palace Tour
The 30-minute Accessible Tour of Lehman Caves visits the Gothic Palace, the first highly-decorated room of the cave and can accommodate a wheelchair, with assistance. This tour is intended for persons with limited mobility, unable to negotiate stairs, or stand for long periods of time and their immediate companions. Please do not reserve this tour if you are capable of completing another tour, unless you are traveling with a companion who needs an accessible tour. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour. NOTE: Rangers are unable to assist with or be responsible for transport of mobility assistive devices.
The Grand Palace Tour allows visitors to experience the entire developed area of Lehman Caves on a 90-minute ranger-guided adventure through more than half a mile of lighted cave paths.
The Lodge Room Tour is a 60-minute ranger-guided adventure through the Gothic Palace, Rose Trellis Room, Music Room, and Lodge Room of Lehman Caves.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is July–September. The upper Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and alpine trails to the bristlecones are usually snow-free in summer and early fall.
In those months, average highs are 75–86°F at Lehman Caves Visitor Center. July is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Lehman Caves Visitor Center (6,820 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
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.
