Great Basin

Overview

Great Basin National Park sits in the high desert of eastern Nevada, far from any major city, protecting a surprising island of alpine terrain that rises from the sagebrush flats to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak. The park's two main draws could not be more different: above ground, ancient bristlecone pine trees — some over 5,000 years old and among the oldest living organisms on Earth — twist and endure on exposed ridgelines; below ground, Lehman Caves hides a fantastical collection of stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs from 6,800 to 10,000 feet in twelve miles, passing through life zones from pinyon-juniper woodland to subalpine forest. At the top, trails lead to Wheeler Peak summit (a strenuous but non-technical hike), a bristlecone pine grove, a rock glacier, and alpine lakes. The bristlecone grove, reachable by a moderate 2.8-mile loop, puts you face-to-face with gnarled trees that were already ancient when the Egyptian pyramids were built. Great Basin's remoteness — the nearest city of any size is a four-hour drive — keeps visitation low and rewards those who make the journey with solitude, dark skies, and genuine wilderness. The park hosts an annual Astronomy Festival, and on any clear night the Milky Way arcs overhead in vivid detail invisible from more populated areas.

Things to Do

• Tour Lehman Caves with a ranger
• Hike to Wheeler Peak summit
• Walk among 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines
• Attend the Great Basin Astronomy Festival
• Hike to alpine lakes below Wheeler Peak
• Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
• Stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the US

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Weather & Best Time to Visit

High desert with hot summers at low elevations and cool conditions above 10,000 feet. Winter brings snow that closes the upper scenic drive. Summer thunderstorms are common in the afternoon.